Bolivia
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 12.6 million people live in Bolivia, on 1,098,581 km². The capitals are La Paz and Sucre.
- Capital
- La Paz and Sucre
- Population
- 12,581,843
- Area
- 1,098,581 km²
- Official languages
- Spanish, Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Bolivia?
Sockets take plug type A/C, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Bolivia?
Call 110 for the police, 118 for an ambulance and 119 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Bolivia?
About 10 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Bolivia?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Bolivia?
Prices are in Bolivian Boliviano (BOB).
What language do they speak in Bolivia?
Official languages: Spanish, Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani.
How do I call a number in Bolivia from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +591.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
