How much does Bolivia cost?
Bolivia is one of South America's most affordable destinations. Prices are quoted in bolivianos (Bs), with roughly 6.9 Bs to 1 USD. Your daily spend depends heavily on whether you stick to local markets and buses or book private tours and flights.
Daily budgets
- Backpacker: 130-220 Bs (about 19-32 USD) per day. Hostel dorm, set-menu lunches, public transport.
- Mid-range: 250-500 Bs (36-72 USD) per day. Private room, restaurant meals, the occasional tour.
- Comfort: 700 Bs and up (100+ USD) per day. Boutique hotels, domestic flights, guided trips.
Sample prices
- Hostel dorm bed: 50-90 Bs
- Mid-range double room: 200-350 Bs
- Almuerzo (set lunch): 15-30 Bs
- Restaurant dinner: 40-80 Bs
- Salteña (savory pastry): 5-8 Bs
- 1.5L bottled water: 6-8 Bs
- Local beer (Paceña): 12-20 Bs
- City bus or micro: 2-3 Bs
- Long-distance bus (La Paz to Uyuni): 60-120 Bs
- 3-day Uyuni salt flat tour: 800-1,400 Bs
Money and cards
Bolivia is largely a cash economy. ATMs (Banco Nacional, BCP, Banco Union) are common in cities but scarce in small towns and on the Uyuni circuit, so withdraw before heading remote. Carry small notes; vendors rarely break a 100 Bs bill. Cards work in upscale hotels and restaurants in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, but assume markets, buses and tour operators want cash. US dollars are useful as backup and accepted by some tour agencies.
Saving tips
- Eat the daily almuerzo at local comedores for a filling 2-3 course meal.
- Shop at markets like La Paz's Mercado Rodriguez for fruit and snacks.
- Take overnight buses to save a night's accommodation.
- Book Uyuni tours in person in Uyuni town to compare prices and negotiate.
- Travel in the dry season (May-October) but buy bus tickets a day ahead for popular routes.
- Tip modestly; rounding up is enough in most places.
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