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On this page you will find a lot of useful information on how to handle with money in Bolivia.
Boliviano
The currency used in Bolivia is the Boliviano.
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Bs. 5
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Bs. 10
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Bs. 20
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Bs. 50
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Bs. 100
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Bs. 200
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Coins: Bs 5, Bs 2, Bs 1, Bs 0.50, Bs 0.20 y Bs 0.10
It is recommended to take Bolivianos with you when you intend visiting villages, if not you can get into difficulties. Only Bolivianos with a lower value until Bs. 20 are accepted in rural areas
Every series edited has a different characteristic of security. For official information go to www.bcb.gov.bo, Información de Billetes y Monedas en Circulación – the web page of the Bolivian Central Bank.
American Dollar
American dollar is the second most used currency in bigger cities in Bolivia. The Bolivian economy is very much influenced by the dollar, especially hotels, tours and flight tickets are sold in dollars. Other products or services that are very expensive are also expressed in dollar. A small commission is charged for the exchange. E.g. if the official exchange rate is Bs. 7.98 to 1 $ it is exchanged to Bs. 7.96. Try to get small money bills up to 20 $.
In order to see the official exchange rate go to www.bcb.gov.bo
Credit cards
Credit cards are accepted in bigger stores, hotels and restaurants in bigger cities. In villages it is difficult to pay by credit card or to find an ATM. The most accepted credit cards are VISA and MasterCard. American Express is accepted in some places.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's)
You will find ATM's in many places of bigger cities. It is recommended to use these that say “Red Enlace” as these accept credit cards with symbols like maestro, cirrus, mastercard, visa electron, visa... For more information or contact to your bank call from Bolivia: 800 – 103060. You will be connected with your bank without charge.
Travelleres Cheques
In bigger citiers it is possible to change traveler cheques in American dollar. A small commission, however, is charged. They are accepted in most of the better hotels. You should pay attention to always firming the same way and in the adequate space. If not it is possible that the person who receives it gets into problems and has to wait more than one month for a confirmation of exchange. Traveler cheques in other currencies are only accepted in some exchange offices. If you have problems or worries call this number in Bolivia that is free of charge: 800–100252
Euros €
Are accepted by exchange offices in bigger cities, however, you get an exchange rate that is much lower than the official. E.g. If the exchange rate is 9.50 to 1 EUR they will pay you only Bs. 9.
Money exchange
It is recommended to go to an exchange office in order to exchange money. They are a lot more secure and offer better exchange rates. They usually ask for your passport. You can exchange American dollar in most of the banks.
Caution: It was reported that at the International Airport of El Alto a commission of Bs. 20 is charged for each transaction and that they give you a lower exchange. This commission is not charged in other places. It is better to pay the taxi in dollar (approx. 6 USD to the center) and to exchange bigger amounts of money later in the city.
Recommended banks with offices all over Bolivia:
- Banco Nacional de Bolivia
- Banco Bisa S. A.
- Banco Mercantil
- Banco Económico
- Prodem
- Mutual La Paz
Recommended exchange office
- La Paz
- Sudamer. Av Camacho esq. Colón
Money transfer
If you want somebody to send you money the most common way is to do it with Western Union or MoneyGram that operates in various banks and post offices.
Wester Union: www.westernunion.com or call: (2) 211 7777 or (3) 366 869
MoneyGram: www.moneygram.com
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