Bolivia: Safe Or Not?

Bolivia is a country that can be travelled through without problems, provided you take the necessary precautions. However, the country is dealing with a great contrast between rich and poor, with a large percentage of the population living below the poverty line. This has led to a growing problem with criminality, particularly in large cities such as La Paz, and tourists are often the target. There are also frequent protests and road blocks due to political discontent, which can turn violent. It is therefore important to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions when travelling through Bolivia.

Criminal activity is common in tourist spots, with thieves targeting valuables

Criminal activity is common in tourist spots across Bolivia, with thieves targeting valuables. Petty crime is common in central La Paz, in other popular tourist destinations, on buses and in crowded areas. Tourists should be vigilant and take precautions to protect their belongings.

Thefts at ATMs are becoming more common and often result in assaults. It is recommended to avoid withdrawing cash at night and in secluded locations. Violent crimes, such as express kidnappings, also occur in Bolivia. Criminals typically target foreigners, taking them hostage and forcing them to withdraw money from ATMs. These kidnappings often occur in La Paz, with Plaza Abaroa, Plaza Humboldt, Plaza Isabel La Católica, Plaza del Estudiante, Plaza San Francisco, and the Altiplano being high-risk areas.

Tourists are advised to be cautious when taking taxis, as there has been an increase in robberies from passengers in Santa Cruz and La Paz. It is recommended to seek local advice, use established companies, and order taxis by phone. Radio taxis, which can be identified by a telephone number and taxi company name on the roof, are considered safer.

Additionally, tourists should be aware of scams targeting unsuspecting visitors. One common scam involves spilling a substance on a person and then offering to help clean it up while stealing their valuables. Another scam involves criminals posing as police officers, "arresting" foreigners, and demanding spot fines or identification, which they then steal. Tourists should also be wary of friendly "tourists" who may try to befriend and kidnap them.

To reduce the risk of theft, it is recommended to keep valuables out of sight and securely on your person. Money belts, secure holders that hang under shirts, and leg pouches are effective ways to secure valuables. It is also advisable to keep petty cash separate from other valuables and only carry what is needed.

When travelling between cities, it is best to avoid travelling at night and stay vigilant during the journey. Protests, demonstrations, and blockades are common in Bolivia and can turn violent, so it is essential to stay informed and avoid these areas if possible.

Protest demonstrations, roadblocks, and strikes are frequent and can turn violent

Bolivia has a history of social and political unrest, with frequent protest demonstrations, roadblocks, and strikes. These actions can quickly turn violent, and it is strongly advised not to approach or attempt to cross any blockades. The situation can escalate rapidly, and it is crucial to stay informed about possible unrest and adjust travel plans accordingly.

Protest demonstrations, roadblocks, and strikes are a common occurrence in Bolivia, often arising from social and political discontent. These events can be unpredictable and volatile, with the potential for violence. It is essential for travellers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

The country has witnessed numerous instances where peaceful protests have suddenly turned violent. For example, during the 2019 Bolivian protests, also known as the Pitita Revolution, there were initially peaceful demonstrations in response to allegations of electoral fraud. However, the situation escalated, resulting in violent clashes between opposing groups and attacks on senior members of political parties and their families.

Protesters may block roads and highways, disrupting travel and causing shortages of essential supplies. In the 2019 protests, supporters of former President Evo Morales created blockades on inter-departmental highways, leading to food and fuel shortages. Similarly, in 2020, supporters of Morales blocked roads leading to the airport in La Paz.

The presence of security forces at these protests does not always ensure safety. In some cases, the police and military have been accused of using excessive force and collaborating with violent anti-government groups. For instance, during the 2019 protests, security forces were accused of committing massacres in Sacaba and Senkata, resulting in deaths and injuries.

It is crucial for travellers to be aware of the risks associated with these demonstrations and to avoid participating or getting caught in the middle of them. Staying informed about the latest developments and seeking local advice can help travellers anticipate and avoid potential hotspots of unrest.

Additionally, travellers should be cautious when using taxis, as there have been reports of "express kidnappings" and robberies targeting tourists. It is recommended to use registered taxis or ride-sharing services, and to avoid travelling alone or at night whenever possible.

Express kidnappings are a risk, especially in La Paz

Express kidnappings are a risk in Bolivia, particularly in and around La Paz. This type of kidnapping typically involves tourists being forced into a taxi where they are robbed of their belongings and/or driven to an ATM to withdraw money. In some cases, victims are held hostage for several days while criminals use their stolen bank or credit cards.

