Discovering Bolivia: A Place To Call Home

Bolivia is a culturally diverse country in the middle of South America. It has a small expat community, with most foreigners living in the capital cities of Sucre and La Paz, or in other major cities like Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba. Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, but it is experiencing some economic growth due to its oil, natural gas, and mineral resources. The cost of living in Bolivia is extremely low, with affordable housing, transportation, and groceries. The climate varies from humid and tropical to cold and semi-arid, and the diverse landscape includes soaring mountain peaks, stunning salt flats, and tropical rainforests. Bolivia has one of the lowest crime rates in South America, and its people are known for their welcoming attitude towards foreigners.

Bolivia's diverse culture and landscapes

Bolivia is a land of cultural and geographical diversity. With over 36 distinct cultural groups, Bolivia's cultural heritage is a vibrant fusion of indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and a rich history. The country's indigenous roots run deep, with communities like the Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani preserving their languages, spiritual beliefs, and artistic expressions for centuries. This is reflected in their colourful textiles, traditional music, weaving, and pottery.

The country's diverse landscapes are equally captivating, ranging from the soaring peaks of the Cordillera Real to the stunning salt flats of Uyuni and the lush rainforest environment of the Amazon Basin. Bolivia is home to some of the world's highest cities, the largest salt flats, and a portion of the Amazon rainforest. The country's geography is defined by the imposing Andes Mountains, which bisect the country and contribute to its unique climate and biodiversity.

The Andean Highlands, Sub-Andean Valleys, and Eastern Lowlands make up Bolivia's three main geographic zones. The Andean Highlands include the famous Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and the Altiplano, a high plateau surrounded by towering peaks and volcanoes. The Sub-Andean Valleys, located between the Andean Highlands and the Eastern Lowlands, offer more moderate climates and are known for their agricultural production. The Eastern Lowlands encompass the Amazon Basin and the Gran Chaco region, with its tropical climate and diverse wildlife.

Bolivia's cultural landscape is further enriched by the legacy of Spanish colonisation, evident in the magnificent colonial-era architecture, vibrant festivals, and the fusion of European and Indigenous influences. The country's artistic expression is diverse, with intricate silverwork, vibrant textiles, and exquisite pottery unique to each region and community. The country's musical traditions are equally captivating, with traditional instruments and folkloric dances that tell stories of cultural identity and history.

The cost of living in Bolivia

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, but its cost of living is extremely low, with everything from transport and rent to groceries coming very cheaply. Bolivia is the cheapest country in Latin America and the fourth cheapest in the world.

A single person's estimated monthly costs are 477.4$ without rent, and 5135$ with rent. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are 1683.7$ without rent and 12,806$ with rent. The cost of living in Bolivia is, on average, 61.5% lower than in the United States.

A retired couple can live a very comfortable life in Bolivia for around $1,550 per month, although money-conscious couples can live on much less. A single person could live on $600 to $800 per month.

Renting accommodation and buying property in Bolivia are feasible options, although costs vary depending on location and property size. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighbourhood in the city of Tarija, for example, costs $200 a month, while a three-bedroom condo in an upscale neighbourhood in Cochabamba will cost between $600 and $800 per month.

Public transport is affordable, although it may not be up to the standards of more developed parts of the world. Buses and taxis are available, and a one-way airline ticket between cities can be as little as $27. Taxi rides are available from 75 cents, and a monthly public transport pass costs $b12,806.

Bolivia has an insurance-based healthcare system that is currently being reformed. The general standard of medical facilities is poor, with hospitals typically underfunded and suffering from long waiting times. Private clinics offer better services but are more expensive.

Food and drink are also very affordable in Bolivia. A family-sized platter of grilled meats with salad bar access costs just $12, a four-course lunch can cost under $3, and a nice bottle of locally produced table wine is less than $3.

Healthcare and safety in Bolivia

Bolivia has an insurance-based healthcare system that is currently in reform. The system is decentralised, with insurance coverage for children and mothers. The reform is funded by international organisations such as the World Bank, and it has doubled the number of doctors in Bolivia in recent years to 130 per 100,000 people, bringing it in line with other South American countries. Despite this, private clinics and hospitals that don't rely on government funds offer better services, although they are more expensive than public healthcare.

In general, the standard of medical facilities in Bolivia is poor, with hospitals typically suffering from underfunding and long waiting times. Medical care in large cities is adequate for most purposes but of varying quality. Ambulance services are limited or non-existent, and medical facilities are often not equipped to handle serious medical conditions. Pharmacies are located throughout Bolivia, and prescription and over-the-counter medications are widely available.

According to the Human Rights Measurement Initiative, Bolivia falls into the "very bad" category for ensuring the right to health, with 74.7% of the HMRI value for 2021. An additional 12.5% of the population is covered under the Sumi program (for mothers and children under five) and the Health Insurance of the Elderly program (for those over 60).

