Making Calls To Bolivia: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making international calls can be confusing, but it's not hard to call Bolivia. The process depends on where you are calling from. This guide will explain how to call Bolivia from anywhere, and how to call within Bolivia.

Exit codes and country codes

When calling Bolivia, you will need to dial an exit code, also known as an international exit code, and a country code.

Exit codes

An exit code is a code you must dial to make international calls from your country. The exit code will depend on which country you are calling from. For example, the exit code for calling abroad from Bolivia is '00', whereas the exit code for calling from the US is '011'. You can find out the exit code for your country by contacting your local phone operator.

Country codes

The country code for Bolivia is '591'. This is the code you will need to dial after the exit code. For example, to call Bolivia from the US, you would dial '011-591'.

Once you have dialled the exit code and country code, you will need to dial the area code and phone number. Bolivia has different area codes for its cities, so you will need to identify the specific area code for the city you are calling. For example, if you are calling a landline in La Paz, you would dial '011-591-2', followed by the 7-digit local phone number. If you are calling a mobile phone in Bolivia, you do not need to dial an area code, just the exit code, country code, and the 8-digit mobile phone number.

City codes

When calling Bolivia, you will need to include the country code and the city code. The country code for Bolivia is 591. Bolivia has nine states divided into three calling regions, and each of these has a one-digit city code assigned to specific cities and their surrounding areas.

The city code for La Paz, Oruro, and Potosi is 2. To call a landline in these cities, you would dial your country's exit code, then Bolivia's country code of 591, then the city code, and finally the seven-digit phone number. For example, calling from the US to a landline in La Paz would look like this: 011-591-2-[the seven-digit phone number].

The city code for Cobija, Trinidad, and Santa Cruz is 3. Following the same format as above, calling from the US to a landline in Santa Cruz would look like this: 011-591-3-[the seven-digit phone number].

The city code for Sucre, Tarija, and Cochabamba is 4. Calling from the US to a landline in Sucre, for example, would be: 011-591-4-[the seven-digit phone number].

When calling a mobile phone in Bolivia, you do not need to include the city code. Mobile phones in Bolivia have eight-digit numbers. To call a mobile phone from the US, you would dial: 011-591-[the eight-digit mobile number].

Landline and mobile numbers

To call a landline or mobile number in Bolivia, you will need to dial the number in the correct international format. This will vary depending on which country you are calling from.

Firstly, you will need to know the exit code for your country. This is a code you must dial on your phone first when placing international calls. For example, the exit code for the US is 011. Your local phone operator can tell you what the exit code is for your country.

Secondly, you will need to know the country code for Bolivia, which is 591. All international calls to Bolivia will begin with your exit code followed by 591.

Thirdly, you will need to know the area code for the region in Bolivia that you are calling to. Bolivia is divided into 3 calling regions, each with a 1-digit code called a city code. For example, the city code for La Paz, Oruro, and Potosi is 2, and the city code for Cobija, Trinidad, and Santa Cruz is 3.

Finally, you will need to dial the local phone number. All landline phones in Bolivia have 7-digit numbers, and all mobile phones have 8-digit numbers.

Putting this all together, here is how to call a landline or mobile number in Bolivia:

• Dial your country's exit code.
• Dial Bolivia's country code, 591.
• Dial the area code for the region you are calling.
• Dial the local phone number, which will be 7 digits for a landline or 8 digits for a mobile phone.

For example, if you are calling a landline number in Santa Cruz from the US, you would dial 011-591-3-[the 7-digit phone number]. If you are calling a mobile number in Bolivia from the US, you would dial 011-591-[the 8-digit mobile number], skipping the city code.

Calling from the US

Calling Bolivia from the US is straightforward once you understand the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your call goes through smoothly:

Step 1: Dial the International Exit Code

First, enter the exit code for making calls outside of the US. The exit code is "011".

Step 2: Enter the Country Code for Bolivia

After the exit code, dial Bolivia's country code: "+591". Note that when calling from a cell phone, you can often replace the "+" with "011" and use "011591".

Step 3: Dial the Area Code

Bolivia is divided into three calling regions, each with a one-digit code called a city code. These are assigned to specific cities and their surrounding areas. For example, "2" is the city code for La Paz, Oruro, and Potosi, while "3" is the city code for Cobija, Trinidad, and Santa Cruz.

Step 4: Dial the Local Phone Number

Finally, dial the local phone number within the city. All landline phones in Bolivia have 7-digit numbers, while mobile phones have 8-digit numbers.

If you are calling a landline phone in Bolivia, the dialing format is:

011 + 591 + City Code + 7-digit Phone Number

For example, a call to a landline in Santa Cruz would look like this:

011-591-3-[the 7-digit phone number]

If you are calling a mobile phone in Bolivia, the dialing format is:

011 + 591 + 8-digit Mobile Number

For example:

011-591-[the 8-digit mobile number]

Additional Tips

• Verify the time zone before calling to ensure you are calling at an appropriate hour. Bolivia is typically 2 hours ahead of the US.
• Select a reliable service provider known for dependable international calls.
• Explore international calling plans to reduce costs.
• Verify country and area codes before dialling to avoid misdialled calls.
• Consider using VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom for economical or free international calls via an internet connection.

Alternative methods

There are several alternative methods to calling Bolivia besides just using your phone and dialling the country's code. These include:

• Using an international calling app such as BOSS Revolution, which allows you to make calls and texts internationally with no subscription fees. You can add credit to call landlines or mobiles.
• VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom offer economical or free international calls via an internet connection.
• Using an online service such as LlamaBolivia, which provides access numbers and apps to make cheap international calls.
• Purchasing Voice Credit online, which works like an online calling card with prepaid credit.

Frequently asked questions