Staying Safe in Bolivia
Local Laws
Bolivia has some very serious drug laws, and they really don't mess around with a zero-tolerance approach. If you're caught with drugs, whether it's just a little bit, using them, or trying to move them, you could face some pretty harsh penalties, including long stretches in jail. It's a good idea to steer clear of carrying or transporting any packages for other people, just in case illegal substances are hidden inside.
When it comes to your passport, it's generally recommended to keep your original in a secure spot and carry a copy of it, along with your entry stamp. While this is a good practice, be aware that technically, you might be required to have your actual passport with you at all times.
If someone claims to be a police officer and asks for your documents or wants you to go with them to a station, remember that they can't search you without a written order from a state prosecutor. You're within your rights to ask to see their official identification and can suggest they come with you to your hotel to get your documents, or you can reach out to your embassy for assistance. Definitely avoid going to any unofficial police stations.
You'll likely encounter political demonstrations, protests, and roadblocks quite often, and these can unfortunately escalate quickly, making public transportation difficult. It's best to stay away from large crowds and any blockades you see.
If you're planning on taking photos in more remote areas, especially in regions where coca is grown like Chapare and Yungas, be mindful that people might be suspicious. It's always a good idea to ask permission before taking pictures of local individuals.
There are also some places that operate as illegal bars. If you happen to be at one of these and drugs are found, you could be detained.
Regarding social attitudes, while homosexuality isn't against the law, it's not generally looked upon favorably, particularly in the Altiplano region.
If you hold dual citizenship, and you're a male over 18, you might be subject to compulsory military service.
Finally, when you're crossing borders, make sure you get both entry and exit stamps to avoid any potential fines.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Bolivia has made significant legal strides in protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, with its 2009 Constitution explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The country also recognizes same-sex civil unions nationwide since 2023, and a comprehensive gender identity law passed in 2016 allows transgender individuals to change their legal name and gender on documents.
Despite these legal advancements, societal acceptance varies, and many Bolivians, especially outside of urban centers like La Paz and Santa Cruz, hold conservative views on same-sex relationships. While anti-discrimination laws exist, LGBTQ+ travelers may still encounter discrimination or a lack of understanding in some regions, making discretion advisable in more traditional areas.
Scams
You'll want to watch out for a few common tricks. One is where people pretend to be police officers, often asking for money or your passport. Sometimes they even have a fake tourist or taxi driver involved.
Another scam involves someone "accidentally" spilling something on you. While they're helping you clean up, an accomplice might pick your pocket. Be wary of overly friendly strangers who try to strike up a conversation; they could be trying to set you up for a robbery or worse.
Taxi drivers can also be a problem, either charging too much, taking you on longer routes, or even working with criminals, particularly around bus stations. And when you're exchanging money, keep an eye out for fake bills.
Crime
When you're out and about, especially in busy spots like downtown La Paz, popular tourist areas, bus terminals, and on buses, keep an eye out for petty theft like pickpocketing and bag snatching. This is more likely to happen during festivals when crowds are larger. Often, these thieves work in pairs or groups, creating distractions to make their move.
While serious crimes like armed robbery and assault are not the norm, they do happen, particularly in tourist zones and on public transport in cities such as La Paz and Santa Cruz. Be aware of 'express kidnappings,' where individuals are briefly abducted and forced to withdraw cash from ATMs. This is a particular concern for those traveling alone.
Sometimes, criminals might pretend to be police officers or taxi drivers to carry out these acts. You might also encounter thefts at ATMs, which can unfortunately escalate into assaults. There have also been reports of attacks on solo travelers using motorbike taxis in tourist spots like Rurrenabaque.
Additionally, carjacking and vehicle theft are fairly common, especially in the Chapare and Yungas regions, as well as near border areas.
