Bolivia Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Bolivia.
Healthcare System
Bolivia has a two-tier healthcare system with public hospitals that are often underfunded and overcrowded, and private clinics that offer significantly better care but require upfront payment or insurance. Major cities have adequate medical facilities, but rural areas have very limited healthcare infrastructure.
Hospitals
Recommended private facilities include Clínica Cemes and Clínica del Sur in La Paz, and Clínica Foianini in Santa Cruz. These facilities have better equipment and some English-speaking staff. Always confirm your insurance coverage before treatment. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Lima, Peru or Miami, USA may be necessary.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available in cities and towns. Many medications available only by prescription elsewhere can be purchased over the counter in Bolivia, but quality control may be inconsistent. Stick to well-known pharmacy chains like Farmacorp or Chávez. Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medications, as specific brands may not be available.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is absolutely essential. Bolivia's healthcare system is not equipped for many serious conditions, and medical evacuation can cost $50,000-100,000 USD. Ensure your policy covers high-altitude activities (above 2,500m) as many standard policies exclude this.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit including altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide/Diamox)
- Carry copies of prescriptions and generic drug names as brand names differ
- Water quality is poor; drink only bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal illness
- Locate the nearest suitable medical facility when arriving in a new city
- Keep your insurance company's emergency number and policy details easily accessible
- Consider bringing oral rehydration salts for altitude adjustment and potential stomach issues
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from hotel rooms are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in teams, with one distracting while another steals. Theft on buses, especially night buses and at bus terminals, is particularly common.
Victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs or held briefly for ransom. This typically involves unofficial taxis or rideshares. Incidents are most common in La Paz, El Alto, and Santa Cruz, particularly late at night.
La Paz sits at 3,640m (11,942 ft) and El Alto at 4,150m (13,615 ft). Altitude sickness affects most visitors and can range from mild headaches to life-threatening conditions. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and insomnia.
Bolivia has some of the most dangerous roads in the world, including the infamous 'Death Road.' Poor road conditions, inadequate vehicle maintenance, reckless driving, and lack of safety equipment contribute to frequent accidents. Bus accidents are common, especially on mountain routes.
Bolivia experiences frequent protests, road blockades (bloqueos), and strikes that can disrupt travel plans for days. While most are peaceful, some can turn violent. Roadblocks can strand travelers, and demonstrations can close airports or border crossings.
Tourists have been drugged through drinks or food, then robbed or assaulted. Scopolamine (burundanga) is sometimes used. Victims may have no memory of events. This can occur in bars, restaurants, or through seemingly friendly strangers offering food or drinks.
Traveler's diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses are common due to different food hygiene standards and water contamination. More serious conditions like typhoid, hepatitis A, and parasitic infections also occur.
Dengue fever, Zika virus, yellow fever, and malaria are present in lowland tropical areas below 2,500m. Chagas disease, transmitted by 'kissing bugs,' exists in rural areas. Insect bites can also cause secondary infections.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Criminals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists, claim to be investigating counterfeit money or drugs, and ask to inspect wallets, bags, or passports. They then steal cash and valuables. Some may flash fake badges or identification.
Unofficial taxis charge exorbitant fares, claim meters are broken, or take unnecessarily long routes. Some drivers work with accomplices to rob passengers. Airport and bus terminal taxis are particularly prone to overcharging.
Someone spills something on you, asks for directions with a map, or creates a commotion while an accomplice steals your belongings. Common variations include someone pointing out bird droppings on your clothes or asking you to take their photo.
Helpful strangers offer to watch your luggage or help you find the right bus, then steal bags or direct you to unlicensed operators who overcharge or rob passengers. Items are also stolen from checked luggage during bus journeys.
Someone befriends a tourist, gains their trust over hours or days, then invites them somewhere isolated where accomplices rob them. Dating app variations involve meeting someone who drugs and robs the victim.
Devices attached to ATMs capture card information and PINs, or people watch you enter your PIN and then steal your card through distraction or force. Some ATMs in unofficial locations are entirely fake.
Unlicensed tour operators take payment for tours that never happen, provide substandard services, use unsafe equipment, or abandon tourists. This is particularly common with Uyuni Salt Flat tours and Amazon jungle trips.
