Bolivia

Boliviahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/boliviaBoliviahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/bolivia/travel-alertWhat are the issues affecting travelers in Bolivia? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2020-11-09T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/bolivia/travel-alerthttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Civil unrest in Bolivia over political tensions – November 2019</h2> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <p>Bolivia is experiencing civil unrest following a failed referendum, which has led to anti-government protests throughout the country. Political and social tension poses a serious risk to your personal safety if you are traveling in Bolivia.</p> <p>Be aware of large crowds congregating in urban areas, as these may turn violent unexpectedly. Stay away from protests or demonstrations.</p> <p>Keep a close eye on local news reports, and be prepared for your travel plans to be disrupted – including transport delays or flight cancellations.</p> <h3>What happened in Bolivia?</h3> <p>Following a presidential election in October 2019, concern grew over electoral fraud when Evo Morales was announced the winner, and an investigation showed "serious irregularities" in the results of the vote. Violent protests erupted, and Morales was told to step down to end the deadly civil unrest, which has so far led to three deaths and hundreds of injuries. </p> <p>A new election will be held, but there is no date yet.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Landslide in La Paz – May 2019</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Landslide in La Paz – May 2019</h2> <p>Hundreds of residents have been displaced as a landslide destroyed hundreds of houses in the San Jorge Kantutani hillside community in the capital, La Paz. The landslide had resulted from heavy rains and ground instability due to a former landfill site. No deaths have been reported, however, five people are still missing. The location has been cordoned off and rescue efforts will begin once the location has been officially declared safe.</p> <p>Travelers should keep updated with local news reports, and government travel advisories and follow all official warnings. Carry identification with you at all times. </p> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.</em></p>Getty Images/George Kalaouzis 1148182634 Getty Images Sunset from El Alto, Mount Illimani in background

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/bolivia/healthy-travels-in-boliviaAre the bathrooms clean, should you worry about altitude sickness? Find out how to stay healthy in Bolivia with these tips.2018-02-26T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/bolivia/healthy-travels-in-boliviahttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#altitude"> Altitude Sickness in Bolivia </a></li> <li><a href="#coca"> Coca Problems in Bolivia </a></li> <li><a href="#weather"> Extreme Weather Conditions in Bolivia </a></li> <li><a href="#illness"> Disease and Illness in Bolivia </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="altitude">Altitude Sickness in Bolivia</h2> <p>Some areas of Bolivia reach extremely high altitudes, like La Paz, which ranges from 11,154 to 13,123 ft above sea level.</p> <p>Western Bolivia is also at a high altitude, including the Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, and the cities of Potosi and Oruro. High altitude can cause a number of health concerns, and it doesn't matter if you're in excellent health, or 87 years old. You could be next.</p> <p>The symptoms of altitude sickness include:</p> <ul> <li>Loss of appetite</li> <li>Fatigue or weakness</li> <li>Nausea or vomiting</li> <li>Dizziness or light-headedness</li> <li>Shortness of breath</li> <li>Pins and needles</li> <li>Persistent rapid pulse</li> <li>Drowsiness</li> <li>Swelling of hands, feet, and face</li> </ul> <p>To <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/how-to-deal-with-altitude-sickness">prevent altitude sickness</a> as much as possible, it's important to take the necessary steps to acclimatize (especially at altitudes of 9,000 ft above sea level or higher), get adequate rest, and listen to your body – if you're exhausted, don't over exert yourself. Coca leaves are a local remedy for altitude sickness but take care when consuming as they do have side effects. Another option is acetazolamide, which is used as a preventative.</p> <p>If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible especially if they don't go away and get worse. Lack of treatment can result in serious complications and at worse, death.</p> <h2 id="coca">Coca Problems in Bolivia</h2> <p>Coca is a commodity in Bolivia, and it's been grown and used in a variety of ways for centuries. Coca-leaf tea is considered a remedy to cure altitude sickness, so don't be surprised if it's offered to you at some point.</p> <p>Additionally, soroche pills – another form of coca medicine meant to treat altitude sickness – also contain high levels of caffeine, and could make you very ill.</p> <p>Chewing Coca leaves is common, and often done as a way to curb appetite. If you do so, be sure to only chew the leaf. Swallowing it can make you very sick.</p> <p>Before you pack your bags, be sure to plan accordingly for any potential health issues so that you can enjoy a healthy, happy and memorable trip.</p> <h2 id="weather">Extreme Weather Conditions in Bolivia</h2> <p>It's important to dress appropriately for severe weather conditions in Bolivia. Especially consider the temperature fluctuations that occur in mountainous areas, particularly during the day compared to night.</p> <p>If you're going on a salt flats tour, pack plenty of layers to keep you warm during both night and day. While it looks sunny, the temperatures might not be what you expected.