In 2019, the national health insurance, known as SUS, was implemented to provide primary, secondary, and tertiary health services to the population. However, its impact on increasing access to quality healthcare has been limited. A 2022 report identified several deficiencies in the implementation of SUS, including a lack of quality control guidelines, insufficient medical personnel and resources, bureaucratic procedures, and deficient information dissemination to the population.

Bolivia has made significant improvements in key health indicators over the last few decades. Since 1950, life expectancy at birth has increased from 40.7 years to 68.6 years in 2023. The child mortality rate has decreased from 39.2% in 1950 to 2.95% in 2019, slightly lower than the world rate. Maternal health has also improved, but the maternal mortality ratio is still higher than the world's ratio.

When it comes to safety, Bolivia boasts one of the lowest crime rates in South America. Most major cities have a medium threat level for crime, comparable to larger cities in the United States. Santa Cruz is an exception, with a high threat level for crime. Most crimes affecting expats are opportunistic street crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. Violent crimes against foreigners are very rare, and a special Tourist Police force assists tourists in Bolivia. Fraud is also a relatively rare crime.

Transportation in Bolivia

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, with a diverse geography ranging from soaring mountain peaks to tropical rainforests. Getting around the country can be challenging due to its rugged topography and poor road infrastructure. However, Bolivia's cities and towns are relatively well-connected, and there are several transportation options available.

Buses

The bus or "flota" is the most common and economical way to travel between cities in Bolivia. Buses are generally safe, affordable, and offer beautiful views of the country's landscapes. However, they can also be unreliable, with departure and arrival times changing without notice. Additionally, many roads in Bolivia are unpaved, making travel between cities long and bumpy. It is recommended to choose reputable bus companies and arrive early at the bus station to secure a seat.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in Bolivia, especially in major cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz. There are two types of official taxis: radio taxis, which are dispatched based on calls from private clients, and regular taxis, which can be hailed on the street. Taxis are considered the safest mode of transport in Bolivia, but they can be more expensive than buses.

Trains

Bolivia is one of the few countries in Latin America with an extensive rail network. Train travel is a great option for those looking to enjoy the scenery and reach remote places. There are two separate train networks in the country, offering morning and afternoon schedules. Train travel is generally inexpensive, but the quality of the experience may vary.

Flights

For those looking to cover large distances in a short time, flying is an option. Boliviana de Aviacion (BoA) is the country's national airline, offering daily flights between major cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, and Cochabamba. Flights within Bolivia are generally affordable, with prices ranging from Bs 350 to Bs 700 for a one-way ticket.

Driving

Driving in Bolivia can be challenging due to poor road conditions and chaotic traffic. However, car rentals are available in major cities, and an international driving permit is required for foreigners. It is important to follow the local driving rules and regulations, and drunk driving should be avoided.

The expat community in Bolivia

The population of expats in Bolivia is small, and most can be found in the capital cities of Sucre and La Paz, or in other major cities like Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba. Many expats in Bolivia work for NGOs or volunteer for a brief period.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world, including La Paz and Santa Cruz. The network offers online and in-person events, such as InterNations La Paz, which organises events like a get-together at La Chopperia Pizza-Pub.

Bolivia is a culturally diverse country, with a strong influence from its multi-ethnic indigenous roots, centuries of Spanish occupation, and its five neighbouring countries. It is also geographically diverse, with soaring mountain peaks, stunning salt flats, and tropical rainforests.

The pace of life in Bolivia is slow, and the landscape is stunning. Bolivia expats lead a comfortable lifestyle, making the country an ideal place for those looking to retire. However, if you're not close to retirement, then Santa Cruz might be a good option, as 40% of foreign investments in the country are made there. Santa Cruz and El Alto are also ideal for families, as there are international schools offering English-speaking education.

While work isn't always easy to come by in Bolivia, it is a fantastic country for property investments, farming, and even wine-making. Living a luxury lifestyle on a low budget is entirely possible, with restaurants like Casa Criolla in El Alto offering sumptuous dishes at low prices.

The cost of living in Bolivia is extremely low, with everything from transport and rent to groceries coming very cheaply. However, local salaries are also low, so expats may want to consider working remotely and earning in a foreign currency.

Bolivia has an insurance-based healthcare system that is currently being reformed, with an increased number of doctors in recent years. However, the general standard of medical facilities is poor, with hospitals typically underfunded and waiting times long. Expats will need to ensure they have full health insurance that covers them for treatment outside Bolivia if necessary.

Bolivia boasts one of the lowest crime rates in South America, and most major cities have a medium threat level for crime. Most crime affecting expats is opportunistic street crime, and violent crimes against foreigners are very rare.

For expats moving with children, private and international schools are likely to be the preferred choice. Public schooling in Bolivia is of poor quality, and schools are not well maintained. However, there are international schools offering familiar curricula, including American, British, French, and German.

Bolivia is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, with a diverse culture, varied landscapes, and friendly people.

Frequently asked questions