Street money changers use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, give counterfeit bills, or switch real money for fake during counting. Some may distract you during the transaction or claim you gave them less than you did.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cash, cards, and passport in hotel safe
- Divide money and cards between different locations on your person and in luggage
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours; avoid standalone machines in isolated locations
- Carry small bills (10-20 bolivianos) as change is often unavailable
- Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa stamp separate from the original
- Consider a dummy wallet with small amount of cash for potential robbery situations
- Use money belts or hidden pouches under clothing for larger amounts
- Don't count money in public or display large amounts of cash
Transportation Safety
- Research bus companies and choose those with good safety records (Trans Copacabana, Todo Turismo, Bolivia Hop)
- Avoid night buses on mountain routes; fly or take daytime buses instead
- Book bus tickets directly from company offices, not through third parties
- Keep valuables in carry-on luggage; lock checked bags
- Only use official radio taxis; never hail taxis on the street
- If renting a car, ensure comprehensive insurance and check vehicle condition thoroughly
- Be extremely cautious driving; roads are poorly maintained and driving standards are low
- Share your travel plans and expected arrival times with someone
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with good security reviews; read recent feedback
- Ensure rooms have secure locks; use additional locks or door wedges if needed
- Use hotel safes for passports and valuables; photograph contents before leaving
- Keep ground floor and easily accessible windows locked
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel reception
- In rural areas, check for insects and proper bedding to prevent Chagas disease
- Keep emergency numbers and hotel contact information easily accessible
Personal Security
- Stay aware of your surroundings; avoid looking at phones while walking in busy areas
- Walk confidently and purposefully; avoid appearing lost or confused
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, watches, or designer clothing
- Don't walk alone late at night; use taxis even for short distances after dark
- Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
- Learn basic Spanish phrases for emergencies and common situations
- Keep your embassy or consulate contact information readily available
- Register with your embassy's traveler registration program (STEP, etc.)
Health Precautions
- Get vaccinations before travel: yellow fever (required for some areas), typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies (if visiting rural areas)
- Bring altitude sickness medication and start taking 24-48 hours before ascending
- Pack a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics, anti-diarrheals, pain relievers, and bandages
- Drink only bottled water; check seals are intact before purchasing
- Brush teeth with bottled water in areas with poor water quality
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Avoid ice, raw foods, and unpasteurized dairy products
- Take malaria prophylaxis if visiting lowland tropical regions
Cultural Awareness
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially indigenous communities
- Dress modestly, particularly in rural and indigenous areas
- Learn about local customs and Aymara/Quechua cultures to show respect
- Avoid discussing politics or making negative comments about Bolivia
- Be patient; things often take longer than expected in Bolivia
- Bargain respectfully in markets but don't be overly aggressive
- Tip appropriately (10% in restaurants, round up for taxis)
- Be aware that pointing with index finger is considered rude; use full hand instead
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication and data
- Download offline maps (Maps.me, Google Maps) before traveling
- Learn essential Spanish phrases; English is rarely spoken outside tourist hotels
- Keep important phone numbers written down in case your phone is lost or stolen
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Use WhatsApp for communication as it's widely used in Bolivia
- Take photos of important documents and email them to yourself
- Know how to say 'I need help' in Spanish: 'Necesito ayuda'
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women can travel safely in Bolivia with appropriate precautions, though they may experience more attention and occasional harassment than in many other countries. Machismo culture is prevalent, and catcalling (piropos) is common. Solo women travelers should be particularly cautious at night and in isolated areas. That said, many women travel Bolivia successfully, and locals are generally helpful and respectful, especially outside of nightlife areas.
- Dress conservatively, especially in rural and indigenous areas; avoid revealing clothing
- Wear a fake wedding ring and carry a photo of a 'husband' or 'boyfriend' to deflect unwanted attention
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use trusted taxis even for short distances
- Book accommodations with good security and female-friendly reviews
- Join group tours rather than exploring isolated areas alone
- Be firm and assertive if experiencing harassment; don't worry about being polite
- Sit near other women or families on buses and in public spaces
- Keep phone charged and share location with trusted contacts
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially around strangers
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Learn key Spanish phrases like 'déjame en paz' (leave me alone) and 'necesito ayuda' (I need help)
- Consider staying in female-only dorm rooms in hostels
- Connect with other travelers, especially women, for shared activities and safety
- Be aware that some men may interpret friendliness as romantic interest; maintain boundaries
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Bolivia, and the constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex civil unions have been recognized since 2009, and there are some anti-discrimination protections in place. However, legal protections don't always translate to social acceptance, and enforcement is inconsistent.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection, even in cities
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; some hotels may be unwelcoming
- La Paz and Santa Cruz have small LGBTQ+ scenes, but venues are discreet; ask locals or check online resources
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with strangers or in conservative areas
- Be aware that machismo culture can lead to harassment or discrimination
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations or online communities for current safety information
- Consider booking private rooms rather than shared dormitories
- Don't assume that Western attitudes toward LGBTQ+ issues are shared in Bolivia
- Be prepared for questions about marital status or relationships; have prepared responses
- Travel insurance should cover any potential discrimination-related incidents
- Transgender travelers should carry documentation matching their gender presentation if possible
- Be aware that holding hands or other affection may be interpreted as friendship rather than romance by locals
- Research current social climate before travel as attitudes are slowly evolving
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for Bolivia and should be considered non-negotiable. Bolivia's healthcare system is underdeveloped, and serious medical conditions often require evacuation to neighboring countries or the United States, which can cost $50,000-100,000 USD. The country's challenging terrain, high altitude, adventure activities, and unpredictable political situation create numerous scenarios where comprehensive insurance is critical. Additionally, transportation disruptions from strikes and protests can result in significant unexpected costs.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries