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Living in Bolivia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 08, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Bolivia is 11.5 million people. The largest cities in Bolivia are Santa Cruz de la Sierra, La Paz, El Alto, Cochabamba, and Oruro. Expats love living in Bolivia for its diverse culture, friendly people, and stunning landscapes. Life in Bolivia is described as vibrant, colorful, and full of life. Popular foods in Bolivia include salteñas (a type of empanada), chairo (a soup made with potatoes, corn, and beef), and sopa de mani (a peanut-based soup). The cons of living in Bolivia include a lack of infrastructure, a high crime rate, and a lack of job opportunities. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000-$1,500 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, and other expenses.

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What do I need to know about living in Bolivia?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bolivia, they said:

"Before retiring in Bolivia, expats should be aware of the country's language and culture. It is important to learn Spanish, as it is the official language of Bolivia. Additionally, expats should research the cost of living in the country, as it is generally lower than in other countries. It is also important to research the healthcare system in Bolivia, as it may not be as comprehensive as in other countries. Additionally, expats should be aware of the climate in Bolivia, as it can vary greatly depending on the region. Finally, expats should research the visa requirements for Bolivia, as they may need to obtain a visa in order to stay in the country for an extended period of time," explained one expat living in Bolivia.

"Be carefull at some parts of the city there can be pickpocket or armed robberies," said one expat in Cochabamba.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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