Money

Bolivia's currency is the

(Bs); bolivianos are sometimes referred to as

. The following denominations of banknotes circulate: Bs200, 100, 50, 20 and 10; as well as coins worth Bs5, 2 (of two different sizes, confusing), 1, 0.50, 0.20 and 0.10 (rare). When small coins are not available, candies are given as change. Large bills may be hard to use in small towns, always carry some 20s and 10s. Some banknotes are worn, torn or taped back together; nobody seems to notice for smaller denominations. But avoid any damaged larger Bs bills and especially US$ bills, and note that counterfeits of both are in circulation.

Do not rely exclusively on ATMs in Bolivia, always bring some US$ cash, traveller's cheques, or both.

There are two ATM networks in Bolivia,

and

(most machines are clearly labelled) administered by

and

, respectively. If an ATM retains your card (this can happen if you enter an incorrect PIN 3 times in a row, if you do not retrieve the card immediately after completing your transaction, or sometimes for no reason at all) then you should contact them at once, as well as your home bank. If you are lucky then a card may be returned to you within 48 hours, but there can also be long delays.

Although less popular than in the past, traveller's cheques (TCs) remain useful in Bolivia. Only US$

TCs are accepted by most financial institutions. Many tourist establishments will not accept payment directly with TCs. They are best used by converting a larger sum to Bs at financial institutions, then paying with Bs as you travel. The best places to change TCs are:

,

,

(BNB), and

. Your passport is always required to exchange TCs and, less frequently, the original purchase receipt for the cheques.

The only commonly accepted credit cards in Bolivia are

and

(MC);

(AMEX) much less so. Luxury or first-class establishments will usually have no difficulty honouring credit cards, but this is not the case with many smaller hotels, restaurants and tour agencies.