Bolivia
Suit or a shirt and tie should be worn. Appointments should be made in advance. A local representative is required by law in the case of investment contracts, direct sales for major projects and all government agency purchases. Bolivia's small market requires that most agents represent more than one line of merchandise with regard to product promotion and distribution. The amount of effort given to promoting a particular product line is determined in part by the interest and support expressed by the supplier, as well as by the agent's ability and interest. Office hours are 0830-1200 and 1430-1830 Monday to Friday and 0900-1200 Saturday
Street crime, such as pickpocketing, purse-snatching and theft from parked vehicles, is common in La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. Petty criminals sometimes use aggressive tactics against foreigners, including slashing bags and pockets. There has been a steady increase in robbery in public places, especially on public transport vehicles and terminals. Theft of cars, particularly late-model four-wheel drive vehicles, is also relatively common. Violent crime, or crime involving weapons remains infrequent. However, hijacking of vehicles has increased in recent years, and travelers should take appropriate precautions to avoid being victimized.
In La Paz, violent crime and armed robbery against foreigners, including the use of firearms, are on the rise. Victims are often choked until they are unconscious. Robberies and attacks are increasing in the city of Santa Cruz. In urban areas, be wary of cons involving teams, in which one thief diverts a victim's attention, while a second snatches a purse or luggage (or cuts open pockets or bags to remove valuables), and a third operates a getaway vehicle. Beware of con men pretending to clean soiled clothing. Criminals are also known to pose as police officers. Keep passports, air tickets and other valuable items in a safe location, and keep a copy of passports, in case the originals are lost.
Crime has also increased at tourist destinations. Travel only in large groups to Los Yungas and the Inca trails with tours organized by reputable and trusted tour operators. Be especially careful while hiking at "La muela del diablo." In the Chapare area, avoid the road between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, where drug-trafficking activities take place. Travelers planning to trek in the Bolivian Andes should join an organized group from a reputable firm. Hire an experienced guide and porter who can communicate in Spanish and English. Tourists traveling near Rurrenabaque especially should use the services of a registered travel agency.
There have been a number of recent cases of “express kidnappings.” where tourists are kidnapped for money.
In August 2005, two foreign tourists were robbed and killed in an area west of La Paz bordering Peru. In January 2005, a British tourist visiting Rio Pirai in Santa Cruz was shot in the foot after pursuing robbers. In October 2004, masked gunmen stopped and robbed a tourism bus coming from Chacaltaya, a former ski resort close to La Paz.
There are several good, comfortable hotels in La Paz, where single rooms range between US$35 and US$120 a night, including taxes. The better hotels include the Radisson Plaza, the Hotel Plaza, the Hotel Presidente and the Europa, as well as such apartment/hotels as the Ritz Apart-Hotel and the Camino Real Apart-Hotel. There are several good hotels in Santa Cruz (including Los Tajibos, Yotau and La Quinta) and in Cochabamba (Hotel Portales, Gran Hotel Cochabamba and Aranjuez).
Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 591 and the outgoing international code is 011. Fax services are available. Airmail to Europe takes three to four days. A Poste Restante service is available.
Electricity is 110/220 volts AC in La Paz, 220 volts AC in the rest of the country, 50Hz. Most houses and hotels have 2-pin sockets for both electrical currents.
Electricity is 110/220 volts AC in La Paz, 220 volts AC in the rest of the country, 50Hz.
Most houses and hotels have 2-pin sockets for both electrical currents.
A,C
Bolivian food is distinctive and is generally good. Dishes are dominated by meat. International- and local-style restaurants are available in La Paz and other main towns. Mineral water and bottled drinks are available.
Things to know: Local bars are increasing in number and are unrestricted with no licensing hours.National specialties:
• Empanada salteña (a mixture of diced meat, chicken, chives, raisins, diced potatoes, hot sauce and pepper baked in dough).
• Lomo montado (fried tender loin steak with two fried eggs on
top, rice and fried banana).
• Picante de pollo (southern fried chicken, fried potatoes, rice, tossed salad with hot peppers).
• Cuño (naturally freeze-dried potato used in soup called chairo).
• Lechón al horno (roast suckling pig served with sweet potato and fried plantains).
• Ilajhua (a hot sauce consisting of tomatoes and pepper pods) will often be used to add spice and flavor to dishes. National drinks:
• Bolivian beer, especially paceña, is some of the best on the continent.
• Chicha, made from fermented cereals and corn, is very strong. Tipping:
It is customary to add 10 per cent as a tip to the 13 per cent service charge added to hotel and restaurant bills. Porters also expect tips for each piece of luggage.Nightlife
La Paz has many nightclubs, which generally open around midnight. There are also numerous whiskerias, local bars. On Fridays and Saturdays there are folk music and dancing shows, which start late in the evening. Cochabamba and Santa Cruz have several discos.
