Cochabamba, Bolivia 🇧🇴
#236
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cochabamba is the fourth-largest city in Bolivia, known for its pleasant climate and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of around 25 Mbps; higher in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 6.96 BOB. ATMs and banks are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Tigo offer good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Many international banks operate; Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels, hostels, to local rentals available via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Growing acceptance of card payments, but cash is still king in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casona and Casa de Huespedes Hostal offer budget-friendly prices. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Plaza 14 de Septiembre and around the Simón Bolívar Park. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The neighborhoods of Cala Cala and Huayllani provide more residential vibes and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking La Paz, which is well-equipped and has a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café del Mundo offers good coffee and stable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look out for expat meetups on platforms like Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cochabamba Expat Meetup is a popular community event for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify and Uber are available for safe transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options are limited; however, bicycles are available for rent in some parks. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cochabamba is inland, but Lake Titicaca's beaches are 4 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Amaszonas is a regional carrier with services to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and Boliviana de Aviación provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to major highways such as Ruta 4 leading to La Paz and Santa Cruz. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus terminal is Terminal de Buses in Cochabamba. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transit passes; ticketing is typically pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are the main mode of transport to nearby cities like La Paz. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Viedma is one of the best-equipped hospitals in Cochabamba. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro De Yoga Shanti offers yoga classes for different levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and BodyTech are popular fitness centers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Estrella offers affordable wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Glovo are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Pique Macho', a popular local meat dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant Vegano offers exclusively vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelería La Casa del Chocolate offers a delightful variety of pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado La Cancha is the largest market for local goods and fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is the most popular online marketplace in Bolivia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local deliveries available from Supermercado Automarket. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Avenida Ayacucho area has a vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería 3M is a popular local brewery to explore. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Tencha offers an excellent selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Plaza 14 de Septiembre offer delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Roma serves Italian dishes, while Café Paris is known for French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Christ the Redeemer statue atop San Pedro Hill offers a panoramic view. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Historia Natural is a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Palacio de Justicia and Catedral Metropolitana are significant historical places. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Sebastián is a beautiful church to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | La Feria de la Alasita in January is a vibrant local festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | El Prado is known for its cultural activities and exhibitions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Achá hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado La Cancha is famous for vivid colors and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Cochabamba has live music venues like Casa de la Música. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city's street art can be explored around El Prado. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cochabamba Culinary School offers cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Museo de Arte Contemporáneo is an excellent gallery for modern art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historical center has well-preserved colonial buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cochabamba celebrates its rich Aymara and Quechua heritage through festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Las Puentas is a nearby natural park for hiking and picnicking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Carrasco National Park is within driving distance for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The pathways around the Laguna Alalay are popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | San Pedro Hill offers breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Paylumani is a less-frequented spot perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several parks allow campfires; inquire locally for designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post services available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Cochabamba has various local shops for tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural offers language courses in Spanish. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal offers a quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural offers various classes and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cochabamba has internet cafes where gaming is popular. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Palace offers a range of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 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 | Tax on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Bolivian tax authorities monitor overseas income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on the property's cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits; consider local regulations. |