Exploring Bolivia: Essential Survival Tips For Your Adventure

Bolivia is a culturally and geographically diverse country in the middle of South America. It has one of the lowest crime rates in South America, but it can still be challenging for travellers due to issues such as poverty, petty crime, narcos gangs, and endless delays. Here are some essential tips to help you survive and thrive during your time in Bolivia:

- Learn the local language: While English is not widely spoken in Bolivia, Spanish is the most common language. However, in some regions, such as La Paz and Cochabamba, the indigenous languages Aymara and Quechua are predominantly spoken. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language will go a long way and make your interactions with locals much smoother.

- Be cautious with food and water: Bolivia's water distribution system is not up to the standards of developed countries, so it's best to avoid drinking tap water. Bottled water or boiled water is a safer option. When it comes to food, be cautious, especially with street food, as hygiene standards may not meet your expectations.

- Adapt to cultural differences: Bolivians value their traditions and customs. Be respectful of their culture, and avoid taking photos of locals without their permission. It is also considered rude to decline a gift from a local; accepting their generosity is a way to show respect.

- Stay vigilant and aware: Petty theft and scams are common in Bolivia, especially in cities like Santa Cruz and La Paz. Keep your belongings close, and be cautious when using ATMs or taking taxis. Always use reputable taxi companies, and agree on a fare before your journey.

- Prepare for unpredictable travel: Road conditions can be hazardous, and public transportation is often unreliable. Strikes, blockades, and poor road infrastructure may cause delays. If you plan to drive, obtain an international driving permit, and be extremely cautious due to the lack of road safety culture.

- Dress appropriately: Bolivia is home to some of the highest cities in the world, and temperatures can drop well below freezing at night. Layer up, especially if you're travelling by bus or spending time outdoors in the evening.

- Stay informed: Keep up with local news and be aware of political tensions and protests that could impact your safety. The political situation in Bolivia is not always stable, and it's crucial to avoid getting caught in the middle of a demonstration or blockade.

- Embrace the adventure: Despite the challenges, Bolivia is a fascinating country with incredible natural sites, such as the Amazon Rainforest and the Andes Mountains. Embrace the unique experiences, interact with the friendly locals, and create memorable adventures.

Learn basic Spanish and some Aymara

Learning basic Spanish and some Aymara is essential for surviving in Bolivia. English is not widely spoken in the country, so language immersion is unavoidable. While this may seem intimidating at first, it's an effective way to boost your vocabulary and communication skills. You'll be ordering meals, buying groceries, and interacting with locals in Spanish before you know it!

Bolivians are known for their clear and neutral Spanish accents, making them easier to understand than, for instance, Chileans or Argentinians. They also speak at a slower pace, which is perfect for beginners. Additionally, Bolivians are patient and friendly towards foreigners trying to learn their language. Their laid-back attitude and encouraging smiles will make your language-learning journey more enjoyable and less stressful.

Spanish lessons in Bolivia are affordable, with group classes starting at $4 per hour and private tutors charging around $7 per hour. Many Spanish schools also offer extracurricular activities like cooking classes and sports, often at no extra cost. These activities provide a great opportunity to improve your Spanish and meet other travellers.

When it comes to learning Aymara, it's worth noting that it is one of Bolivia's 36 official indigenous languages. While Spanish is the dominant language, learning some basic Aymara phrases can go a long way. The Aymara people are proud of their language and heritage, and showing respect for their culture can help build rapport. Greeting them in their native tongue and attempting to communicate in Aymara will surely bring appreciative smiles and maybe even better deals at the markets!

• "Kamisaraki" [ka-mizer-akii] – Hello, how are you?
• "Waliki" [wah-leek-i] – A common reply to the above greeting.
• "Diuspagara" [You-spa-gara] – Another way to respond to "Hello, how are you?"

Remember to check the region you're visiting, as some areas, such as Potosi and Cochabamba, speak Quechua, another South American native tongue.

Avoid tap water

Bolivia is a geographically diverse country in the middle of South America, with some of the world's highest cities, the largest salt flats, and parts of the Amazon rainforest. It is also one of the poorest countries in the Americas, and its water distribution system is far behind that of the developed world.

