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Money & currency

Money in Bolivia

Updated 2026-08-15

Money & Currency
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Boliviano (BOB)

Currency code: BOB

Practical Money Tips

Currency & Exchange

Bolivia's currency is the boliviano (BOB). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels and tour agencies — particularly in La Paz, Uyuni and Copacabana — but always at an exchange rate set by the vendor. For the best rates, exchange dollars or euros at casas de cambio (exchange houses) in city centres rather than at airports or hotels. Street money changers are common but carry counterfeit risk. Keep small-denomination boliviano notes for markets, transport and rural areas where change for large bills is scarce.

ATMs & Cash Access

ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are available in all major cities — La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Sucre, Potosí — and dispense bolivianos. Most accept Visa and Mastercard; American Express is rarely supported. Per-transaction withdrawal limits are on the low side and a fee applies per withdrawal — worth checking current limits alongside any international-card ATM fee, since both vary and change over time. In smaller towns like Copacabana, Coroico, Rurrenabaque and Uyuni, ATMs exist but can run out of cash or go offline. Always carry a cash reserve when leaving major cities.

Card Acceptance

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants and shops in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. Outside these cities, card acceptance drops sharply. Tour operators for Salar de Uyuni trips, Death Road biking and jungle tours in Rurrenabaque often prefer cash or charge a surcharge for card payments. Contactless payments are emerging in modern establishments but remain uncommon. Notify your bank of travel to Bolivia to avoid blocked transactions.

Cash Strategy

Bolivia is predominantly a cash economy outside major urban centres. Carry enough bolivianos for multi-day excursions (Uyuni three-day tours, jungle trips, Titicaca crossings) where ATMs are unavailable. Small bills (BOB 10, 20, 50) are essential — market vendors, minibus drivers and rural shops often cannot break BOB 100 or 200 notes. US dollars in small denominations serve as useful emergency backup. Keep cash distributed across bags and use hotel safes where available.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

What is Bolivia's currency and what denominations should I carry?

The boliviano (BOB) comes in coins of 10, 20 and 50 centavos plus BOB 1, 2 and 5, and notes of BOB 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Carry plenty of BOB 10 and 20 notes for daily expenses — markets, transport and street food. Larger notes are hard to break outside banks and supermarkets.

Can I use US dollars or euros in Bolivia?

US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels and tour agencies. Euros are less common but can be exchanged at casas de cambio in major cities. For everyday purchases — markets, local restaurants, transport — you need bolivianos. Rural areas are cash-only in local currency.

Are ATMs reliable in Bolivia?

ATMs work reliably in La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Sucre. In smaller towns (Uyuni, Copacabana, Rurrenabaque, Coroico) ATMs exist but can be empty, offline or have long queues. Withdraw enough cash in a major city before heading to remote areas. Per-transaction limits are on the low side — check the current figure with your own bank alongside any international-card fee.

Is tipping expected in Bolivia?

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, a tip of around ten per cent is customary if service charge is not included. Tour guides and drivers on multi-day excursions (Uyuni, Madidi) expect a modest daily tip, customary rather than fixed. Hotel porters and taxi drivers are not typically tipped.

How much does a typical day cost in Bolivia?

Bolivia is one of South America's most affordable countries — check current price ranges before budgeting rather than relying on a fixed figure. Budget travellers covering hostel accommodation, local meals, transport and entry fees spend considerably less than mid-range travellers getting private rooms, restaurant meals and organised tours. The three-day Uyuni tour varies noticeably by the level of comfort chosen, from basic to considerably more comfortable operators.

Should I bring new or old US dollar bills?

Bring clean, unmarked US dollar bills printed after 2006. Torn, marked, worn or pre-2006 bills are routinely rejected by exchange houses and vendors. This applies across South America but is particularly strict in Bolivia. Small denominations (USD 1, 5, 10, 20) are more useful than large ones.

Can I pay for Salar de Uyuni tours with a credit card?

Some agencies in La Paz and Uyuni accept credit cards, but many charge a surcharge of three to five per cent or prefer cash. If booking from Uyuni town directly, cash is the safer option. Bring enough bolivianos or US dollars for the full tour cost plus spending money for the three days.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Bolivia overview.

Visaja keeps this page's contact details and visa guidance under continuous review — still, requirements can change at short notice, so confirm the essentials with the mission or the official government portal before you travel.