About Bolivia

Juicy, bright and the most mountainous and isolated country in the world – Bolivia rightfully bears the title of “most-most”, here every object is a record, no attraction is the only one in the world. The colorful colors of Indian carnivals and folk costumes, the bright tastes of national cuisine, the breathtaking highland landscapes and the great heritage of ancient civilizations – all this makes Bolivia forever settle in the heart of everyone who has been here.

Geography of Bolivia

According to calculatorinc, Bolivia is located in the center of South America, bordering Brazil in the north and northeast, Paraguay in the southeast, Argentina in the south, Chile and Peru in the southwest and west, respectively. The country is landlocked, but leases a small coastal area from Peru. On the territory of Bolivia with a total area of 1,098,580 km², there is a wide variety of geographical zones, including the Andes and the Altiplano plateau in the west, low plains with Amazonian rainforests in the east. The highest point of the country is the extinct volcano Sahama, whose height is 6542 meters above sea level. Large Lake Titicaca is located on the border of Peru and Bolivia. In the southwest of the country is the world’s largest Uyuni salt marsh.

Capital

Sucre

Area

The area of Bolivia is 1,098,580 km2. sq., occupies the 27th place in the world by area.

Population

10 461 053

Currency

The national currency is Boliviano (BOB).

Language

Official language – Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani and 33 other languages

Visa to Bolivia

Citizens of the Russian Federation will need to apply for a visa to visit Bolivia. This can be done at the border, however, its registration at the Consulate of Bolivia in Moscow is preferable and will require less red tape with documents. Leaving aside all standard foreign visa requirements, Bolivia also requires at least 6 months of validity of a foreign passport at the time of leaving the country, as well as a mandatory yellow fever vaccination not earlier than 10 days before entering the country. A tourist visa allows you to stay in Bolivia for about 30 days, it can be issued at the consular department for free, but when you receive a visa at the border, you will have to pay a visa fee of 360 BOB (about 10 US dollars) for it.

Weather in Bolivia

Bolivia is located in the Tropic of Capricorn, which provides it with a variety of climatic conditions. Their difference depends directly on the height. Tropical and subequatorial climate prevails in the flat regions, and sharply continental in the mountainous regions. The seasonality here is directly opposite to Russia, the rainy summer in Bolivia lasts from September to February, on the plains at this time the temperature is +32.. 34 ° C, and in the mountainous regions it ranges from +13 to +20 ° C. In winter, it is quite comfortable on the plains: +20.. 22 °C, but in the mountains you can freeze: +5.. 11 °C. Bolivia is a unique country from a climatic point of view, there are two poles of extreme temperatures that can be observed at the same time of the year. This is Puerto Suarez with incredible scorching heat and the salty desert of Uyuni, famous for its icy winds.

Currency exchange in Bolivia

The national currency of Bolivia is the Boliviano (BOB). For exchange, it is most profitable to import the euro, a little less popular, but the liquid currency is the US dollar. You can exchange currency almost everywhere: at the airport, train stations, banks, travel agencies, hotels and currency exchange offices called “casas de cambio”. The exchange rate is almost the same, but at the airport it can be a little overpriced. Most exchangers work only until 17:00 – 18:00, only a few of those located in the major cities of La Paz and Santa Cruz operate at a later time. It is recommended to exchange currency with “cambists”, private money changers only in exceptional cases and in small amounts, since cases of fraud are not uncommon. Withdrawing funds from a bank card and cashing traveler’s checks is possible only in major cities of Bolivia, cashed funds are more often issued in denominations of 50-100 WWII, less often in dollars. The standard commission is 5%. In provincial cities, exchange offices and bank branches are extremely rare.

Electricity

Mains voltage 110-220V 50Hz in La Paz, 220V, 50HZ in other cities and towns of the country. Sockets universal round with two pins, suitable for both types of voltage.

Religion

According to the latest survey of the population, 59% of the inhabitants of Bolivia are Catholics, 15% are Incanists, 11% are Protestants, 12% are atheists and agnostics, Buddhists and others – 3%. Bolivian government recognizes the Catholic Apostolic Romanesque Church.

Security

Bolivia is considered a country as safe for foreign tourists as it is possible in South America. Unfortunately, recently there has been an increase in petty crime, more and more tourist places are pickpocketing. There are also frequent cases of deception when you are met by fake guides, policemen and other officials. Taxis are also safer to order over the phone rather than hailing on the street. Be careful when crossing the road, traffic in Bolivia is chaotic and the use of brakes is not popular among the locals.

Health

Tap water in Bolivia is not safe, so bottled water is recommended for drinking, brushing teeth, and washing fruits and vegetables. It is also worth protecting yourself from the gift of nature – the sun, in the highlands and near lakes it can be extremely dangerous and very active. Be sure to wear headgear and use high SPF protection. At the first time upon arrival, you may develop altitude sickness, do not strain your body with heavy physical exertion in the first few days. It is safe to eat in Bolivia both in expensive restaurants and in unpretentious roadside eateries, where you will be prepared all the same, but ten times cheaper. Do not forget to take out medical insurance, this is a highly recommended item for any trip!

About Bolivia

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