Cellular Chips In Bolivia: What's Being Used?

Bolivia has three network providers: Entel, Tigo, and Viva. 4G/LTE services started in 2013/2014 and are now available from all providers without surcharges. The frequencies used in Bolivia are 700, 800, 900, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2100, 2600, 3500, and 3700 MHz.

For visitors to Bolivia, it is recommended to purchase a SIM card in a store of one of the operators, bringing your passport. SIM cards can also be purchased online before arrival.

eSIM cards are available for Bolivia, offering 15 days of 6GB data for $44

When travelling to Bolivia, it is essential to have reliable and affordable connectivity. Bolivia has three network providers: Entel, Tigo, and Viva. These providers offer a range of prepaid SIM card plans with data bundles. However, eSIM cards are also available for Bolivia, offering convenience and flexibility.

ESIM cards, or embedded SIM cards, are a digital alternative to traditional physical SIM cards. They allow travellers to activate a mobile data plan without the need for a physical card. eSIMs offer several advantages, including the convenience of not having to deal with physical SIM cards and the ease of switching between carriers without changing cards, making them ideal for those visiting Bolivia.

Several companies offer eSIM plans for Bolivia, including Airalo, GigSky, and E-Sim. These providers offer a range of plans with different data allowances, validity periods, and pricing options. For example, Airalo offers eSIM plans starting at $8.50 USD, while GigSky provides plans with fixed data amounts or unlimited data.

One of the benefits of eSIMs is that they can be purchased and installed before travelling, ensuring that you have connectivity as soon as you arrive in Bolivia. This eliminates the need to search for mobile stores or stand in long lines after a tiring journey.

When choosing an eSIM plan, it is important to consider factors such as data allowances, validity periods, pricing, and compatibility with your device. Most modern smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, support eSIM technology. However, it is always a good idea to check your device's compatibility before purchasing an eSIM plan.

In addition to the convenience and flexibility offered by eSIMs, they also provide travellers with reliable and affordable connectivity. With an eSIM, you can stay connected during your trip without incurring high roaming charges. This allows you to access mobile data, make local calls, and send texts at local rates, ensuring that you can share your adventures with friends and family back home.

T-Mobile offers international roaming in Bolivia, but it is expensive

International data passes can be purchased for one day (512MB), ten days (5GB), or thirty days (15GB). These passes provide high-speed data and unlimited calling for a set period, after which data speeds will be reduced to 256 Kbps. The one-day pass costs $5, the ten-day pass costs $35, and the thirty-day pass costs $50.

It is important to note that T-Mobile's international roaming services are not intended for extended international use. The company recommends that customers reside in the US and that primary usage occurs on their US network. Additionally, T-Mobile is not responsible for the performance of their roaming partners' networks, and coverage may not be available in all areas.

To check if your device is compatible with T-Mobile's international roaming services, you can visit their website and search for the country you are visiting. You can also confirm your coverage, rates, and data service experience by entering the country name and clicking "Check Coverage."

In addition to T-Mobile's international roaming services, there are other options for staying connected while in Bolivia. Bolivia has three network providers: Entel, Tigo, and Viva. All three providers offer 4G/LTE services, and you can purchase a prepaid SIM card from any of them. However, it is recommended to register your SIM card in a store, as you will need to provide your passport. Coverage and speeds can vary depending on location, but operators are investing heavily to improve their networks.

AT&T offers international roaming in Bolivia with a pay-as-you-go option or an International Day Pass

If you're an AT&T customer, you can use your phone in Bolivia with the International Day Pass. For $12 a day, you can get talk, text, and high-speed data in Bolivia and over 210 other destinations. This is when added to your Unlimited plan. Coverage and data speed vary by destination and are subject to change.

Alternatively, you can use the pay-as-you-go option. However, it is unclear what the rates are for this option.

Bolivia has three network providers: Entel, Tigo, and Viva. 4G/LTE is now available from all providers to prepaid customers without surcharges. You are required to register your SIM card in Bolivia, so it is recommended to purchase and register the SIM card in a store. Entel is the state-owned incumbent provider in Bolivia and is still the market leader with a share of 44% of national customers in 2015. It provides the best coverage even in remote areas. Tigo is the second provider in Bolivia with a market share of 29%. It was the first to deploy 4G/LTE in 2013. Viva is the smallest of the three providers with a 27% market share, but it offers the lowest rates.

Three UK customers can use international roaming in Bolivia through the My3 App

Bolivia has three network providers: Entel, Tigo, and Viva. 4G/LTE is now available from all providers to prepaid customers without surcharges.

If you are a Three UK customer, you can use international roaming in Bolivia through the My3 App. Three's roaming proposition, "Go Roam", allows customers to use their data, minutes, and texts in over 160 worldwide destinations without worrying about their bill. This includes making cell-to-cell calls, which are simple and do not require an area code.

To use "Go Roam", simply download the My3 App and ensure that you have enabled roaming on your device. You can also access the Virgin Wi-Fi network at over 130 London Underground stations.

It's important to note that as of September 2021, Three UK changed its terms and conditions for "Go Roam". Customers acquiring new contracts or updates after that date will be charged £2 per day for roaming in EU countries (except Ireland) and £5 per day when roaming outside the EU.

Local providers Entel, Tigo and Viva offer 2G, 3G and 4G services

Bolivia has three network providers: Entel, Tigo, and Viva. All three offer 2G, 3G, and 4G services.

Entel, the state-owned incumbent provider in Bolivia, uses 700 MHz (B13) for 4G/LTE. It is the market leader with a share of 44% of national customers as of 2015 and provides the best coverage, even in remote areas.

Tigo, run by the international Millicom Group, is the second-largest provider in Bolivia with a market share of 29%. It was the first to deploy 4G/LTE in 2013, which has now spread to at least one city in each of Bolivia's eleven departments. 4G is on bands 4 (1700 MHz) and 17 (700 MHz).

Viva, run by Nuevatel PCS, is the smallest of the three providers with a 27% market share. It was the last to start 4G/LTE in the summer of 2015 in the La Paz area. 4G is on band 4.

It is important to note that Bolivia has a unique dialing system, with mobile numbers having 8 digits beginning with 6 or 7, and landlines having 7 digits preceded by area codes 2, 3, or 4.

Frequently asked questions