As a result, tap water in Bolivia is unsafe to drink and is considered highly contaminated. Even if truly dangerous pathogens are rare, drinking tap water can still cause an upset stomach and ruin your trip. The water in Bolivia is extremely high in heavy metals due to the huge mining operations in the country. These metals are impossible to remove entirely with filters and pose a significant health risk to anyone who consumes them.

Even in urbanized areas, tap water should be avoided, and bottled water or soft drinks should be consumed instead. If you are thinking of brushing your teeth with tap water, it is best to avoid this too, as accidental consumption could occur. It is also not advisable to use tap water to wash fruit and vegetables.

If you are desperate and have no other option, there are ways to treat water to make it safer to drink. Boiling water for an extended period is one way to kill bacteria, but this is not always effective at high altitudes, as water takes longer to boil and may not reach the required temperature. Boiling water is also not practical for the large amounts of water needed for drinking and cooking daily. Bleach is another option, and surprisingly, it doesn't leave a strong taste. However, these are only emergency solutions, and bottled water is always the safest option.

It is also worth noting that ice cubes should be avoided, as the water source may not be reliable, and raw foods like salads and raw fish should be consumed with caution.

Dress warmly for overnight travel

When travelling by bus in Bolivia, it's important to pack plenty of warm clothing. Overnight buses can get extremely cold, with outside temperatures in the Andean highlands dipping well below freezing. There is rarely any heating onboard, so it's best to wear multiple layers of clothing.

To prepare for the cold nights, pack a fleece or wool jacket, a cardigan or sweater, a scarf, a pair of gloves, and a hat. Long trousers or leggings are also a good idea, as they provide extra warmth and protect against insect bites. Make sure to bring at least one thick pair of socks for the night-time, as well as comfortable walking shoes.

It's also a good idea to bring a sarong, which can be used as an extra layer on cold bus journeys. A pashmina is another versatile item that can provide warmth on cool evenings.

Remember that Bolivia has varying weather conditions, so it's important to pack a flexible wardrobe. In addition to warm clothing, bring light layers such as t-shirts, camisoles, and short-sleeved shirts for the summer months.

Be aware of the country's drinking laws

Bolivia has a complicated relationship with alcohol. While it is legal to drink in the country if you are over 18, and the country is known for its love affair with alcohol, there are some surprising restrictions on drinking that you should be aware of.

Firstly, public consumption of alcohol is strictly illegal. The only exception to this rule is during the country's many vibrant parades, where viewers are expected to have a beer in hand. So, if you fancy a drink, it's best to do so in a bar or club, or at a parade. You will often need to show a picture ID for admittance to clubs, and it is, of course, illegal to drink if you are under 18.

Secondly, be aware that illegal bars exist in Bolivia. If you are caught at one of these clandestine establishments, you may be detained for questioning, particularly if drugs are found on the premises. Bolivia is the world's third-largest producer of cocaine, and the government has harsh penalties for those caught trafficking or in possession. The minimum sentence is eight years, and prison conditions are very basic. So, it is best to avoid any contact with prohibited drugs.

Finally, it is important to remember that drinking the night before a Death Road tour is a bad idea. This notoriously dangerous tour requires your wits about you, so it is best to lay off the beers the night before if you want to survive.

Don't expect punctuality

Bolivians have a very different relationship with time compared to other cultures. As a result of the influence of local cultures, the perception of time in Bolivia differs quite profoundly from that in other countries.

"Bolivian time" is characterised by a lack of punctuality and accuracy in timetables. Bolivians usually arrive about half an hour late for appointments when meeting friends in a coffee shop or restaurant. They will arrive on average about an hour late for invitations to someone's home. However, it is important to arrive promptly at the airport, bus station, public offices, and the movies.

There are many reasons for these systematic delays, including chaotic traffic, unreliable transport, and cultural neglect of timetables. Above all, punctuality is simply not a priority for many Bolivians compared to the rest of Latin America.

For foreign travellers, this difference in perception of time can be a source of stress, annoyance, and even conflict. However, it is important to remember that being impatient or reproaching these "delays" would be an affront to the local philosophy of life. Instead, it is best to be armed with a large dose of patience and mental flexibility, leaving plenty of time for appointments and taking these delays in your stride with a bit of Bolivian humour!

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