Exploring Uyuni: Ideal Bolivian Currency Amounts For Travel

Planning a trip to Uyuni? You'll need to get your hands on some Bolivianos. The official currency of Bolivia is the Boliviano, often referred to as the Peso, and it's tied to the US Dollar. While it's difficult to get hold of Bolivianos before arriving in the country, you can exchange US Dollars at the airport or border towns, or withdraw money from ATMs. However, it's worth noting that ATMs in Uyuni have been known to run out of cash or stop working, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and carry some small-denomination US Dollar notes as backup.

How much cash to carry for a Uyuni trip

The amount of cash to carry for a Uyuni trip depends on several factors, including the duration of your trip, your accommodation choices, transportation preferences, and spending habits. Here are some guidelines and recommendations to help you plan accordingly:

Currency and Exchange:

Bolivia's official currency is the Boliviano, often denoted as Bs or BOB. The exchange rate has been stable for a while, with 1 USD equalling approximately 6.9 Bolivianos. US Dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency and are easily exchanged. Other currencies like Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars, and Euros may be difficult to exchange and typically offer unfavourable rates. It is advisable to carry small denomination USD notes, as they provide flexibility and are accepted in many places, albeit at varying rates.

ATMs and Cards:

ATMs are available in major cities like La Paz, but they may be scarce in smaller towns like Uyuni. Even in Uyuni, ATMs may occasionally run out of cash or malfunction. Therefore, it is prudent to plan ahead and withdraw cash in larger cities. There are limits to the amount of cash you can withdraw from ATMs, ranging from 1500 Bs to 6500 Bs per transaction, depending on the bank. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted card networks, but card payments are generally less common outside of large cities.

Daily Expenses:

Bolivia is known for being a budget-friendly destination. Here are some average costs to consider:

• Accommodation: A bed in a hostel can cost around USD $7-15 per night. Basic guesthouses or local family-run accommodations may be even cheaper. Salt hotels in Uyuni, a unique experience, can cost around USD $80 per night.
• Food: Eating at local restaurants or street food stalls is economical, with a meal costing around USD $3 or less. Restaurant meals for two can range from USD $5 to $20, depending on the establishment. Alcoholic drinks can add to your expenses, with a beer typically costing a few dollars.
• Transportation: Local taxi and bus rides are usually less than USD $1. Intercity travel, such as buses from La Paz to Uyuni, can cost around USD $25 for an overnight trip.
• Activities: A significant expense can be activities and tours. A full-day tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats can range from USD $70 to $90. Three-day tours, which are more popular, typically cost between USD $125 to $195 and may include food, transportation, accommodation, and a Spanish-speaking guide. English-speaking guides usually come at an additional cost.
• Entrance Fees: Some attractions have separate entrance fees. For example, the National Park Entrance Fee for the Salt Flats is 150 Bs ($22 USD) per person, and Fish Island charges 30 Bs ($5 USD).

Planning and Tips:

It is recommended to book your Uyuni Salt Flats tour in advance, choosing reputable companies with good reviews. Additionally, consider the following tips:

• Research and compare prices from different tour operators.
• Be cautious of unreliable cars and unsafe drivers.
• Ask about the type of accommodation, group size, and whether entrance fees are included.
• Carry local currency (Bolivianos) beforehand, as ATMs in Uyuni may be unreliable.
• Dress in layers to accommodate varying temperatures, especially if you plan to be outdoors or at high altitudes.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm to protect yourself from the sun and wind.
• Pack a travel towel, gold bond powder, extra batteries for your camera, and a water bottle.
• If you plan to use hot springs, bring a swimsuit.

In summary, the amount of cash to carry for a Uyuni trip depends on your specific plans and choices. It is advisable to have a mix of USD and Bolivianos, with a preference for the local currency. ATMs may be unreliable, so plan your cash withdrawals accordingly. Be mindful of your spending habits and the costs associated with your chosen activities and accommodations. By following these guidelines and tips, you can better prepare for your trip to Uyuni and ensure a memorable experience.

Where to get the best exchange rates

The official currency of Bolivia is the Boliviano (Bs), also known as the peso. It is difficult to obtain Bolivianos outside of Bolivia, so it is recommended that you bring US dollars to exchange. Euros and other currencies are harder to exchange and will not give you a good rate.

You can exchange your money at "casas de cambio" (exchange agencies) or banks, and there are money exchange services in every city and most towns. Casas de cambio will usually offer a better rate than the banks. It is also possible to exchange money with street money-changers, but you will need to negotiate for a preferable rate.

