How expensive is Bolivia? How much money do I need for Bolivia?
How much does a trip to Bolivia cost? Is Bolivia expensive? The average Bolivia trip cost is broken down by category here. All of these Bolivia prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Accommodation Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price for one person for accommodation in Bolivia is $b56. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Bolivia is $b113.
How much do vacation rentals cost in Bolivia? Prices vary by location, date, size of the place, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Typical prices for Accommodation in Bolivia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Accommodation prices in Bolivia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Food Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
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While meal prices in Bolivia can vary, the average cost of food in Bolivia is $b66 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Bolivia should cost around $b27 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Bolivia is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$b66
Typical prices for Food in Bolivia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Bolivia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Cappucino
$b17
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Cappuccino
$b30
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Empanada
$b1.50
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Cookie
$b3.00
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Popcorn
$b4.00
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Pizza
$b53
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Banana
$b1.00
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Cookies
$b9.00
Transportation Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
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The cost of a taxi ride in Bolivia is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $b15 per person, per day, on local transportation in Bolivia.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$b15
Typical prices for Transportation in Bolivia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Transportation prices in Bolivia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Taxi Ride
$b10
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Mini Bus
$b4.00
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Taxi Ride
$b30
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Taxi Ride
$b4.00
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Taxi Ride
$b10
Intercity Transportation Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
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Transportation between cities and towns in Bolivia costs an average of $b138. Naturally, prices vary by the length of the route, the type of transportation used, and the date.
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Intercity Transportation1
Travel between cities
$b138
How much does it cost to go to Bolivia? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend SkyScanner because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Bolivia will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend SkyScanner because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Entertainment Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
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Entertainment and activities in Bolivia typically cost an average of $b95 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$b95
Typical prices for Entertainment in Bolivia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Bolivia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Hot Springs
$b12
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Towel Hire
$b20
Tips and Handouts Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
Typical prices for Tips and Handouts in Bolivia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Tips and Handouts prices in Bolivia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
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Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Bolivia is $b53.
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Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$b53
Alcohol Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $b30 on alcoholic beverages in Bolivia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$b30
Typical prices for Alcohol in Bolivia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Bolivia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Beer
$b11
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Wine
$b20
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Beer
$b6.00
Water Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, people spend $b8.76 on bottled water in Bolivia per day. The public water in Bolivia is not usually considered safe to drink.
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Water2
Bottled water for one day
$b8.76
Typical prices for Water in Bolivia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Water prices in Bolivia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Juice
$b7.00
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Bottled Water
$b6.50
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Bottled Water
$b2.50
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Bottled Water
$b4.50
Last Updated: Dec 18, 2019
Bolivia On a Budget
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the most remote countries in the western hemisphere. Located in the middle of South America, it is one of only two completely landlocked countries on the continent (the other being Paraguay). It is also incredible diverse, both in terms of geography and population. Sixty percent of the popular is of pure Native American ancestry. Along with Peru, it claims Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. A trip to Bolivia is unlike any other experience.
Because of the dramatic range of altitude, Bolivia's climate is quite diverse. You can experience almost any climate including humid and tropical or cold and semiarid. It can generally be said that winters are dry and summers are somewhat wet. Some major cities, such as La Paz, are located at high elevations, meaning they are cool year around. Because Bolivia is in South America, the summer runs from November through March and the Winter is between April and October.
Bolivia can generally be broken down into three regions. The Altiplano is the region of the Andes that falls above 3500m. It is also where you find La Paz. Sub-Andean Bolivia is the area that includes the highland valleys. It is located in the south central part of Bolivia. The Tropical Lowlands are in the eastern part of the country.
At A Glance
- Bus transportation is a cheap way to navigate the country. Transportation strikes are a concern though, so pay attention to the local news to see what is going on. Both local taxis and long distance buses are generally affected by strikes, but airlines are not. It is best not to try to pass a blockade as violence has been reported. Most strikes only last a day or two so it is often best to wait it out.
- There are 37 official languages in Bolivia. Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara are the most common ones, and in the rural areas it is not uncommon for people not to speak Spanish. Some people do choose to study Spanish in Bolivia. They have a very clean accent and there are plenty of programs available.
- The national currency of Bolivia is the Boliviano. You can usually exchange US dollars and other South American currences at Casa De Cambio agencies or with most street vendors. If you're exchanging with a street vendor, you'll likely have to negotiate a fair rate. In major hotels, tourist shopes, and for larger purchases, they'll likely take US dollars, but the rate may not be at its best. They will also only accept new dollars that are not worn or torn.
- Internet cafes are generally available throughout the country. Access is variable but prices are typically low. Many Internet cafes do not allow you to use Skype though, but instead require you to use their paid phone service.
Related:
Looking for a
party hostel in Rio,
Sao Paulo,
Lima, or
Buenos Aires?
Traveling alone through
Argentina?
Top Tourist Attractions
The Death Road: A 64 km mountainbike trip from La Cumbre to Coroico where you can truly experience Bolivia.
Salar de Uyuni: The largest salt flat in the world.
La Paz: The working capital of Bolivia.
Popular Foods
Bolivian cuisine is usually made of "meat and potatoes". Beef is the most common meat option, but you may also find chicken, pork, or even llama. Most meat is deep fried and it can be smelled throughout the cities. Fried chicken is also a common dish. Other interesting options available include guinea pig or rabbit. Vegetarians may struggle to find filling meals, particularly in more rural areas.
Pique a lo macho: This traditional Bolivian dish is made with grilled pieces of meat. There are prepared with a spicy sauce, tomatoes, and onions and then served on potatoes.
Silpancho: This dish is made with pieces of beef that have been pounded thin into a patty. They are served over rice and potatoes with an egg on top.
Anticucho: This unique Bolivian dish is made from skewered beef hearts that are grilled and served with a spicy corn sauce and potatoes.
