Money
- Currency: Boliviano (BOB). U.S. dollars accepted in some hotels and larger shops.
- ATMs: Widely available in cities, but not always reliable in smaller towns—carry some cash when traveling rural.
- Exchange Tips: Banks and money exchange offices (casas de cambio) give fair rates. Avoid exchanging with street vendors. Always carry small bills and coins for markets, colectivos, and smaller shops.
Tipping in Bolivia
Tipping is not always mandatory, but it’s appreciated and becoming more common in tourist areas.
- Restaurants: 5–10% is polite if service is not already included. In some places, a “servicio” fee is added to the bill.
- Taxis: Not expected, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
- Hotels: Small tips (5–10 BOB) for porters or housekeeping staff are a nice gesture.
- Tours & guides: Tipping your guide (about 10% of the tour price) and drivers (5–10 BOB) shows appreciation for their service but is not expected.
- Markets & small shops: No tipping is expected.