To avoid becoming a victim of an express kidnapping, it is recommended to use radiotaxis instead of hailing a taxi on the street. Radiotaxis can be identified by a telephone number on the roof of the car. It is also advised to avoid travelling alone, especially at night or when intoxicated.

In addition to express kidnappings, there have been reports of tourists being targeted by fake police officers. These imposters may use fake police IDs, uniforms, and even fake police stations to fool their victims. They may ask for passports and other information, and persuade tourists to get into a taxi driven by another criminal. To avoid this, stay alert and contact the Tourist Police if you suspect you are being targeted.

When travelling in Bolivia, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Petty crime is common in central La Paz, popular tourist destinations, buses, and crowded areas. It is recommended to keep your passport, money, and valuables in a safe place, and to use a money belt under your clothes when travelling at night.

Scams and fake police are common

Fake Police

A well-known scam in Bolivia involves individuals pretending to be plain-clothed undercover policemen. They often work with accomplices who will approach you as fellow tourists, either asking for or offering help. The "policemen" will then ask to see your passport, and their accomplices will comply, encouraging you to do the same. If you hand over your passport, they will take it and any other valuables they can get.

There are several variations of this scam to increase the success of the robbery:

• They may search you and your belongings, stealing any valuables.
• They may ask you to accompany them to the police station by taxi, making it easier to rob you.
• They may force you to go to an ATM to withdraw money for them.
• They may offer to share a taxi with you, and then have the taxi driver (also in on the scam) drive off with your luggage.
• There may be multiple accomplices to make the scam seem more legitimate.
• The fake cop may show a (fake) badge to appear more authentic.

Taxi Scams

Taxi scams are also common in Bolivia. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Try to avoid taxis without working taximeters. However, note that most taxis in Bolivia, even from reliable companies, don't have them.
• Agree on a price and currency before getting into the taxi.
• If you arrive late at night or early in the morning, scammers may target you as they know you'll be more vulnerable. Have your accommodation address and phone number written down, and the location pinned on your phone using an offline GPS app.
• Avoid following the first taxi driver who approaches you at bus terminals. Ask for prices from multiple drivers first.
• Use app-based taxi services or call recommended radio-taxi companies whenever possible.
• Avoid getting into taxis with other passengers, and don't accept additional passengers during your ride, even if they claim to be police officers.
• Be cautious when paying with large bills for small items. Taxi drivers may try to take advantage of this by claiming they don't have change, hoping to keep the larger bill for themselves. Ask if they have change before getting into the taxi to avoid this.

Express Kidnappings

Express kidnappings are another risk in Bolivia, particularly in and around La Paz. This involves tourists being kidnapped and held until they pay a ransom or their bank and credit cards are emptied. These kidnappings often occur when tourists are directed to a specific taxi or minibus at bus stations, which is part of the scam. To reduce the risk, take a radio taxi in the evenings and nights, identifiable by the phone number on the roof of the car.

The country has a large percentage of people living below the poverty line

Bolivia has made significant progress in reducing poverty, with current indicators showing that 36.3% of its population lives in moderate poverty, while 11% lives in extreme poverty. However, the country faces several challenges, including extreme weather events, rural poverty, food insecurity, limited access to potable water, increased vector-borne illnesses, and forest fires that reduce arable land availability. These factors, along with social and political unrest, contribute to a challenging environment for many of its citizens.

The effects of poverty are felt across the country, with even the capital, La Paz, experiencing issues. Tourists are often targeted by criminals, with fake police officers and criminals posing as helpful tourists being a common occurrence. The country's poverty has also led to a high rate of criminality, especially in urban areas, with tourists being robbed of their documents and belongings, and "express kidnappings" being a common occurrence, where victims are held until their bank accounts are emptied or a ransom is paid.

The government of Bolivia has committed to addressing these issues through its economic and social development plan, which includes ten strategic pillars linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. The plan focuses on improving food security, reducing income inequality, and promoting sustainable development. However, achieving these goals will require sustained investments and coherent national policies that address the intersection of climate change and food sovereignty.

The country's strategic plan involves engaging various stakeholders, from the government and the private sector to smallholder farmers and vulnerable indigenous communities, to address food insecurity and support livelihoods. The plan emphasizes engaging with vulnerable women, who are often primary caregivers and subsistence farmers, and aims to improve access to diverse and nutritious food, ensure equitable access to high-value markets, and strengthen policies and programs addressing emergencies, rural poverty, and climate change adaptation.

Despite the challenges posed by poverty, there are no areas in Bolivia that are completely off-limits to tourists. However, tourists are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, especially in large cities like La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Sucre, and Potosí, as well as tourist areas, where criminals often target unsuspecting individuals.

Frequently asked questions