Cell Service Costs For Residents In Bolivia

Bolivia has three mobile operators: Entel Bolivia, Tigo Bolivia, and VIVA Bolivia. In 2022, the International Telecommunication Union calculated that a mobile phone contract in Bolivia costs around $20.20 per month, which includes 140 telephony minutes, 70 text messages, and 2 GB of data transfer. This amount has decreased by 4% compared to the previous year. Bolivian SIM cards are cheap and can be purchased for 10 BOB (approximately $1.45) from official stores or other places like electronic shops and pharmacies.

SIM card costs

SIM cards in Bolivia are relatively cheap and can be purchased for as little as 10 BOB (about 1.45 USD) from one of the three network providers: Entel, Tigo, and VIVA (formerly Nuevatel). These SIM cards are available at official stores, select third-party stores, and even some airports, although prices may be inflated at the latter. It is recommended to purchase and register your SIM card at a branded store to avoid any complications.

In 2016, there was a shortage in the market, causing the price of SIM cards to triple to 30 BOB. However, as of 2024, the price seems to have returned to 10 BOB.

When purchasing a SIM card in Bolivia, you will be required to register it. Therefore, it is advisable to have your passport with you during the process.

Monthly phone contract costs

Bolivia has three phone companies that offer mobile services: Entel, Tigo, and Viva. All three companies offer prepaid and postpaid mobile plans.

Entel offers the following monthly postpaid plans:

• 40-150 minutes, 7-30 GB, priced at $14-$46
• International calling ($5-$7/minute)
• LTG (4G) technology (5G will be available in Bolivia in 2024)

Tigo offers the following monthly postpaid plans:

• 60-150 minutes, 10-unlimited GB, priced at $20-$50
• International calling ($5-$7/minute)
• LTG (4G) technology (5G will be available in Bolivia in 2024)

Viva offers the following monthly postpaid plans:

• 40-110 minutes, 12-20 GB, priced at $16-$35
• International calling ($5-$7/minute)
• LTG (4G) technology (5G will be available in Bolivia in 2024)

The International Telecommunication Union calculates the costs for monthly mobile phone use in different countries. In 2022, the average monthly cost in Bolivia was $20.20, which includes 140 telephony minutes, 70 text messages, and 2GB of data. This amount has fallen by 4% compared to the previous year.

It is worth noting that Bolivia is lagging behind in the development of telecommunications compared to more developed countries like the United States. The average download speed for mobile internet in Bolivia is 10.24 Mbit/second, which ranks 138th internationally.

Prepaid plans

Bolivia has three mobile operators offering prepaid services: Entel, Tigo, and Viva.

Entel

Entel is the largest mobile operator in Bolivia, with the best overall performance and the biggest market share in the country. It is a state-owned company.

You can get an Entel SIM card for 10 BOB (about $1.45) in Entel stores and from resellers, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and electronics shops. Entel SIM cards are also available at some Bolivian airports, but these are often sold at inflated prices.

Entel offers five data-featured prepaid plans: Combo Navegador (Browser Combos), Combo Hablador (Talking Combos), Paquetes Diarios (Daily Packages), Mix Paquetes (Mix Packages), and Paquetes Mensuales (Monthly Packages).

Tigo

Tigo is the second-largest mobile operator in Bolivia. It is part of a network of enterprises in South America, owned by a parent company in Luxembourg called Millicom.

You can get a Tigo SIM card for 10 BOB in Tigo stores and from resellers, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and electronics shops. Tigo SIM cards may be available at Santa Cruz de la Sierra-Viru Viru International Airport.

Tigo has only one data-featured prepaid plan: PaqueTigos. It is a data plan that includes 24 Horas, Larga duración, and Nocturno PaqueTigos options.

Viva

Viva is the smallest mobile operator in Bolivia, but it is the fastest.

You can get a Viva SIM card (both Prepago Preplan and Prepago Libre) for 10 BOB with 10 BOB credit (60 days) in Viva stores and from resellers, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and electronics shops. Viva SIM cards may be available at Santa Cruz de la Sierra-Viru Viru International Airport.

