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Bolivia Boliviano
The Bolivian currency is the somewhat aptly named boliviano. This is identified by the letters BOB. Each boliviano is divided into 100 centavos.
The currency is issued by the Central Bank of Bolivia (Banco Central de Bolivia) and is in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 centavos, as coins, as well as the 1 boliviano, 2 and 5 boliviano coins. Notes are issued in the denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 bolivianos.
History of the Boliviano
The very first boliviano was introduced into Bolivia in 1864, when it replaced the soles and scudo as the form of currency. It was initially linked to the French franc, then put on a gold standard and then it was linked to the US dollar. However, it experienced real periods of inflation and throughout its history it was effectively devalued time after time. Thus it became somewhat worthless and in 1963 was replaced with the peso boliviano. This was in effect a formal devaluation, since the rate of old bolivianos was 1000 to 1.
However, this did little to actually stabilise the currency. It continued to experience massive inflation and eventually in 1987 a really drastic devaluation took place. A new boliviano was introduced. The exchange rate was 1 new boliviano for 1 million old ones!
This action did seem to stabilise the boliviano and despite its tendency towards inflation, it is still relatively stable (or at least in comparison to what it was).
Getting hold of Bolivianos
Generally there is no real problem with getting hold of bolivianos, since within Bolivia there is an extensive range of ATM machines, that will mean that you can have ready access to cash. You may find, however, that these are predominantly located within the cities and that if you go far from the tourist trail or from cities, it is less easy to get hold of cash. This is a relatively easy problem to solve in the sense that you can just take out enough money to see you through when in the country areas. Within the cities it is also easy to use your credit card, but again in smaller villages or towns, this may not be possible. To save any embarrassment, you should ask if a credit card will be accepted, prior to making any purchase.
If you plan on taking cash or travellers cheques to Bolivia, then you should make sure that these are in either US dollars or euros. It may well be difficult to exchange any British pounds, or even money from other countries, so best stick to euros or US dollars.
You may find that US dollars will be quite readily accepted in the cities, mainly in the hotels as well as tourist shops and if you are buying something that is relatively expensive.
Safeguarding Your Bolivianos
The situation in Bolivia can often be described as 'tense' and as such it may well be advisable that before you book any trip to Bolivia, you ensure that you have ascertained that it is safe to enter the country. However, even if it is safe to travel there, there are still a number of risks that you need to be aware of. These need not necessarily prevent you from travelling, but when you are aware of the potential risks, then you can take action to ensure that they are minimised.
The main problem in Bolivia arises from the political unrest that is in the country. Often wildcat strikes will be called and people will demonstrate at very short notice. This means that roads can often be blocked and people can be unable to access public transport. Effectively this means that you could get stranded in a very inhospitable part of the country, if the road is blocked at a certain point of your journey.
There is also a real risk of 'express kidnaps'. These are kidnaps that are largely opportunistic in the sense that people will spot a foreign national and kidnap them. They are only held whilst the criminals empty the victim's bank account or use their credit card. Due to limits that are often set on debit cards, the victim may be held for a few days until the kidnappers have amassed sufficient funds to be able to release the victim.
These type of kidnappings are particularly prevalent in the border points with Chile and Peru, so if you are crossing into Bolivia at these points, it will be wise to be extra cautious and try not to travel alone. If you are on your won, try to team up with a buddy or couple of buddies, so that you can in effect have safety in numbers.
Jungle excursions that take place from the town of Rurrenabaque pose significant risks for female travellers, particularly those who are travelling alone. This is due to the fact that women have been drugged and then raped when in the town. Robbery usually also takes place. So any women travellers need to be particularly vigilant at all times when in Rurrenabaque or better still find someone to travel with.
Petty crimes are also quite common in Bolivia, so just be sure to safeguard your wallet. You should also be wary of any taxis that are not 'radio taxis'. Radio taxis are clearly marked by the fact that they have a telephone number clearly indicated on the roof of the taxi. They must also not have any other passengers on board. If someone does try to offer you a cheap ride, then do not get in unless you are certain that it is a bona fide taxi, otherwise, you will be taken for a ride and relieved of your personal documents and any money that you have. This is not worth the risk for the few bolivianos extra that you would spend on an official taxi.
