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Welcome to Bolivia and welcome to authentic South America! Throughout your journey you will get a first-hand glimpse of fascinating Indian cultures and discover magnificent landscapes. To make your trip most enjoyable, we offer the following information:

Climate And Clothing
Climate varies dramatically by altitude. Winters are generally dry and sunny.

Language
Spanish is the official language, but the Indian languages Quechua and Aymara are also spoken. English is spoken in major hotels.

Currency
The official currency unit is the Boliviano. The exchange rate fluctuates daily and you can exchange dollars in government exchange houses or hotels. There is a black market, but we do not recommend exchanging money on the streets. Dollars are accepted for many transactions and many hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards.

Taxes And Tips
Restaurants include an 11 percent tax in the bill. Waiters expect a 10 percent cash tip for good service.

Business Hours
Banks are open from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The post office is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 2:30 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Most shops are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a lunch break about midday. Some shops are open Saturday mornings.

Holidays
New Year's Day (Jan. 1), Carnival (two days in Feb. or March), Holy Week (one day), Labor Day (May 1), Corpus Christi (May), Independence Day (Aug. 6), Columbus Day (Oct. 12), All Souls Day (Nov. 2) and Christmas.

Documents
Citizens of the United States as well as citizens of most European and Scandinavian countries need a valid passport to enter Bolivia. Citizens of most other countries need visas.

Electric Current
The current in La Paz is 110 volts, the same as the United States, and 220 volts. Outside of La Paz the current is 220 volts, so you will need an adapter to run electric appliances such as razors and hair dryers.

Time
Bolivia is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. The country does not observe daylight savings time.

Valuables
We suggest you carry only the money you plan to use or exchange that day. Leave the bulk of your money and your passport in the hotel's safe deposit box. It is advisable to carry with you a copy of the photo page and entry visa stamp from your passport. This will be helpful when exchanging travelers checks and if your passport is lost or stolen.

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