Bolivia Rules & Etiquette

Rules & Etiquette

There have been numerous reports of women tourists being drugged and raped during jungle excursions from Rurrenabaque. All tourists should be careful when selecting a travel guide and never accept medication from unverifiable sources.

If possible try to take "radio taxis" private cabs by calling them since there have been some incidents at night of fake cabs taken from the streets that are used to steal their occupants.

It is a good idea to register with the consulate of your country of residence upon entry into the country.

Stay healthy Some parts of Bolivia like La Paz(3650), Potosí(4010), Oruro(3950) and the Lake Titicaca region are high altitude, so adequate precautions against "sorojche" altitude sickness should be taken. At local pharmacies they sell sorojchi pills, that are supposed to help with altitude problems. In addition, the sun's ultraviolet rays are much stronger -- up to 20 times -- than at sea level. A sun hat, sunglasses, and skin protection (sunblock or long sleeves) are advised.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those who plan on spending time in the Bolivian Amazon. It must be taken 10 days prior to the person’s arrival into the country if the visitor plans to visit rural areas. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended if the visitor plans to visit tropical-rural areas. As a preventive measure, taking the following vaccines is recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Tetanus, Diphtheria and Measles Booster-Vaccines.

Respect Do not use the word "indigena" or "indio" in Bolivia to describe indigenous people. It is considered offensive. The term they use is "campesino" which translates to farmer. "Cholo" is a campesino who moved to the city, and though originally derogatory, has become more of a symbol of indigenous power. Nevertheless, some locals still use the word cholo as a derogative term.