It also has to be said that some criminals do pose as police officers. This scam is quite straightforward. They ask you for your documents and then indicate that they need to search you. What they will then do is take your documents, money and wallet or purse and then simply run off (a car may be waiting nearby, so your chances of finding them are slim). So if a police officer does want to search you, remember to ask for a copy of the order from the state prosecutor that allows this search.
But if you have checked that it is safe to travel to Bolivia and you are aware and mindful of the fact that there are risks, then there is no reason why you should not enjoy all that this wonderful country has to offer.
However, for practical reasons it is best to ensure that you take out a quite robust insurance policy when thinking of travelling to Bolivia. If you are kidnapped or something 'goes wrong' you want to be sure that any funds you need will be met by the insurance company, so check out the small print, before you sign up for an insurance policy.
Using Your Bolivianos
Bolivia is a country that is a wonderful place to see some stunning scenery and there are an astonishing array of national parks, numbering around 10 in total, there are also jungles to explore as well as the mountain ranges.
Bolivia is a poor country, with its people experiencing quite grinding poverty and with little hope that this situation will ease in the foreseeable future. However, this means that the cost of living in Bolivia is relatively cheap and you will find that it is relatively cheap to eat, drink and spend time in the country.
Most people who have made the effort to get to Bolivia enjoy venturing into the Amazon, where you will be guided by experienced locals who know a vast amount about all the wildlife and the flora and fauna. Walking through the rainforest is quite a life enhancing experience, but one that is also very humbling.
There is also some exciting sights in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, which has a wonderful city atmosphere. Or you can watch the cutest pink river dolphins playing in the Amazon, or even visit some pre-Inca ruins or a sacred lake. This is the beauty of Bolivia, there is city, wildlife, rainforest, ancient ruins and so on, so no matter what your interests you will find something exciting in Bolivia.
One thing you should be aware of, if you plan to travel around in Bolivia, is that if you plan to drive, you may find that the roads are simply too bumpy and potholed to make driving a pleasure. Flying is always an option and due to the fact that the cost of living here is so low, it is very much a viable option. But if you are strapped for cash or simply want to make sure that you are travelling in as environmentally friendly a way as possible then travel by bus may be the best solution. Some of the buses may travel at night and if a road is blocked off you could be stuck there for a few days, so make sure you have some provisions with you: just in case.
Overview
Despite the risks and the poverty, Bolivia is still a wonderful country to visit and generally people are quite welcoming, mainly because so few visitors (compared to other countries) visit Bolivia. There are also some great handicrafts to buy and rich, woven tapestries that can serve as either wall hangings or rugs. The infamous Bolivian pipes, heard so often in town centres throughout the UK are also a good souvenir to take back!
It is a country of contrasts, where you will see some fantastically modern cities, such as La Paz and then some areas in the rainforest which seem as if they have not been disturbed for thousands of years.
Although it is poor, somehow the people seem to adapt to life without the vast amount of material possessions that westerners seem to value so highly and whilst a few people may feel that they will relieve you of your money and so treat themselves to some more possessions, the vast majority of the people you meet will simply be friendly, generous and welcoming.
Comment
I live in the united states but I have a cheque de gerencia adecreto supremo n 19078 de 28 de julio de 1982 paguese al portador la suma de pesos bolivianos diez mil $b.10,000 banco central de bolivia. how many u.s. dollars can I get for it. text back
— alex general berry the third · Oct 19, 08:09 PM · #
live in the united states but I have a cheque de gerencia adecreto supremo n 20272 de 5 de junio de 1984 paguese al portador la suma de pesos bolivianos diez mil $b.500.000 banco central de bolivia. how many u.s. dollars can I get for it. text back
— sH · May 3, 05:02 PM · #
Hello, I have a bill that has on it> 1000, BANCO CENTRAL DE BOLIVIA, no. L20017542, D.S.19023 DE 25 JUNIO DE 1982, MIL PESOS BOLIVIANOS. Can you PLEASE let me know if it’s worth anything in US Dollars? THANK YOU! Susan
— Susan · May 14, 08:53 PM · #
I also have a 1982 1000 bill from Boliva
can you tell me what it is worth.
— Edward Smith · Nov 14, 12:38 AM · #
I also have a 1982 bill from Boliva can you tell what it worth.
— Pat · Dec 13, 06:20 PM · #