Traveling Alone In Bolivia: Is It Safe?

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. The country has the third-largest production of cocaine in the world, which brings with it gangs, corruption, and bribery. La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Copacabana, and Oruro can be dodgy at night, and petty theft is on the rise. There are sketchy taxis, ATM theft, and kidnappings. La Paz is the highest-altitude capital in the world, and there are dangers of altitude sickness. Road blockades are not uncommon, and the political situation is unstable. Protests are common and can turn violent.

Despite these issues, Bolivia is considered one of the safest countries to travel in South America. Uyuni, Copacabana, and La Paz (Sopocachi and Malecon) are considered generally safe areas. However, it is important to do your research when deciding where to stay, as some areas of La Paz can be dangerous. Cochabamba's Coronilla Hill area and the city of Santa Cruz are considered unsafe. The Chapare and Yungus regions, which border Peru and Brazil, should also be avoided.

When it comes to personal safety, it is recommended to stay in good hotels and avoid cheap hostels in bad neighbourhoods. Don't travel alone on buses, and don't accept drinks from strangers. Be careful with your food and drinks in bars and restaurants, as drug spiking is common. It is also important to dress conservatively and avoid looking flashy, as this can make you a target for theft.

Bolivia can be a challenging but fascinating place to visit. By taking some basic safety precautions and staying vigilant, travellers can enjoy all that this country has to offer.

Transport: Buses, taxis, and trufis (minibuses) can be confusing and unreliable

Transport in Bolivia can be confusing and unreliable. Buses, minibuses, taxis, and trufis (shared taxis) are all options for getting around, but the system can be chaotic and difficult to understand for newcomers.

The bus, or "flota", is the most common and economical way to travel between cities in Bolivia. International buses are usually comfortable, safe, and well-equipped, with features such as bed-like seats, bathrooms, television, and snack services. However, intercity buses can be dangerous due to frequent accidents, poor vehicle maintenance, and irresponsible driving. It is recommended to choose reputable companies and arrive at the bus station early to secure a comfortable seat.

Minibuses are commonly used for transportation within cities like La Paz and El Alto. They follow predetermined routes displayed on signs hanging from the windshield. They are characterized by the presence of a "voceador", who collects fares and announces the route and stops.

Trufis are a type of collective taxi that follows a fixed route, indicated by a sign on the windshield and small flags on the hood. They are a convenient option for getting around cities.

Taxis in Bolivia come in two varieties: radiotaxis and regular taxis. Radiotaxis are considered safer and can be contacted by phone to pick you up at your location. They are often associated with hotels and are more expensive. Regular taxis are regular cars that pick up passengers on the street. It is recommended to use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing apps and avoid hailing taxis on the street to minimize the risk of theft and fraud.

When using any form of public transportation in Bolivia, it is essential to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common, and tourists are often targeted. Keep your belongings secure, and try to blend in by avoiding displays of affluence.

Money: Be prepared for issues with change and prices

Bolivia's economic situation is precarious, to say the least. The country is facing a combination of high public debt, declining natural gas production, modest international reserves, and exposure to risks associated with the international context, such as commodity price volatility and rising interest rates. As a result, the Bolivian currency, the boliviano, has appreciated by more than 40% in real effective terms since 2010 due to its stable exchange rate against the US dollar. This makes the country less competitive and less able to absorb external shocks.

As a traveller, you may encounter issues with change and prices due to these economic factors. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• US dollars are king: Bring US dollars if you need to exchange cash. It can be difficult to exchange other currencies, including Canadian dollars, in Bolivia. You will also need dollars to pay for certain tourist services, such as tours and transportation.
• Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted outside urban centres: Carry small bank notes to facilitate daily transactions, such as buying food, souvenirs, or taking public transportation.
• Prices may be higher for tourists: As a tourist, you may find that prices for certain goods and services are inflated. This is especially true in popular tourist destinations and when purchasing items such as souvenirs or handcrafted goods.
• Be cautious when exchanging money: Only use reputable money exchange services and be aware of the current exchange rate to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
• Be prepared for price fluctuations: Due to the volatile economic situation, prices for goods and services may fluctuate. This includes the cost of transportation, food, accommodation, and other tourist activities.
• Be aware of the local tax regulations: Understand the tax regulations in Bolivia, as you may be required to pay taxes on certain purchases or services.
• Keep track of your expenses: It is easy to lose track of your spending when travelling, especially if you are constantly exchanging currencies. Keep a record of your expenses to avoid overspending.
• Be cautious when carrying large sums of money: As with travelling anywhere, it is important to be cautious when carrying large sums of money. Try to withdraw smaller amounts more frequently, and keep your money in a secure location, such as a money belt or a hidden pouch.

