Money in Bolivia: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping

Bolivia uses the boliviano (BOB, symbol Bs). In cities you can pay by card, but many smaller shops, markets and taxis prefer cash. Withdraw enough bolivianos in La Paz, Sucre or Santa Cruz – ATMs may be empty in remote towns. A 10 % tip is customary in restaurants; rounding up for guides or drivers is appreciated.

The boliviano (BOB, Bs) is the only legal tender. The fixed rate of 6.96 Bs per US$ ended in June 2026; the boliviano now floats at roughly Bs 9.7–12.6 per US$ (check current rate). Exchange counters and banks in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Sucre offer the best rates. US dollar notes in good condition are accepted as backup in some remote areas.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants and shops in major cities. ATMs are common in La Paz, Sucre, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, but can run out of cash in smaller towns such as Uyuni or Copacabana. Withdraw a sufficient amount before heading to remote locations and keep a few clean US$ notes as emergency backup.

Tipping is not mandatory but expected in the service sector. In restaurants, a 10 % tip of the total bill is standard; you can leave cash on the table or add it to the card payment if the option exists. For guides, drivers and porters, round up the fare or give about Bs 10–20 per day of service. Hotels may have a small bellhop tip of Bs 5–10 per bag.