I called the Bolivian Embassy in DC to get all the details on what I need to mail to them for my visa. I was quoted a price of $160 for the visa. Also saw on other web sites where you can get a visa mailed to you, but you do pay heavy fees for using their services, and the price they quote is also $160.
Is this something new for 2014?
Why bother? Easy to get Visa at Airport or border. I paid $135 in May. Don't forget the two passport pictures and proof of hotel--I used email from hotel confirming reservation.
I agree. Definitely get it at the border. It's $135 and I've never heard of anyone getting turned away. Bring new, crisp bills.
while the border might not turn you away. American Airlines would not give me my boarding pass until I showed them the cash; the pictures, the hotel reservation. Had to leave airport and take taxi to nearest Walgreen to get pictures then rush back to airport to get my boarding pass.
I emailed Avianca asking them if I needed a visa to board? They were very vague in their reply and left me hanging. I just want to make sure I can get on the plane.
I sent everything off today to the Embassy in DC. I don't want any surprises at the airport in Dulles.
Stormbird--ask all of your friends if they want alpaca sweaters from Bolivia. You can pay for your flight! I threw away all of my clothes and stuffed 20 sweaters into my backpack and day pack. Got them for $8 each since I bought 20.
If you still have my email, send me a message and I'll tell you where you can buy very good quality sweaters in La Paz
I am going to check in with a couple of the local Alpaca farmers here before I go. See if they are interested. I talked to a local Alpaca famer the other year when they had a stand at a Fair, and commented on the price of a little Alpaca teddy bear which they had. I told them I got a BIG Alpaca teddy bear in Lima for less than what they were asking for their little one. The lady said there is no way we can compete with their (Peru's) prices.
Stormbird--walk outside today--that is how cold the salt flats will be after dark!
Alpaca sweaters-local Alpaca farmer is selling mine in his store. He wanted only Extra Large sizes and insisted that each sweater have a label indicating it was Alpaca. Most stands in La Paz do not have the labels--but I found one.
surprisingly , last Feb I found alpaca sweaters from Peru for $10 each in a small town near Oaxaca Mexico! Only Small & Medium sizes however.