</p> <p>The reflection of the suns rays off the salt flats will make sunburn a bigger cause for concern. Wear a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and long sleeves to cover your skin as much as possible – you'd hate to have peeling skin on day two of a four-wheel-drive tour across the desert – those bumpy roads won't be ideal on red-raw skin.</p> <h2 id="illness">Disease and Illness in Bolivia</h2> <p>The recommended vaccinations for travel to Bolivia include:</p> <ul> <li>Yellow Fever</li> <li>Hepatitis A</li> <li>Hepatitis B</li> <li>Typhoid</li> <li>Diphtheria</li> </ul> <p>It's also a good idea to get those routine vaccinations up to speed, because nothing will cramp your traveling style like illness does.</p> <p>There's an ongoing problem with <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/risks-symptoms-and-prevention-of-dengue-fever">Dengue Fever</a> in the eastern region of Bolivia, including the city of Santa Cruz. The areas of Pando, Beni, Yacuiba and Paracari have all seen outbreaks of malaria.</p> <p>Dengue and malaria are insect-borne illnesses, so <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/mosquitoes-and-bite-prevention">protect yourself</a> by using a good quality insect repellant (preferably one containing DEET), and wear clothing that covers exposed skin of your arms, legs and feet. Zika virus and Yellow fever are also mosquito-borne diseases you need to protect yourself from. Zika virus is widely transmitted across Bolivia and doesn't have a vaccination so best to take precautions as you would for any mosquito-borne disease.</p> <p>The subtropical areas of Bolivia carry a risk of Yellow Fever. You're advised to get vaccinated for this at least a month prior to traveling as you will need proof upon returning home if you travel from a country which has disease exposure. Some airlines even require that you show proof of this vaccine, and the certificate is necessary if you're planning on applying for a visa.</p> <p>Rabies is a growing problem. If you plan on spending time in more rural areas (although, most of the country could be considered "rural"), you should consider getting a rabies vaccine prior to travel. If you happen to be bitten or even scratched by an animal, even if it's a domestic dog, you should seek medical attention.</p> <p>Other diseases present in Bolivia include cholera, tuberculosis, tetanus, Chagas disease, typhus and Bolivian haemorragic fever.</p> <p>Medical treatment in Bolivia is good in the bigger cities like La Paz, but like a lot of places tends to get a bit sketchy in rural areas. It is likely you will have to pay for treatment up front whether it's a doctor or hospital. Also consider taking a taxi to hospital as they can often be faster than an ambulance.</p> <p>Pharmacies will generally stock most of the medications available in other countries but make sure you get the one supplied by a major manufacturer and check the date before consuming.</p> <h2 id="coca"></h2>iStock/fbxx 0499175654 iStock Watching sunrise over Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/bolivia/crime-and-safetyHow bad is crime in Bolivia? How to travel safely, avoid common scams, dodgy tour operators and keep safe during periods of civil unrest.2020-10-21T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/bolivia/crime-and-safetyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><strong><em><a href="/travel-safety/south-america/bolivia/travel-alert" title="Bolivia travel alert">Read the latest travel alert to find out how COVID-19 restrictions will affect foreign travelers to Bolivia.</a></em></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#crime"> Petty and violent crime in Bolivia </a></li> <li><a href="#politics"> Political climate </a></li> <li><a href="#drugs"> Drug crime </a></li> <li><a href="#nighttime"> Nightlife safety</a></li> <li><a href="#scams"> Common travel scams in Bolivia </a></li> <li><a href="#tours">Tour operator safety in Bolivia </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="crime">Petty and violent crime in Bolivia</h2> <p>The number one travel safety tip is to exercise common sense. Bolivia is a popular destination on the backpacker trail through South America, but petty crime, like pickpocketing and theft, is common – so be aware of your surroundings at all times. This is especially true in the locations popular with visitors: La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Copacabana, and Oruro – particularly during festival times.</p> <p>Thefts at ATMs are also becoming increasingly common, with many of them resulting in assaults. Avoid withdrawing cash especially at night and in secluded or isolated locations.</p> <p>More violent crimes in Bolivia include express kidnappings, which typically involve criminals targeting a foreigner, taking them hostage and driving from ATM to ATM forcing them to withdraw money.</p> <p>The areas where kidnappings are most likely to occur in La Paz include Plaza Abaroa, Plaza Humbolt (Zona Sur), Plaza Isabel La Católica, Plaza del Estudiante, Plaza San Francisco, and the Altiplano, as well as the downtown area of the city.</p> <p>The typical scenario involves the unsuspecting victim boarding a taxi in which the driver is an accomplice. The criminals then also hop in the taxi and proceed to rob, assault and hold the victim hostage. For this reason, it's recommended that you always use reputable cab companies.</p> <p>Tourists are advised to avoid the Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba, located near the main bus terminal. This area has become a haven for drug addicts and alcoholics and is dangerous for both foreigners and locals.</p> <p>A strong police presence has yet to deter the criminal activity, so you're best to steer clear. Additionally, the tourist site of Rurrenabaque has become a popular site for thieves to target lone travelers taking motorbike taxis, so be particularly diligent when visiting this area.</p> <p>Cameras and binoculars are favorites of thieves in the Chapare and the Yungas areas, so hold on to them tightly. Car jackings are also on the rise in these locations.