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Bookmark & shareOften called pesos, bolivianos are extremely difficult to unload outside the country. Watch out for mangled notes: unless both halves of a repaired banknote bear identical serial numbers, the note is worthless. Be aware, too, of circulating counterfeit banknotes.
Sizeable towns have cajeros automaticos (ATMs which dispense bolivianos in 50 and 100 notes and sometimes US dollars as well). Though it's hard getting change for notes larger than B$10.00 outside big cities, most banks will break large bills.
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Currency
- Name
- Boliviano
- Symbol
- B$
The boliviano is divided into 100 centavos. Boliviano notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Finding change for bills larger than B$10.00 is a national pastime, as change for larger notes is scarce outside big cities.
Boliviano coins are worth 10, 20 and 50 centavos. They are often called pesos, as the currency was changed from pesos to bolivianos in 1987.
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Changing Your Money
As a rule, visitors fare best with US dollars, the only foreign currency accepted throughout Bolivia, although euros are getting easier to change. Currencies of neighboring countries may be exchanged in border areas, airports, and at certain La Paz casas de cambio (currency exchange houses). All casas de cambio change cash US dollars and some change travelers cheques. Changing travelers checks in smaller towns is often impossible.
You can often change money in travel agencies, jewelry or appliance stores and pharmacies, as well as on the street. When exchanging money, ask for the cash in small denominations, as there are chronic problems with change. In the larger cities, major international cards can be used at ATMs and are widely accepted in many places.
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Money Tips
Overall, prices are slightly lower here than in neighboring countries. The biggest cost will be transportation, especially getting to the country (and, to a lesser extent, getting around, as the distances involved are great). While ultrabudget travelers can get by on less than US$15.00 per day, most people will spend between US$25.00 and US$50.00 . Visitors who want to enjoy the best Bolivia has to offer can easily travel comfortably for US$150.00 a day (this would include hire of private transportation).
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Sample Price Guide
- litre of petrol
- US$ 0.50
- Liter of bottled water
- US$ 0.50
- Liter of Taquiña beer
- US$ 1.00
- souvenir t-shirt
- US$ 4.00
- street snack (coffee & salteña)
- US$ 0.75
Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$3-10 US$10-35 US$35-100 US$100+ Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$2-5 US$5-10 US$10-15 US$15+ -
Tipping
Formal tipping is haphazard except in nicer restaurants. Elsewhere, locals leave coins amounting to a maximum of 10% of the total in recognition of good service.
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
