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Destination Guides - South America / Bolivia
Travel Advice on Health, Climate, Local Info, Customs and Laws
| Travel Advice/Warnings |
| Current heavy rains and flooding have caused widespread damage, including to many roads, in Beni, Pando, Cochabamba, La Paz, Chuquisaca and Santa Cruz. Check with your agent or transport company before travelling. The political situation in Bolivia is tense. Demonstrations and confrontations might break out at short notice. You should exercise caution and avoid large crowds. There have been instances of bogus police officers operating. Ask for ID if stopped. Only use licenced taxi cabs. |
| Vaccinations & Health Alerts |
| It is recommended that you vaccinate against Hep A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. Malaria is present. Outbreaks of Dengue Fever, Cholera and Chagas Disease occur. You might be affected by altitude sickness especially in La Paz. |
| Seasonal Climate |
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Temp (c) |
17 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
17 |
16 |
16 |
17 |
19 |
20 |
20 |
18 |
| Rainfall (cm) |
9 |
9 |
7 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0.5 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
8 |
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| Temperate climate with vast differences in the day and night temperatures. Rainy season between November to March. During the summer months in the tropical lowlands expect a steamy heat with downpours and mud. |
BBC - Weather Centre - Forecast for La Paz, Bolivia
| Friday |
Max Temp: 15°C (59°F), Min Temp: -1°C (30°F), Wind Direction: NNE, Wind Speed: 12mph, Visibility: very good, Pressure: 1009mb, Humidity: 25%, Sunrise: 06:31BOT, Sunset: 18:27BOT |
| Saturday |
Max Temp: 15°C (59°F), Min Temp: -2°C (28°F), Wind Direction: NE, Wind Speed: 12mph, Visibility: very good, Pressure: 1009mb, Humidity: 29%, Sunrise: 06:30BOT, Sunset: 18:27BOT |
| Sunday |
Max Temp: 14°C (57°F), Min Temp: -1°C (30°F), Wind Direction: NNE, Wind Speed: 10mph, Visibility: moderate, Pressure: 1008mb, Humidity: 33%, Sunrise: 06:29BOT, Sunset: 18:27BOT |
(by the BBC Weather Centre in association with the Met Office) |
| Local Customs/Laws |
| Bolivia is one of the largest producers of cocaine and there are strict punishments for trafficking. Homosexuality is not widely accepted. |
| Getting Around |
| Air travel is popular and preferred mode of travel due to the nature of the land. Rail networks operate in the east and west of the country. Road networks are improving but be aware that landslides and impassable roads are common in the mountainous regions during the rainy season. Shared trucks are cheap and popular. Use only licenced taxis. |
| Public Holidays/Festivals |
| New Year on 1 January, Labour Day on 1 May, Independence Day on 6 August, All Saints Day on 1 November, All Souls Day on 2 November and Christmas on 25 & 26 December. For 2010, Carnival falls the week before Lent which commences on 17 February, Easter from 2-5 April, Ascension Day on 16 May, Whitsun (Pentecost) on 23 May, Corpus Christi on 6 June and Assumption on 15 August. |
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| Visa Requirements |
| Not required for stays of up to 30 days. This can be extended by a further period of 60 days if you apply before the first 30 day period has expired. |
| British Embassy Details |
| Avienda Arce No.2732, Casilla (PO Box) 694, La Paz. Tel:(591)(2)2433 424 |
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