Food: Expect a starch-heavy, sugary diet, and be cautious of tap water

When it comes to food, Bolivia has a lot to offer—but it's important to be cautious about what you eat and drink to stay safe. Here's everything you need to know about navigating the local cuisine and staying healthy during your solo travels in Bolivia:

Starch-Heavy and Sugary Diet

Bolivian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's diverse climate and geography, resulting in a variety of starch-based dishes. Potatoes are a major crop, with over 4,000 native varieties growing in the highlands of Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. As a result, potatoes are a staple food and are often served alongside meat in the Andean regions. In the lowlands, Bolivians prefer fruits, vegetables, freshwater fish, and yuca, a popular root vegetable in South America.

One of the most popular dishes in Bolivia is the salteña, a baked empanada filled with a juicy mix of sweet and savoury sauces, beef, pork, or chicken. Salteñas are typically eaten for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack and can be found at street vendors and select restaurants throughout the country.

Another traditional dish is silpancho, which originates from the valleys of Cochabamba. Silpancho consists of layers of white rice, thinly pounded meat, boiled and sliced tomatoes, and is often served with onion, beets, parsley, and a fried egg.

Bolivians also enjoy a variety of soups, such as sopa de mani, a peanut-thickened soup with beef ribs or chicken, and queso humacha, a creamy soup made with corn, green beans, potatoes, milk, and lots of cheese.

For breakfast, Bolivians often indulge in pastel de queso, a Bolivian-style cheese empanada or cheesecake, typically served with fresh fruit juices or hot beverages.

Caution with Tap Water

When it comes to drinking water, it is strongly advised to avoid consuming tap water in Bolivia. The water treatment processes in the country may not effectively remove harmful contaminants, and heavy metals from mining operations can pose a significant health risk. Bottled water is readily available and is the safest option to avoid gastrointestinal illnesses. If you wish to treat water yourself, boiling it for 5 to 10 minutes or using purification methods like bleach or water purification drops can help kill bacteria.

In addition to avoiding tap water, it is recommended to avoid ice cubes in drinks and opt for cooked foods instead of raw foods like salads. Taking these precautions will help ensure that you stay healthy and safe during your solo travels in Bolivia.

Culture: Be respectful of local customs and dress

Greeting People

Bolivia is quite a formal country, especially in the highlands. It is considered rude not to greet everyone you talk to with a formal "good morning/afternoon/evening" ("buenos dias, buenas tardes/noches"). In smaller towns and villages, you will find that even strangers exchange greetings as they pass on the street. "Please" ("por favor") and "thank you" ("gracias") are also very important.

Addressing People

Bolivians in positions of authority expect to be treated with respect. Generally, it is best to call people señor or señora, especially if they are older than you, and to use a formal title such as doctor or mayor when addressing someone who has one.

Clothing

Attitudes to what constitutes appropriate clothing vary between the highlands and the tropical lowlands. In the conservative highlands, it is not customary to show off too much flesh. In remote villages, in particular, this can cause real offence. In the hot and humid lowlands, on the other hand, it is acceptable to wear shorts and sleeveless vests. Santa Cruz is particularly liberal in this respect.

The clothing worn by Andean people of indigenous descent includes the pollera (pleated skirt), the 19th-century European bowler hat, and a silky shawl known as a manta. The pollera is a symbol of pride for the indigenous people, who live in La Paz, and for people in rural areas.

Religion

Religion – both Christian and indigenous – is a serious matter. Always ask permission before intruding on ceremonies and act with due respect and sensitivity inside churches and at fiestas or ritual events.

Photography

Always ask permission before taking anyone's photo, as some Bolivians find this offensive, or expect to be paid.

Advice: Be aware that people may not always give accurate directions

When travelling alone in Bolivia, it is important to be aware that people may not always give accurate directions. This is not because they want to mislead you, but rather because they may not know the way themselves or may have a poor sense of direction.

• Try to get directions from multiple sources. This can help you cross-reference the information and increase the chances of getting accurate directions.
• Use a map or GPS to follow along with the directions you are given. This can help you spot any inconsistencies or errors in the directions.
• Ask for landmarks or distinct features along the way. This can help you stay on track even if the directions are not completely accurate.
• Pay attention to your surroundings as you travel. Look for street signs, landmarks, or other familiar features that can help you orient yourself.
• If possible, travel with a companion. Two sets of eyes are better than one when it comes to navigating, and you can help each other stay on track.
• Be cautious and trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right or seems unsafe, don't hesitate to turn back or seek an alternative route.
• Keep a record of your travels. Note down the names of places you pass through, the distances travelled, and any notable landmarks. This can help you backtrack if you get lost or need to retrace your steps.
• Learn some basic phrases in the local language. This can help you communicate with locals and increase your chances of getting accurate directions.
• Stay calm and don't panic if you do get lost. Take a moment to reassess your surroundings and try to figure out an alternative route or a way to get back on track.
• Be prepared for unexpected delays or detours. Things may not always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Carry a form of identification and the contact information of your accommodation or local emergency services. This can help you get assistance if you do get lost or encounter any problems.

Frequently asked questions