Cochabamba, Bolivia 🇧🇴
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cochabamba is located in central Bolivia and is known for its pleasant climate and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 700,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 20-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 6.96 BOB (Bolivian Boliviano) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/S sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro; prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major cards accepted widely; ATMs available; Banco Nacional de Bolivia (BNB) recommended. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to local hostels; average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $300. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, though cards are accepted in some establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals available, averaging around $20 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Hostal Balsa' offer affordable rates starting at $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Vértice Espacio provides good facilities and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mundo is a popular spot for remote workers with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local events listed on Meetup; tech and startup networking frequently hosted. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook group 'Expats in Cochabamba' organizes meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use 'Easy Taxi' or 'Uber' for convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Options are limited; however, some local shops provide bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; however, Lake Titicaca is a scenic 5-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and Avianca offer international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major access on the La Paz-Cocha highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cochabamba's central bus terminal connects to most regional destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets average around 2 BOB. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are the primary mode; companies like Trans Omar offer services to major cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Mexico offers a range of medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en Cochabamba offers classes for various levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness MX is a popular gym with various classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Express provides quick and reliable services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pique Macho, a local meat dish typically served with potatoes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe el Jardin offers numerous plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulces El Arco offers traditional Bolivian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado La Cancha is great for local produce and handicrafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | El Alto grocery app delivers local produce. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Prado offers various bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Rieston is a popular locally brewed beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino offers tasting experiences. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try Salteñas at various street vendors throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante El Montonero offers Argentine fare. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cristo de la Concordia, a giant Christ statue offering city views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Latinoamericano showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Palacio Portales, an iconic piece of architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | San Francisco church is an important historical church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria, celebrated every February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic district around Plaza 14 de Septiembre is vibrant. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Achá hosts a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Lanza offers a glimpse of local life and products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like 'Andina' host live music across genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Mural art found in the 'Barrio de San Antonio' area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cocina Boliviana offers cooking classes focusing on local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte La Paz showcases contemporary Bolivian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic Teatro al Aire Libre is also noteworthy. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional festivals highlight the rich indigenous culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Tunari National Park offers hiking and natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Torotoro National Park, known for its canyons and fossils, is nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | El Cristo Trail offers scenic routes for cyclists and walkers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de San Pedro offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Salar de Uyuni is renowned for its unique birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Parks like Parque Laikakota allow for gatherings and bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like 'Repair Tech' offer device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks may have tables set up for ping pong. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural offers workshops and events for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes are available, including 'Game On'. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Flamingo offers gambling and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $52,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 12.5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Basis of worldwide income tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property purchase price. |