ATMs are widely available in Bolivia's major cities and tourist areas, and can be used to withdraw money in Bolivianos. However, the exchange rate is often not as good as that offered by the casas de cambio. It is recommended to use ATMs attached to banks, preferably during opening hours, and to avoid empty machines by not waiting until the weekend to withdraw cash. Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz is recommended as it offers the option to withdraw in US dollars.

If you are entering Bolivia by air, there are currency exchange facilities and ATMs at La Paz and Santa Cruz airports, so you can exchange money or withdraw Bolivianos upon arrival. If you are crossing the land border from Peru or Argentina, you can exchange money in the border towns of Desaguadero, Copacabana, and Villazon. However, the exchange rates here may not be as favourable as in the major towns and cities.

How to spot fake currency

While issues with fake money in Bolivia have been decreasing over the years, it is still something to be vigilant about, especially as a visitor who is unfamiliar with the currency. Unfortunately, there have been some very high-quality fakes produced, making it even more challenging to spot counterfeits. Here are some things to look out for:

• Watermarks: Check if the watermark on the left side of the note is a good likeness of the picture on the right.
• Type of paper: Fake notes often feel different from genuine ones. The paper might feel rougher and cheaper. Compare any suspect notes with other notes you have.
• Silver strip: On genuine notes, the silver strip is woven through the paper. On fake notes, this strip is usually just painted on and can often be scraped away with a fingernail.
• Security measures: The new family of banknotes introduced in 2018 has received awards for its security measures. These notes bear the formal name of "Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia" (Plurinational State of Bolivia) and feature prominent figures in Bolivian history.
• Serial numbers: Take a quick photo of the serial number of larger denomination notes before handing them over. This will help you keep track of the unique identifiers of the notes you receive and later use.
• Condition of notes: Make sure that all your notes, especially US Dollar notes, are in good condition. In Bolivia, even small rips or tears on a note can render it unusable, as banks will not accept notes in poor condition.

How to pay for things without cash

Bolivia is a largely cash-based society, with over 95% of transactions being made with cash. However, there are still ways to pay for things without using physical currency. Here are some methods you can use to pay for things without cash in Bolivia:

• Debit and credit cards: Many stores, supermarkets, airports, and bus stations in Bolivia accept debit and credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express and Maestro cards are not commonly supported. Make sure to carry a card that is backed by a well-known provider to avoid any issues.
• PayPal: You can use your PayPal debit or credit card in Bolivia if it is powered by Visa or Mastercard. You can also use your regular PayPal account to make purchases from international companies, such as Amazon. However, you won't be able to use PayPal to pay Bolivian companies or e-commerce stores directly.
• Payoneer: Payoneer offers prepaid cards that can be used at ATMs in Bolivia. These cards are powered by Mastercard, so you can use them to withdraw cash or make purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted.
• Bank transfers: If you have a bank account in Bolivia, you can use it to send and receive money, pay for goods and services, and manage your finances. Bank transfers are a common method of payment in Bolivia, especially for larger transactions.
• Mobile payment apps: Some mobile payment apps, such as Soli from BCP Bank and Tigo Money, are available in Bolivia. These apps allow you to send and receive money, pay for goods and services, and manage your finances through your phone. However, you will need a local ID or foreigner ID card to use these services.
• Stripe and Stripe Atlas: If you are running a business in Bolivia or need to receive payments from Bolivian customers, you can use Stripe or Stripe Atlas. These payment processors are widely accepted in the country and allow you to receive payments from customers worldwide.
• Western Union: Western Union is a well-known money transfer service that is available in Bolivia. You can use it to send or receive money both domestically and internationally. This option is suitable for tourists and residents alike.

While the above methods can help you pay for things without using physical cash, it is still advisable to carry some local currency (Bolivianos) with you when travelling in Bolivia, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where cash is the primary method of payment. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a mix of payment options available to you, such as a combination of cash, debit/credit cards, and mobile payment apps, to ensure that you are prepared for various situations.

How much to tip

Tipping in Bolivia is discretionary. However, as a tourist, a little generosity will go a long way, especially if you're truly happy with the service you received. The official average Bolivian salary is around $500 a month, so many people you will come into contact with, from hotel porters to taxi drivers, will survive on lower wages.

• Hotel porters: 4-8 Bolivianos per bag
• Hotel cleaning staff: 4-8 Bolivianos per night
• Restaurant staff: 5-10% of the bill
• Bar staff: Small change/not expected
• Taxi drivers: 10% if hired for a full day
• Tour guides: 8 Bolivianos per hour or 50 Bolivianos for a full day
• Drivers: 35-70 Bolivianos per day from the group
• Mule drivers: 28-35 Bolivianos per day

Frequently asked questions