Bolivia Travel Information

Entry Requirements

Visa: Almost all of the nationalities need entry visa (tourist or business) to enter the territory of Bolivia. Bolivia has her Embassies and Consulates all around the world. Visa requirements sometimes slightly vary from location to location. Usually the following requirements are to be met:
1) Valid Passport
2) Two recent photographs
3) Yellow fever vaccine certificate
4) Return air tickets
5) Bank statement / Credit card / Endorsement of sufficient funds
6) Hotel reservation / Invitation Letter

For further information regarding visa matters you may visit: www.rree.gov.bo/

For Bolivian Embassies please visit:

www.embassiesabroad.com/ ,
www.embassyfinder.com/,

www.embassyworld.com/ ,

www.boliviaweb.com/

Where to Stay:
There are lots of low cost to high costs hotels, resorts and villas. Comparatively hotel prices are cheaper than that of neighboring countries but the service offered by the hotels is nice.
For reservation please visit the following websites:www.hotelcontinentalpark.com/ , www.hotelcortez.com/

For more information regarding accommodation in Bolivia,
you may visit:

www.asiahotels.com/

www.southtravels.com/
www.boliviacontact.com/

Vaccination Certificate:
Anybody arriving from a yellow fever infected area requires a vaccination certificate against yellow fever to enter Bolivia. Most of the neighboring countries also require this certificate to enter the country.

Language:
The official language of Bolivia is Spanish. However, there are more than 30 other living languages spoken in the country in different regions. Some Bolivians colleges and Universities have Spanish Learning Courses designed for the incoming visitors.

Bolivia Newspapers
1) Bol Press

2) BoliviaHoy

3) Bolivia Weekly [In English]
4) Business News Americas
5) Diario Correo del Sur (Sucre)
6) El Deber (Santa Cruz de la Sierra)
7) El Diario (La Paz)
8) El Mundo (Santa Cruz)
9) El Nacional (Tarija)
10) El Nuevo Dia
11) El Pais (Tarija)
12) El Potosi
13) Erbol (La Paz)
14) Hidrocarburos Bolivia (La Paz)

15) Jornada
16) La Patria

17) La Prensa (La Paz)
18) La Razón (La Paz)
19) Los Tiempos (Cochabamba)
20) Nueva Economia
21) Opinión (Cochabamba)
22) RedBolivia Internacional [In Spanish & English]

Bolivia country information 1

Bolivia is the hemisphere’s highest and the most isolated nation. The country is among the earth’s warmest, coldest, windiest and also the steamiest spots. Although it is a poor country economically, it is one of the richest countries in terms of natural beauty and resources. Bolivia is South America’s indigenous country with over 60% of the entire population yet claiming indigenous heritage. The country has all natural marvels except the beaches. Visitors find the nonparallel beauty in its vibrant cultures, colonial cities that remind the ancient civilization. For tourism the country is truly a perfect location. Bolivia’s political and social fronts have been in flux because of the appointment of the first indigenous president. A tourist may find the country to be a cool and calm place for roaming without being harassed in any way.

Facts of Bolivia:
Location: Central South America, south west of Brazil.
Bordering countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Peru.
Highest point: Nevado Sajama 6452m
Population: 8.9 million humans, 3 million llamas.
Birth rate: 23.3 births /1000
Literacy rate: 87.2 %
Population below poverty line: 64 %
Average yearly income: US$ 2900
Religion: Roman Catholic 95 %, Protestant 5 %
Ethnic Groups: Quechua 30 %, Mestizo 30 %, Aymara 25 %, White 15 %

When to go
The most comfortable period for exploring Bolivia is during winter (May to October) with her dry and transparent days and nights. August is exactly the perfect month for tourist activities. High season has the most reliable weather and it coincides with North America and European summer holidays. At this time, Bolivia’s festivals take place. So many South American as well as Bolivians are found traveling at that time. It can be an excellent idea to form a tourist group to explore Bolivian culture during that time but the cost may be a little bit higher than during the rest of the year.

Entering the country
By air:
There are many airlines offering direct flights to Bolivia from many locations. Direct services are there to most major South American cities. The flights from/to Chile and Peru are the cheapest. The most popular entry point is Santa Cruz. Flying to La Paz is more expensive than into Santa Cruz due to altitude related costs.

Costs
In fact prices are comparatively lower in Bolivia than in neighboring countries. Budget travelers can manage by US$ 15 per day while most of the people spend between US$ 25-50. Tourist wishing to enjoy Bolivia the most should spend US$ 150 a day (it includes hire if private vehicles).
Bargaining is a common cultural practice. In this case, you have to use your discreet. If you feel uncomfortable, just ask a local person for the price of any thing or service including taxis. To avoid an unpleasant situation, argue on food, transportation and accommodation prices beforehand.

Economy
Despite its rich natural resources, Bolivia remains one of the poorest countries in South America. The average annual income is approximately US$ 900 and GDP is US$ 2900 (Estimates in 2005).

Country’s main exports include zinc and gas. Agricultural products include soybeans, coffee, cotton, sugar, corn and timber. Coca, sunflower seed and organic chocolates are growing industries.