</p> <h2 id="politics">The political climate in Bolivia</h2> <p><a href="/travel-safety/south-america/bolivia/travel-alert" title="Travel alerts for Bolivia">Bolivia is experiencing civil unrest following a failed referendum in October 2019</a>, which has led to anti-government protests throughout the country. Political and social tension poses a serious risk to your personal safety if you are traveling in Bolivia.</p> <p>Elections held in October 2020 may cause further protests and demonstrations across the country. Check your government travel advisory before you make any bookings, and stay up to date with local news reports and media.</p> <p>Protests and demonstrations are common in Bolivia, and while these gatherings are usually peaceful in nature, they can turn violent fast, so foreign travelers should always avoid large crowds – especially during periods of civil unrest.</p> <p>Road blockades are often put up, and travelers should never attempt to cross them. Instead, get yourself out of the area as soon as possible.</p> <p>You may find yourself on the receiving end of a rock thrown by a protester. Police and government authorities can and will use force to disperse protests, and have used tear gas in the past. Never get involved.</p> <h2 id="drugs">Drug crime in Bolivia</h2> <p>There is an ongoing drug problem in Bolivia, particularly since it happens to be the third largest cocaine producer in the world.</p> <p>As a consequence, there are strict laws and penalties for anyone guilty of trafficking or possessing an illegal substance. Offenders could face a minimum prison sentence of eight years.</p> <h2 id="nighttime">Dangers after dark</h2> <p>As with many travel destinations, certain areas pose a greater threat of crime than others, as do certain times of day. Bolivia is a country where traveling after dark is particularly dangerous so caution should be exercised to avoid potential safety issues.</p> <p>Bolivia's vibrant and colorful culture provides a pretty exciting nightlife. But as much fun as you may be having, keep in mind that there are laws in place prohibiting alcohol service after 4 am.</p> <p>You'll certainly find a number of speakeasies that don't honor this law, but there are strict penalties enforced on anyone caught at one of these establishments. The risk multiplies when drugs are present, so don't party too much or you may find yourself facing criminal charges.</p> <p>Cocaine bars can be found in La Paz and they generally target foreigners. Cocaine consumption and trafficking are illegal in Bolivia which can lead to you seeing the inside of a jail cell for a very long time.</p> <p>Travel to and within Copacabana is advised to be done during daylight hours. Bus travel from Copacabana to La Paz overnight is especially dangerous and should be avoided.</p> <p>While it is supposed to be a non-stop trip to the La Paz bus terminal, shady bus drivers are often in cahoots with criminal taxi drivers, and purposely stop short of the destination, ejecting the confused passengers and leaving them with no choice but to hail taxis. Once inside the taxis, victims are robbed of their valuables.</p> <h2 id="scams">Scams to watch out for in Bolivia</h2> <p>Cunning criminals have developed successful scams in an attempt to steal from unsuspecting tourists in Bolivia. Here are three of the more popular ones to watch out for:</p> <h3>1. The "spilled substance" scam</h3> <p>This is a pretty simple, straightforward petty theft scam. A stranger will "accidently" spill something on you (mustard, sauce, etc.) and then another person will come along and offer to help you clean up. While doing so, they will also relieve you of your valuables. If someone drops something on you, handle the clean-up yourself.</p> <h3>2. The "fake police" scam</h3> <p>This con involves criminals posing as police officers, complete with uniforms, realistic-looking identification and even false building fronts that appear to be police stations. These phoney "officers" target foreigners and "arrest" them, often for supposed drug trafficking, and demand payment of a fine on the spot or that you hand over your identification (which they will quickly make off with).</p> <p>If you are ever approached by an officer and aren't sure whether they are legitimate, demand to see a warrant and contact your Embassy immediately. Bus terminals and other busy tourist areas are popular spots for this scam.</p> <h3>3. The "false tourist" scam</h3> <p>In this scam, a friendly fellow "tourist" will approach you and try to befriend you. He or she may suggest you go with them to a friend's home. Don't go - if you do, you will likely be kidnapped and robbed.</p> <p>Another variation involves some phony police officers (in cahoots with the "tourist") accusing your new-found friend of drug possession. They will take both of you to the "station" where all of your belongings will be confiscated.</p> <p>If you meet someone on the street in Bolivia, no matter how nice they seem, be polite but keep going. It's not worth the risk.</p> <p>You should also note that counterfeit banknotes are often circulated so you're advised to only exchange money at reputable places.</p> <h2 id="tours">Tour safety in Bolivia</h2> <p>Many of the tours in Bolivia such as 4WD'ing to Salar de Uyuni, day trips by bike outside of La Paz and others have become popular with tourists, which supports the local economy. However, not all operators have your safety as their priority so it pays to ask around and do your research before booking.</p> <p>Some operators offer tours of local prisons. These are highly illegal not to mention dangerous. It is strongly advised to avoid these lest you wish to end up with the ultimate experience behind bars.</p> <p><strong><a href="/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs" target="_blank" title="Coronavirus FAQs">Wondering how your travel insurance might be affected by COVID-19? Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19</a>.</strong></p>iStock/Starcevic 0521231286 iStock Street vendors in La Paz, Bolivia