Travel Information From Caribbean Netherlands to Bolivia

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Routine Vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (Influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Bolivia.
Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages to Bolivia.

Malaria

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Bolivia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Measles

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Bolivia. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Bolivia, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available.
Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.
Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include
• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas
Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Bolivia.

Typhoid

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Yellow Fever

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age.1
Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months of age traveling to the following areas <2,300 m (7,546 ft) in elevation and east of the Andes Mountains: the entire departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas (see Map 2-02) of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija departments. Not recommended for travelers whose itineraries are limited to areas >2,300 m (7,546 ft) in elevation and all areas not listed above, including the cities of La Paz and Sucre.

You will need 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the date of entry.

Local Phrases Language : Spanish

Local Phrases :

Greetings

Hello = Hola
Good morning = Buenos dias
Good afternoon = Buenas tardes
Goodbye = Adiós
Nice to meet you = Encantada de conocerte(feminine)
Encantado de conocerte(masculine)

Conversational

How are you? = Cómo estás
I am good thank you = estoy bien gracias
What’s your name? = Cuál es tu nombre?
My name is … = Me llamo …
Do you speak English? = Habla usted Inglés?
I don’t speak … = no hablo...
How do you say… in … = Cómo se dice... en...
I don’t understand = no entiendo

Basics

Yes = Sí
No = No
Please = Por favor
Thank you = Gracias
You’re welcome = De nada
Excuse me (as a question) =
Excuse me (as sorry) =
Wait = Esperar
Hurry up = Apresúrate
Go away = Vete
Let’s go to = Vamos a
I want to go to … = Quiero ir a …
A little bit = Un poco
A lot = Mucho

Shopping & Eating Out

Restaurant = Restaurante
Do you have? … = Tienes? …
Not too spicy = no demasiado picante
It was delicious = Estaba delicioso
The bill, please = La cuenta, por favor
How much? = Cuanta(feminine)
Cuanto(masculine)
Very expensive = Muy cara(feminine)
Muy caro(masculine)

Transportation & Directions

Taxi = Taxi
Car = Coche
Bus = Autobús
Right = Derecha(feminine)
Derecho(masculine)

Left = Izquierda(feminine)
Izquierdo(masculine)

Straight = Derecha(feminine)
Derecho(masculine)

Stop here = Deténgase aquí

Places

Downtown = Centro
Street = Calle
Hotel = Hotel
Museum = Museo
Mall = Centro comercial
Market = Mercado
Hospital = Hospital
Doctor = Médica(feminine)
Médico(masculine)

Time & Dates

What time is it? = Qué hora es?
Today = Este Dia
Tomorrow = Mañana
The day after tomorrow = Pasado mañana
Yesterday = El dia de ayer
When? = Cuándo?

Emergencies

Where is the toilet? = Donde esta el inodoro?
Help me, please = Ayudame por favor
Call an ambulance = Llama una ambulancia
I don’t feel good = no me siento bien

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Illegal bars exist in Bolivia. You may be detained for questioning if you are caught at one of these, particularly if drugs are found within the premises. Bolivia is the world’s third largest producer of cocaine. There are harsh penalties for those caught trafficking or in possession. The minimum sentence is 8 years and prison conditions are very basic. Be very careful with your luggage and belongings and avoid any contact with illegal drugs. Ayahuasca is a traditional plant used in “spiritual cleansing” ceremonies by indigenous communities in Bolivia, primarily in the Amazon region, but also near La Paz. This ceremony involves the consumption of a brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an hallucinogenic drug. Consumption of this brew is not regulated and its interaction with existing medical conditions is not well understood. People have suffered serious illnesses and in some cases death after participating in these ceremonies. Some Ayahuasca retreats are some distance from populated areas making it difficult to access medical attention for those who need it. Be careful especially when carrying cameras or binoculars when travelling off the beaten track, particularly in coca-growing areas such as the Chapare and the Yungas. Check before taking photographs of local people. Homosexuality is not illegal, but is frowned upon by the majority of Bolivians, more so in the Altiplano than in Santa Cruz, where attitudes tend to be more liberal. Police and immigration officials sometimes carry out ID checks. You can keep a photocopy of the pages from your passport containing your personal details and the Bolivian immigration stamps with you, and leave the original document in a safe place.