A widespread underemployment is there. Strikes and protests for demanding higher salaries and improved living condition are a way of life here. The Government depends on foreign aids.

Exchanging money
It is easy to change US dollar than Euros in Bolivian markets. Foreign currencies may be changed at casas de cambio (Bureau of change) and at the banks. Agents are also found to change money paying roughly the same as casas de cambio. Currencies of the neighboring countries can be changed in the border areas and also at casas de cambio. Beware of fake notes. In smaller cities changing of traveler’s checks is not possible.

American Express is the most popular accepted brand. You may also change other brands. For further information please jump to my next post “Travel Information of Bolivia 2”.

For currency conversion visit:
www.xe.com

Once in La Paz

“Bueno dias Senores y Senoras, Bien Venido en voelo de mi pais, Bolivia, America del Sur. Gracius por sus preferencia”, these Spanish announcements came from the captain of VARIG, the national Brazilian Airlines bound for La Paz from Sao-Paulo, one of the famous Brazilian international airports. We started our journey from CST airport, Mumbai in April 2003. We reached Johannesburg of South Africa by Emirates airlines. We flew to Sao Paulo by South African airlines crossing the gigantic Atlantic. We left Sao Paulo by Brazilian airlines. When we took off from Sao Paulo we noticed one strange thing : the caution words, even the names of different things in the aircrafts were in Spanish language. We tried to make out the meaning but could understand a little. Of course we could make the cabin crews realize our needs by moving our heads and hands as a dumb did. We were thrilled when we were flying over the Amazan forest of Brazil. In the aircraft we ate strange but delicious foods. After two hour flight we touched Viru Viru International airport of Santa Cruz. As transit passengers we stayed for thirty minutes in the airport. Then we again flew away to La Paz. From aircraft we could see the Rocky Mountains, the red hills, the biggest and highest lake-the Titicaca. While landing we saw the snow covered mountain of La Paz. Cabin crew was describing the beauty but we could not understand. We landed in El Alto airport of La Paz. It is the highest capital city in the world. And the airport is higher than the city center.

It was 12:30 pm Bolivian local time. We finished the immigration formalities. Upon arrival to Bolivia we became illiterate people as we could understand neither writing nor speaking. So we were just watching the beautiful arrival hall of the airport. One of the policemen in civil dress noticed us. He suspected us but after interrogation he realized that our documents were okay, the only problem with us was the language problem. He offered his help and helped us change our currency. We became happy to see the Bolivian Peso (currency).

The biggest problem we began to face was that outside temperature was 7°C that was intolerable to us. We made phone calls to one of the friends whom advised us to move to Santa Cruz. So we hired a taxi and got ready to go to La Paz bus terminal. Actually natural sight left and right was so beautiful which is difficult to describe in words. The weather was transparent but chilly. In the terminal we all of our cloths but we could not prevent the chill. Another problem we began to face and that was the finding of a “Toilet”. A hundred times we uttered the words like, toilet, urinal, refreshment room, bathroom, and restroom but to no result. We could not make that realize us. Then one of my fellow travelers by some acting showed his need. People around us laughed at us. Then a girl showed us to a line of toilets. The word we found there "baño" instead of a "bathroom".

Really it was obviously enjoyable being in La Paz. A local guide informed us that the whole country was not at that time. La Paz being the very high city was cold. Sometimes people experience breathing problem in this high altitude. Bolivia being in the heart of South America is well connected by road. Anyway, we proceeded to the bus ticket counter. White skinned sales girls approached us for buying tickets. They began to lecture on the specialties of their respective buses but we being illiterate of their language, remained irresponsive. We could buy tickets for Cosmos, a famous transport agency. The bus was expected to leave La Paz at 8 pm. So, we had seven hours in hand to spend in La Paz.

In the chilly atmosphere we went out for lunch and sight seeing. We stepped into a “pencion” (a hotel) to eat “ala muerzo” (lunch). The manager asked for our desire “economico, o cuarto o soda? “ We looked at face only. Fried chicken with fried rice came with some noodles. Hotel boy served knife, spoon soft drink but no water. We needed water to drink but the reply came “no agua” (no water). We had to leave the hotel with a part of our belly vacant.

Roaming by the roadside we saw the beautiful hilly city, vehicles plying along the hilly streets on the righten side. We could see the icy mountain dazzling with sunlight. We could not walk any more because of intolerable chill. Our big air-conditioned bus left La Paz for Santa Cruz at 8 pm. We began to proceed along the hilly street. From the high mountainside, we could see La Paz city with her marvelous beauty.

Greetings from Star Network S A, Lima

There is always a great interest in Asian students to study abroad especially in American territory. But now a days practically it has become very difficult to get a US visa particularly for the middle class families because, visa relates to the financial capability of the parents of the prospective students. As a result, a large number of potential talents remain unflourished. But it is a matter of great hope that education in some South American countries is comparatively cheaper than that of US institutions. Additionally, the visa matters is also within the reach of many middle class families.

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Right now, our service includes direct admission into Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador and Colombia universities. We also provide tourist and business visa information. Shortly we are expanding our services in Chile, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama, Surinam, Guyana, Uruguay and Mexico.

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