Exploring Bolivia: Understanding Taxi Fares And Transportation Costs

Bolivia's public transportation system can be chaotic and challenging for visitors to navigate. Taxis are a popular alternative, with several types of taxis available, including privately owned cabs, company-operated taxis, taxis with fixed routes, and app-based services like Uber. While taxis in Bolivia are generally inexpensive, the fares can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, distance travelled, and taxi company. In La Paz, for example, the standard fare starts at around €1.30 (BOB 10) and increases based on distance and duration. Radio taxis, which are considered safer, are more expensive, ranging from $1 to $10 USD depending on the distance travelled. It is recommended to negotiate the fare upfront and use official taxi companies or apps to ensure a safe and secure experience.

Taxi fares in La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, Bolivia, is a city that sits over 3,500 metres above sea level. With steep hills and narrow winding streets, getting around can be challenging. The high altitude can also make walking difficult for visitors, who often need time to acclimatise. For these reasons, many tourists opt for taxis to get around the city.

There are two types of taxis in La Paz: regular and radio. Regular taxis are identifiable by a ""taxi" sticker, whereas radio taxis have a bubble sign, indicating they are tracked and connected to a central radio station. Radio taxis are considered safer, and they can be called to your location. Some popular radio taxi companies are Radio Taxi City La Paz (+591 (2) 222 1212) and Radio Taxi Panamericana Alto Obrajes (+591 (2) 223 1313).

Taxis in La Paz may have taximeters, but they are not always used. Typically, taxi drivers will offer a fixed price based on the destination, but fares can vary. It is recommended to negotiate the price before entering the taxi and to be wary of unmarked taxis.

According to one source, the official rates for taxis in La Paz are as follows:

• Initial fee: €1.34 (BOB 10)
• Additional fee per km: €1.60 (BOB 12)
• Waiting time/hour: €8.10 (BOB 60)

As an example, a 5km ride from a La Paz hotel to the airport during the day, with one piece of luggage, would cost around BOB 85.

Private taxis in La Paz

Private taxis are one of the best options for getting around La Paz, Bolivia. The city's steep hills and narrow, winding streets can make walking difficult, especially as the city is over 3,500 metres above sea level. The high altitude can make walking challenging, and many tourists struggle to acclimatise.

There are two types of taxi in La Paz: regular and radio. Regular taxis have only a "taxi" sticker, while radio taxis have a bubble sign, suggesting they are part of a real, official, registered taxi company. Radio taxis are always tracked and are connected to a central radio station. They are considered the safer option and can be called by your hotel or restaurant.

Radio taxis can be called from companies such as Radio Taxi City La Paz and Radio Taxi Panamericana Alto Obrajes. Alternatively, rides can be pre-booked online. It is also possible to pre-book a private transfer with a local driver for a fixed price.

Taxis in La Paz may have taximeters, but they are not always used. Typically, taxi drivers will offer a fixed price based on the destination, but the fares can vary widely. It is recommended to estimate the cost of a trip beforehand so that you can negotiate a fair price with the driver before getting into the taxi. Official Bolivian taxi rates for La Paz include an initial fee of €1.34 (BOB 10) and an additional fee per km of €1.60 (BOB 12). Waiting time is charged at €8.10 (BOB 60) per hour.

It is worth noting that most taxis in La Paz only accept cash, so it is important to have cash on hand or to book with a private company that allows online payment.

How to identify a taxi in Bolivia

Unlike other countries, Bolivian taxis do not have a uniform colour or standard markings, so it can be tricky to identify which vehicles are taxis and which are not. There are four types of taxis in Bolivia, each with their own unique identifiers. Here's how to recognise them:

Taxis Particulares (Privately Owned Taxis)

Privately-owned taxis, or "taxis particulares", can be any type of vehicle driven by their owners. They may or may not be clearly marked as taxis and may not be registered with the public authorities. Often, the only indication that a vehicle is a taxi particular is a small cardboard "TAXI" sign taped to the front windshield. These taxis are not associated with an official taxi company, so they won't have radios or meters.

