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Is Bolivia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Bolivia can be generally safe for solo female travelers, but exercising certain precautions is crucial. Be cautious about petty thefts and pickpocketing commonly occur in crowded places. Solo female travelers may receive unwanted attention, but this can be avoided by dressing modestly and acting confidently. It's recommended to avoid isolated places, especially at night and always inform someone trustworthy about your whereabouts. Using official taxis instead of mini-buses can help ensure safety in terms of transportation. Although instances of political unrest may occur, these are usually confined to certain areas and can be avoided by staying updated with local news.

Bolivia is currently ranked #95 safest country for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

Safety rating

4 /5

Based on 10 travel experiences

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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How safe is Bolivia?

Safety at night:Unsafe

Walking alone at night in Bolivia can be risky as petty crimes and muggings are reported, especially in major cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz. It is always advised to use a reputable taxi company if you're traveling at night rather than walking. And, when possible, stay in well-lit areas and avoid less crowded places for personal safety reasons.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Bolivia is quite an experience. It is mostly reliable, but can be chaotic and unpredictable in big cities. Buses, trams, and taxis can be crowded, especially during rush hour. While rare, there have been instances of crime in public transportation, usually petty theft. It's not uncommon to encounter issues with road safety and driving standards. As a female traveler, it is advised to keep your belongings secure and try to travel during daylight hours when possible. However, for the most part, locals are friendly and will go out of their way to help if you are showing signs of discomfort or confusion.

Street harassment:Moderate

In Bolivia, street harassment is present but not excessively prevalent. Travelling as a woman alone can attract unwanted attention and catcalling in various cities especially in major tourists spots and city centers. Although some female travellers have reported incidents, many have not experienced this at all. It is encouraged to take precautions such as avoiding isolated areas particularly at night and dressing modestly.

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Bolivia, occurrences of petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing are quite common, especially in crowded places and tourist-heavy areas. There is a tendency for distraction scams to be run by small crews focusing on unsuspecting travelers. Personal belongings need to be monitored closely at all times and it would be wise not to display valuable possessions conspicuously. It's important to take safety measures such as staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Tap water:Unsafe

Tap water in Bolivia is commonly considered not safe to drink, especially for foreigners or travelers who are not accustomed to the environment as it might cause gastrointestinal issues. Always opt for bottled water or bring a reliable water purification system to mitigate risks.

Is Bolivia safe to travel?

4 /5

Based on 10 experiences

Solo travel experience

Bolivia is probably the cheapest country in Latin America! The locals are super welcoming and polite, and because tourist infrastructure is still developing, prices are low and it can get a bit messy to get from one place to another. Still, the country is beautiful, from salt flats, to the rainforest jungle, to crazy colonial cities. In terms of safety it felt super okay, just had to be a bit careful after dark, but not worse than any other surrounding country!

Posted: June 16, 2024Experienced: March, 2024

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Solo travel experience

I travelled solo across Bolivia for 20 days. I started my journey in Sucre, then went to Uyuni, and later to La Paz. I was worried initially, but now I can say that I felt really safe. I used local buses, taxis and visited a lot of places. My only recommendation for Bolivia is to beware of scams. One guy sold me a bus ticket to another city at double the price.

Posted: October 24, 2023

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Solo travel experience

I felt quite safe as a solo traveler, but of course with a certain general awareness. Bolivia is such a beautiful country with charming people and I would definitely recommend going there. I flew to La Paz and it was a bad idea because I got altitude sickness. I would recommend flying to a lower-lying city because it's really hard to know whether you're susceptible to it or not.

Posted: October 11, 2023

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Solo travel experience

I was in Bolivia and I really liked this country because of its diversity. It has mountains with glaciers, lakes full of flamingos, endless salt flats, jungle and pampas. As for safety, I was alone, I didn't speak Spanish, and yet I felt safe.

Posted: September 3, 2023

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Solo travel experience

Bolivia is an underrated, hidden gem. Unbelievable urban landscapes (cable cars in La Paz), the Amazon jungle, desert, salt flats and the tranquil island on Lake Titicaca. Throughout my stay, I felt completely safe, and the costs were quite low. I don't speak Spanish very well, but I enjoyed what little I did learn. I traveled around using domestic flights, long and short distance buses, taxis and cable cars. I spent two weeks there and can't recommend it enough.

Posted: August 16, 2023

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Is Bolivia safe right now?

Before your visit to Bolivia, it's essential to check travel advisories for Bolivia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

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United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: June 6, 2024

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Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the ongoing political and social tensions, which result in frequent roadblocks throughout the country. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 23, 2024

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Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

Certainly! Here is the redacted and formatted version of the text: --- The Australian government advises to **exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.** Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 12, 2024

Is Bolivia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 10 experiences

Solo travel experience

Definitely visit salar de uyuni the salt flats. It looks like you are in Mars. I stayed there 3 and half months and also worked to there. It's easy place to live low cost cos you cand work and get free accommodation or even some food.

Posted: July 16, 2024Experienced: November, 2014

Things to do: 4/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 3/5

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Mirian

Peru

Solo travel experience

Bolivia is amazing, I was in La Paz, Uyuni and Potosi, I loved La Paz a lot, you cannot miss doing the Camino de la Muérete, it is an unforgettable adventure, Uyuni I recommend only doing the 2-day tours and Potosí does not have much to visit but I loved the city, it is very beautiful, you can stay a few days to rest from the noise and traffic of big cities, I recommend Hostel Koala in Potosí and you can find it at Hostelworld.

Posted: February 7, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet locals in Bolivia

Meet local women in Bolivia who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

carla

About Me

Hello, I am a person who likes to learn new things. and meet new people and show my city. I like to dance

Speaking

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Wendy

About Me

Hello! My friends call me Dy or Dydy. I love meeting new people and I also love listening to their adventures (I am not traveling yet).

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Bolivia

Stay with local women in Bolivia who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Wendy

La Paz