Bolivia, officially dubbed as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in central South America, bordered by Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Paraguay. The country is known for its striking geographic diversity — such as the high Andes Mountains, Salar de Uyuni; the world’s largest salt flat, and the Amazon rainforest lowlands, alongside a rich Indigenous heritage and vibrant cultures that strongly influence daily life, clothing, and festivals.
Sucre, located in the south-central part of the country, is the official capital of Bolivia. However, La Paz, situated high in the Andes — one of the highest cities in the world, is the administrative capital. While Sucre is the judicial centre of the country that house the Supreme Court, and known for being the 'White City' due to its colonial architecture, La Paz is the executive and legislative seat of government, famous for its dramatic setting in a canyon and nearby Mount Illimani, which towers over the city. It also has a unique cable car system used for public transport.
Floods, droughts, wildfires and landslides — often occurring during the rainy season (Nov – Mar) or dry season (May – Oct).
Traffic fines are mainly split into three categories (with examples);
Many fines are handled on-the-spot where you would receive a ticket, which you pay at a bank or an official office. If an officer asks for cash payment on the spot, this may be unofficial — a bribe, or their attempt of a shortcut to avoid paperwork. So, if you're stopped, ask for a written ticket, don't hand over your passport unless necessary, and if something feels wrong, ask to go to a police station.
Other offences to keep in mind are:
Bolivia has 37 official languages, including: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani and Tapieté.
In Bolivia, vehicles drive on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. While the minimum renting age is usually 21, some rental companies allow drivers 18 or older to rent a car, though drivers under 21 must often pay a young driver surcharge. UK drivers should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Bolivia, especially for authorities and rental companies.
Bolivia is not an easy country to drive in. Only about 30% of roads are paved, where rural roads can be gravel or dirt, full of potholes or affected by landslides or flooding, along with mountain roads can be narrow and dangerous, and road signs and lighting are often limited. If you're planning to drive outside cities, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. Also, be careful during season (Nov – Mar) as flooded or washed-out roads can occur, as well as animals (llamas and cows) on roads, low driving standards, and frequent roadblocks and protests disrupting travel.
The most common types of fuel in Bolivia are gasolina (petrol), diesel and GNV (gas), and payment is mostly done by cash. When filling up, you must bring your passport and vehicle documents. Foreign vehicles/tourists may have to pay fuel at a higher official rate compare to locals — often 2 – 3 times more, and some stations may prioritise locals, restrict diesel from foreigners, and limit on how much fuel you can buy due to fuel shortages. Expect long queues at petrol stations and very limited availability in rural areas. If you are planning to travel, especially to remote areas, start searching early for a station to fill up before departure, and to refuel when your tank hits halfway. A jerry can is highly recommended to carry extra fuel for long stretches. Also, try to focus on going to larger stations as they are more likely to properly serve tourists.
The limit is 0.05%
Seat belts are required, but not always enforced.
There are no legal restrictions on children sitting in the front seat or requirements for specialized restraints.