La Paz, Bolivia 🇧🇴
#234
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia, perched at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, making it the highest capital city in the world. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 800,000 residents as of 2023. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher rates. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). Approximately 1 USD ≈ 7 BOB. Many banks allow international transfers and provide services for expats. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; it's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Entel, Tigo, and Viva. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available and affordable. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Bancos de Crédito, Banco Nacional de Bolivia, and Banco Solidario. Mobile payment apps are also gaining traction. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to long-term rentals; Airbnb is widely used in La Paz. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some establishments accept cards, but cash is still preferred in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide various short-term housing options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Nómade and The Adventure Brew Hostel are popular budget options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Zona Sur is ideal for visitors, with attractions and restaurants nearby. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | El Centro is recommended for its coworking spaces, cafes, and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Commonplace is a favorite among digital nomads for its vibrant community and reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mundo offers a cozy workspace with good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Platforms like Meetup and local Facebook groups often list events for networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in La Paz Facebook Group hosts regular meetups and community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | The app 'MUV' is popular for finding rides around the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops, and there are some electric bike options. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is in Copacabana on Lake Titicaca, approximately 4 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Amaszonas is a main regional carrier connecting La Paz to other Bolivian cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and LATAM Airlines provide international flights from La Paz. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main highways include the Pan-American Highway linking major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The train station in Oruro serves as a hub for connecting train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are the main public transport; a ticket typically costs around 1 BOB. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are common for regional travel. Services to nearby cities like El Alto are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Clínicas is one of the top healthcare facilities in La Paz. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en La Paz offers classes for various skill levels in a welcoming environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit is a popular gym option, along with local fitness studios. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats and laundry services are available throughout the city, with locations like Lavaseco Express. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and PedidosYa are popular food delivery services in La Paz. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Paceña salteñas are a must-try Bolivian snack; enjoy them from local vendors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Great vegetarian options can be found at El Jardín and Cafe 1800. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mundo Dulce is known for its delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the Mercado Rodríguez in El Alto for affordable fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre Bolivia is the leading online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercados Fidalga offers grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Sopocachi neighborhood has vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | La Paceña Brewery is renowned for its local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa del Vino offers a good selection of Bolivian wines and tastings. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is prevalent; try local snacks from vendors in the Witches Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Oliva serve excellent international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Plaza Murillo, the main square, and the eerie Valley of the Moon are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore is a cultural highlight. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Tiwanaku, an ancient site, is a UNESCO World Heritage site near La Paz. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The San Francisco Church is a significant landmark with rich history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gran Poder Festival in June showcases traditional Bolivian culture and dance. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Sopocachi is known for its artistic vibe and bohemian atmosphere. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal Alberto Saavedra Pérez hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Las Brujas (Witches Market) offers unique crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | La Paz has a lively music scene, with genres from folk to rock celebrated in local bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the colorful street art throughout the nearby neighborhood of El Alto. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Maha Yoga offers Bolivian cooking classes for those interested in local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Kiosko showcases local artists and contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Metropolitan Cathedral is a prominent example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Andean culture is deeply rooted in everyday life, reflected in festivals and clothing. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Huayna Potosí mountain offers hiking and panoramic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Madidi National Park is a biodiversity hotspot accessible from La Paz. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Death Road is famous for biking enthusiasts for its thrilling experience. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador Killi Killi offers breathtaking views of La Paz and the surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Titicaca region is famous for various bird species including the endemic Andean flamingo. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas near the lakes are designated for bonfires and outdoor activities. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and TNT services are available for international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Yes, local shops such as 'Electronics' offer reliable device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | There are table tennis clubs available in the central districts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural Boliviano offers Spanish language classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library of La Paz is a good quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura is a hub for cultural activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes like 'Gaming House' provide a social gaming environment. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino La Paz offers various games and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% is applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income with progressive rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, annual property taxation is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | There are special provisions for foreign nationals, with potential for favorable tax rates. |