ARRIVE TO LA PAZ: On arrival at La Paz International Airport, you will find a 24 hour taxi rank outside (all the taxis are white). You shouldn’t have too much of a problem getting a taxi as they all wait in an orderly line outside the terminal and are fairly safe to use. The cost of a taxi from the airport to our hotel in La Paz should be approx. 50-80 Bolivianos (approx. USD $ 10).
The drive from the airport to La Paz offers a spectacular views Please note that Bolivian hotels will usually not accept or change US$ cash or travellers cheques, so make sure you change enough at the airport. You may also want to stock up on bottled water at the airport. It’s very important that you drink lots of water and don’t exert yourself when you first arrive into La Paz airport – it is over 4000 metres above sea level and you will feel the effects immediately! We also recommend that you get a trolley for your luggage even if only walking a short distance.
BRINGING MONEY: The best way is to bring with you 1 or 2 ATM cards, could be Visa which is the most widely accepted, also cash and travellers cheques in US Dollars. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that you may bring into Bolivia, however very large sums should be declared on arrival.
When you arrive to the airport in La Paz, please change enough money for your fist day tour, specially if it is a weekend. Exchange offices in the city centre close weekdays at 5pm and Saturdays at midday. Sundays they are closed all day. Take in account that at the airport you can only change cash (not traveller’s cheques) at the, but there are ATM’s at the airport and in the city centre where you can get money out 24hrs a day.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS: it is a recurrent illness in the cities of the highland, is called soroche or altitude sickness, that is usually accompanied with headaches, nausea and a decrease of the arterial pressure. Although there is not an completely effective way to avoid it, the visitor should follow these advises: During the first 24 hours, don't carry out long walks or carry heavy suitcases or backpacks. Try not to get tired too much in the first day. Rest and avoid heavy foods and alcohol, because the digestion process is longer in the cities of height.
You should be wary of drinking the local tap or boiled water. Bottled water and carbonated soft drinks are widely available and are generally safe to drink. If you want to order still bottled water, ask for agua natural sin gas. Make sure it is sin sabor (without flavour). Do not eat raw vegetables or milky products, as cheese, yogurt and milk, ice or ice creams of doubtful origin, because they could be made with faucet water.
VACCINATION: Tourists coming from countries in those that cases of yellow fever have been reported, should present a vaccination certificate to enter Bolivia. That is the only immunisation document that is requested.
And if you are thinking to visit the jungle it is better the vaccination to yellow fever and Malaria.
SECURITY: Bolivia is one of the safer countries in South America. Like anywhere in the world, but care should be taken, especially whilst walking around the larger cities. Try to keep away from dark quiet areas if on your own, particularly late at night and try to always take a taxi.. We suggest that whenever possible you leave all of your important documents in the hotel safe. However you should always carry some form of ID or a photocopy of your passport. It is advisable not to wear expensive looking watches or jewellery and don’t carry a wallet in your back pocket or carry loose hanging bags. Keep your camera concealed when not in use. Remember that most thieves don't use violence but rely mostly on diversionary tactics which can take place at anytime of the day or night. Do not be paranoid, but just be aware that it could happen at anytime. Always be vigilant and the chances are nothing will ever happen to you. To care our passengers is one of the most important things for us.