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La Paz

Sucre is a city in the southern highlands of Bolivia. The whitewashed Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia’s Declaration of Independence was signed, houses galleries related to the city's past as the national capital. Also on Plaza 25 de Mayo, the main square, is the Catedral Metropolitana, an ornate colonial church. Nearby is the Museo Universitario Charcas USFXCH, featuring religious artifacts and contemporary art.

Customs Allowances : Click Here

Robbery

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. 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.

Kidnapping

The areas where kidnappings are most likely to occur in La Paz include Plaza Abaroa, Plaza Humboldt (Zona Sur), Plaza Isabel La Católica, Plaza del Estudiante, Plaza San Francisco, and the Altiplano, as well as the downtown area of the city.
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.

Drug Crime

There is an ongoing drug problem in Bolivia, particularly since it happens to be the third largest cocaine producer in the world. 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.

Spilled Substance Scam

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.

Fake Police Scam

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).

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.

False Tourist Scam

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.
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.
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.

International Driving Permit 1949 is required

• The most common religion in Bolivia is Roman Catholicism
• Don't wear expensive-looking jewellery, watches and - Don't carry a large amount of cash.
• Don't talk about money and business over a dinner - it's frowned upon. Save it for the boardroom.
• Don't take photos of the natives - you might "steal their soul". Always ask for permission.
• Don't be surprised by Bolivians standing very close, touch and maintain strong eye contact while conversing.
• Don't forget the "express kidnappings" are common in La Paz and bigger towns - a crime, where victims are robbed typically aboard of taxi, and forced to withdraw money from ATMs.
• Don't enter a bus without saying hello - locals are friendly and always enter a trufis (public bus) by greeting the rest with "buenos dias" or "buenas tardes".
• Don't accept the food at first time when offered - it's polite to insist the host.
• Don't get distracted by sprayed water - it can be an attempt for petty crime.
• Don't forget to take your own toilet paper and other toiletries when travelling.
• Don't take pictures of locals without permission.
• Don't expect everything will go smoothly when visiting in wet season - wet weather can cause some delays.
• Don't be surprised with unpunctuality - up to 30 mins late is nothing unusual.

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Bolivia?

Travel insurance is very important when traveling overseas. We strongly recommend that you take out cover to travel to Bolivia. You can usually take out single trip or annual multi-trip cover to give you peace of mind should anything happen.

It can be a better and cheaper option to take annual multi-trip cover as it usually covers any number of trips taken in one year with a maximum of up to around 60 days away per trip.

We work with the top names in the industry and have already pre-selected the easiest, cheapest and best quality travel insurance on the market to save you time and money trying to find the best cover.

Travel insurance typically covers the following; however, you can tailor a policy to suit your needs depending on where you are traveling to, your activities and how long you are away.

• Medical Expenses
  Medical treatment can be extremely costly and add up very quickly, and include Overnight stays in hospital, minor or major surgery, accident and emergency treatment, drugs, COVID-19 treatment, journey home if you cannot use the original ticket, dental treatment, and many more unexpected expenses.
• Baggage and personal belongings
  If your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed it is extremely frustrating. If you must buy new clothes, toiletry products or personal belongings it can be very expensive and time consuming.
• Cancellation
  Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances you may need to cancel your trip. This could be due to several reasons such as illness, injury, a bereavement or many other scenarios. Usually airlines, tour operators and hotels have large cancellation fees, so buying travel insurance that covers this is recommended.

Health Care

Healthcare System in Bolivia

Healthcare of Bolivia is ranked 106th in the world. Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in the Americas, and the public health system is extremely limited.

Health Risk

Leptospirosis

Caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.

Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis)

Occurs from accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth.

Dengue

Occurs from insect bites, including mosquitoes.

Leishmaniasis

Occurs from sand fly bite.

Zika

Occurs from mosquito bite.

Hantavirus

Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Caused from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.