Radiomóviles (Registered Taxi Companies)

Radiomóviles are also privately owned cars, but they operate under officially registered taxi companies. These taxis are usually clearly marked and may have the following features:

• A placard in the front windshield
• A small green or blue light above the front passenger's visor
• Side door magnets or stickers displaying the taxi company's name, logo, and phone number

Trufis (Taxis with Fixed Routes)

Trufis are easy to spot due to the two small flags flying on the front hood of the car, one above the left headlight and the other above the right. They often take the form of mini-vans or SUVs and always have the trufi company logo on their doors.

App Taxis

App taxis, such as Uber, operate in a similar way to app-based ride-sharing services in other countries. You request a ride through a smartphone app, and the driver's name, plate number, and photo are sent to you.

The different types of taxis in Bolivia

Bolivia has a variety of taxis, which can be broadly categorised into four types: privately-owned cabs, company-operated taxis, taxis with fixed routes, and app-based taxis.

Privately-owned cabs, or "taxis particulares", are vehicles of any type driven by their owners. They may or may not be clearly marked or registered with the authorities as taxis. These taxis are not equipped with radios or meters, and passengers may not be able to contact the driver if they forget their belongings in the vehicle. On the other hand, these taxis are often driven by friendly people who are willing to go out of their way to help or inform foreigners. It is always recommended to discuss pricing with them before getting in.

Company or fleet-operated taxis, known as "radiomóviles" or "radiotaxis", are also privately-owned cars driven by their owners but contracted under officially registered taxi companies. They are usually clearly marked with a placard, a small light, and magnets or stickers with the taxi company's information. These taxis provide safety and convenience as they can be called to pick up passengers anywhere and at any time. They are also required to register with the police and have insurance. Passengers can pay radiotaxis per run or by the hour, making them a cost-effective option for running multiple errands.

"Trufis" are taxis with fixed routes in each city. They are easily identifiable by two small flags flying on the front hood and may also be coloured by route. They operate similarly to buses, continuously picking up and dropping off passengers along their routes. While trufis are the most inexpensive option, they can be cramped and take longer to reach the destination due to multiple stops.

Lastly, app-based taxis such as Uber and other ride-sharing apps have become popular in Bolivia. However, foreign mobile phones may not always sync with the Bolivian mobile phone system, requiring an additional international calling plan.

How to stay safe in a Bolivian taxi

Bolivia is a beautiful country with much to offer travellers, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes Mountains. However, it is not without its safety concerns, including petty crime and narcos gangs. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while taking a taxi in Bolivia:

• Use a reputable taxi company: Seek local advice and use established companies. Radio taxis are registered taxi companies that can be called by phone. They usually have a placard in the front windshield, a small light above the front passenger seat, and magnets or stickers with the company name, logo, and phone number on the side doors.
• Order a taxi by phone: Radio taxis can be ordered by phone, and they will have the telephone number and name of the taxi company on the roof. This ensures that your ride is tracked and helps prevent potential crimes such as express kidnappings.
• Check for registration stickers: Registered taxis should display a sticker on the windscreen or windows. This indicates that the taxi is operating legally and has been approved by the authorities.
• Avoid getting into a taxi with other passengers: Only get into a taxi if you are the sole passenger. This ensures your safety and privacy during the ride.
• Be cautious at taxi stands and bus terminals: Thieves often work in teams at these locations to distract and target victims. Ignore anyone offering help and keep a close eye on your belongings.
• Avoid taking motorbike taxis: There have been reports of attacks on lone travellers using motorbike taxis at tourist sites such as Rurrenabaque. Stick to radio taxis or other established taxi companies.
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings: Always keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of what is happening around you. Trust your instincts, and if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it.
• Keep your belongings secure: Petty theft is common in Bolivia, especially in central La Paz and other popular tourist destinations. Keep your valuables, such as passports, money, and electronics, secure and out of sight.
• Use a money belt: When travelling, especially on night buses or in crowded areas, consider using a money belt underneath your clothes to keep important documents and credit cards safe.
• Avoid travelling alone: There is safety in numbers. Consider travelling with a friend or joining a tour group whenever possible. This can help deter potential criminals and provide assistance in case of an emergency.
• Let someone know your whereabouts: Always inform a trusted contact, such as a friend or family member, about your travel plans and expected arrival time. This way, they can raise an alarm if something goes wrong.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your taxi ride in Bolivia is safe and enjoyable. Remember to stay vigilant and trust your instincts.

Frequently asked questions