Viva has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Yeii Prepago. It is a data plan without 5G NR access.

Registration requirements

There are three phone companies operating in Bolivia: Entel, Tigo, and Viva. To activate your phone with a Bolivian number, you will need to meet the technical requirements in terms of bandwidth (750 MHz, 850 MHz, 1,700 MHz, etc.). You can do this by going to an agency of one of the three providers and presenting your passport or visa. The cost of activation is around $30.

It is important to note that you are required to register your SIM card in Bolivia. Therefore, it is recommended to make the initial purchase and registration of the SIM card in a store of the operator, and don't forget to bring your passport.

If you are using Entel, you can also activate your card online by logging in and selecting the "Registro" option from the menu. For login, select "TELÉFONO", and use your new SIM card number and PIN. You can obtain the PIN by calling *122# and selecting the first option.

For Tigo, if you have not registered your prepaid SIM card in a shop, you must do so within 5 days after activation to avoid suspension. To register, dial *108# and follow the instructions in Spanish, or go online.

For Viva, your SIM card needs to be activated by calling 100. It is better to have this done in the shop.

Calling and Mobile Plans

The three companies offer prepaid and postpaid mobile plans ranging from $1.50 to $50.

Entel

Mobile prepaid plans: recharge cards from $1.50 (1GB or 9 minutes) to $30 (25GB or 190 minutes)

Mobile postpaid plans: 40-150 minutes, 7-30 GB, priced at $14-$46

International calling: $5-$7/minute

LTG (4G) technology (5G will be available in Bolivia in 2024)

Tigo

Mobile prepaid plans: recharge cards from $1.50 (0.5 GB or 7 minutes) to $30 (20 GB or 150 minutes)

Mobile postpaid plans: 60-150 minutes, 10-unlimited GB, priced at $20-$50

International calling: $5-$7/minute

LTG (4G) technology (5G will be available in Bolivia in 2024)

Viva

Mobile prepaid plans: recharge cards from $1.50 (0.5GB or 8 minutes) to $30 (25GB or 120 minutes)

Mobile postpaid plans: 40-110 minutes, 12-20 GB, priced at $16-$35

International calling: $5-$7/minute

LTG (4G) technology (5G will be available in Bolivia in 2024)

Mobile coverage

Bolivia has three mobile operators: Entel, Tigo, and VIVA (formerly Nuevatel). All three operators offer prepaid services that are easily accessible to both locals and travellers.

Entel

Entel is the largest mobile operator in Bolivia, with the best overall performance and the biggest market share in the country. It is a state-owned company, and its 4G/LTE coverage is less extensive than Tigo's. However, 2G and 3G reception can be found almost anywhere throughout the country. Entel SIM cards are available for 10 BOB (about 1.45 USD) in Entel stores and from resellers, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and electronic shops.

Tigo

Tigo is the second-largest mobile operator in Bolivia and is part of a network of enterprises across South America. It merged with TELECEL Bolivia in 2005, which significantly increased its customer base. Tigo has the best 4G/LTE coverage in Bolivia, and its reception is available almost anywhere it has coverage. Tigo SIM cards are also available for 10 BOB in Tigo stores and from resellers.

VIVA

VIVA is the smallest mobile operator in Bolivia, but it is the fastest. Its nationwide coverage is still limited compared to its competitors. VIVA SIM cards are available for 10 BOB with 10 BOB credit (60 days) in VIVA stores and from resellers.

Costs

The International Telecommunication Union calculates the costs for mobile phone contracts in many countries. In 2022, a monthly budget of US$20.20 was calculated for Bolivia, a 4% decrease from the previous year. This amount includes 140 telephony minutes, 70 text messages, and 2GB of data transfer with a minimum 3G connection.

Compared to other countries, Bolivia is lagging behind in the development of telecommunications. However, operators are investing heavily to catch up.

Frequently asked questions