La Paz, Bolivia 🇧🇴
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | La Paz, situated in western Bolivia, is the administrative capital and the world's highest capital city at about 3,650 meters above sea level. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 800,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 15-20 Mbps, with some providers offering up to 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 6.96 BOB. Most major international cards accepted, but cash is king in many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, and the plug types are Type C and Type L. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Entel and Tigo. A prepaid SIM card can cost around $3. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Bank accounts can be opened, and cards from major companies are accepted but be aware of high fees. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies; average apartment price in the city center is around $300-600. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is widely preferred, especially for smaller transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings are popular for short-term rentals, often ranging from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Adventure Brew Hostel offer dormitory beds starting around $10. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking La Paz offers dedicated desks and offices starting at $120 per month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mundo is a favorite spot for digital nomads with free Wi-Fi and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events like La Paz Startup Weekend attract entrepreneurs and freelancers monthly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in La Paz' provide regular updates on meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates but local taxis are also available, recognized by their yellow color. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes are available for rent at various locations; rental prices range from $5 to $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches in La Paz, but Lake Titicaca, about 70 miles away, offers beautiful shorelines. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Amaszonas and BoA are popular for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and Boliviana de Aviación for international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Key highways include the road to El Alto and the way to Cochabamba via Ruta 1. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | La Paz's main bus station is Terminal de Buses, connecting to various cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | City buses and 'PumaKatari' are available, but no specific passes for tourists. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are the primary means to neighboring cities like Uyuni and Potosí, with prices averaging $15. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospitals like Clinica del Sur provide quality healthcare, though private services are recommended. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House in Miraflores offers classes for beginners and advanced practitioners. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | World Gym La Paz provides modern equipment and various classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries are available, with prices around $3 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Pedidos Ya is the most popular food delivery service in La Paz. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Salteñas, a type of meat or chicken pastry, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegetarian's Delight offers a full vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Maku's Bakery is famous for its delicious pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Lanza is a great place for cheap, local produce and meats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Linio and Mercado Libre are prominent platforms for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Pana is a local option for grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Sopocachi neighborhood is popular for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Craft beer breweries like Bocka serve locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bodega 4 provides a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the street vendors at Mercado Rodriguez for local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Casa de la Pasta offers excellent Italian food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Witches' Market and Plaza Murillo are crucial sightseeing spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Visit the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore for an insight into local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The San Francisco Church is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica Menor de San Francisco is a noteworthy religious place. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Alasitas Festival in January is a highlight of the cultural calendar. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the colonial architecture in the San Miguel district. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater 6 de Agosto hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de las Brujas is a must-visit for unique local handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bolivian folkloric music can be enjoyed at Peñas de Música local venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The street art in Sopocachi showcases local talent and culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at La Paz Gourmet teach how to make traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Teatro Municipal offers art exhibitions during the year. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa Murillo is an architectural landmark worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Aymara culture is prevalent, reflected in the local customs and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Valle de la Luna, just outside La Paz, offers stunning geological formations. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The national park Madidi, approximately 90 km away, boasts incredible biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The El Choro Trek is famed for its breathtaking scenery. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador Killi Killi provides spectacular views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The shores of Lake Titicaca are good for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Parque Laikakota are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Multiple tech repair shops exist in the Zona Sur area. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Civic centers often feature ping pong tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural Boliviano offers Spanish classes for beginners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Bolivia is an excellent place for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Miraflores Community Center hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cyber cafes around the city offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Paris offers a range of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 12.5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, certain rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax of 1% based on the declared value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% of the property's value on purchase. |