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.
Bolivia has a two-tier system: public hospitals offer basic care, while private clinics in major cities meet international standards for routine issues and stabilisation.
Private clinics accept cash or credit card upfront. Bring a passport and insurance documents. Staff in larger facilities speak some English.
Farmacias are plentiful. Common antibiotics and altitude meds (Diamox) are sold over the counter. Check expiry dates and ask for sealed packaging.
Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended for evacuation cover.
- ✓ Pack a basic kit with rehydration salts, altitude tablets and broad-spectrum antibiotics, if heading to the Bolivian Amazon or Uyuni Salt Flats.
- ✓ Keep digital copies of prescriptions. Some controlled drugs are restricted and you may need proof for entry.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching on city buses, markets and cable-car stations.
La Paz sits at 3,640 m; Uyuni at 3,656 m. Headache, nausea and dizziness can start within hours.
Single-carriageway mountain roads, minimal lighting, and long-distance buses running overnight.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Men in plain clothes flash a badge, ask to inspect your money for counterfeits, then switch or steal notes.
Someone squirts mustard or water on you, apologises profusely, and an accomplice rifles your bag while you clean up.
Vendors give change in old Bolivianos that are no longer legal tender or short-change tourists unfamiliar with exchange rates.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • Book long-distance buses with Todo Turismo, Trans Copacabana or Cruz del Norte, they have GPS tracking and two drivers.
- • Arrive at terminals at least 30 min early. Ticket touts often sell non-existent seats to backpackers.
- • ATMs inside banks or malls (Banco Nacional de Bolivia, BNB) are safer than street machines.
- • Carry two cards and store PINs separately; magnetic-stripe cards still work, but chip-and-PIN is spreading.
- • Stick to well-lit streets around Calle Sagárnaga in La Paz or Avenida Monseñor Rivero in Santa Cruz.
- • Taxis booked via 'Easy Taxi' or 'Uber' apps reduce the risk of overcharging or route detours.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Solo women travellers report few problems. But machista comments and occasional unwanted attention can occur.
- → Sit next to other women on inter-city buses. Choose the front seats near the driver.
- → Use the women-only carriage on Mi Teleférico (labelled 'Mujeres') during peak hours.
Same-sex relations are legal; anti-discrimination laws exist but enforcement is uneven.
- → Book double rooms confidently in mid-range hotels; high-end chains are uniformly welcoming.
- → LGBTQ+ events such as Santa Cruz Pride (June) and La Paz Marcha del Orgullo (September) are safe, police-monitored gatherings.
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
Medical evacuation from Uyuni or Rurrenabaque to La Paz can cost more than a long-haul flight. Insurance eliminates upfront payments.
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