Potosí, Bolivia 🇧🇴
#1456
,
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Potosí is a city in the highlands of Bolivia, famous for its rich mining history and colonial architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 140,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 10 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 6.96 BOB, major banks include Banco Nacional de Bolivia and Banco BISA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type C/Sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Entel, Viva, and Tigo offer good coverage with prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to hotels; Airbnb is available for short-term stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is widely used, especially in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local hostels are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa Blanca, with rates around 60 BOB per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historic city center, near Plaza 10 de Noviembre. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas around Calle Ayacucho and Plaza Simón Bolívar offer quieter environments and some cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Potosí, located in the city center with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mokka, known for its cozy environment and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at CoWork Potosí; check Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly meetings organized through the Potosí Expats and Travelers Facebook group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Easy Taxi and Siempre Taxi are the popular local apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available at various shops in the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach; nearest major water body is Lake Poopó, 2 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Amaszonas operates flights to La Paz and Santa Cruz. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Latam Airlines offers international connections via La Paz. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Potosí is connected via Route 1 to neighboring towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No major train stations; local buses connect to surrounding areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and micros operate without a formal pass system; fares average 2 BOB. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to Sucre, Uyuni, and La Paz regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Daniel Bracamonte is the largest public hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Potosí offers classes, located near Plaza 10 de Noviembre. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic Fit gym available, with monthly memberships around 200 BOB. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Nueva is popular, offering wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios and Uber Eats operate in Potosí. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mundu (a local potato dish) and Salteñas (Bolivian pastries). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Rincón Vegano offers dedicated plant-based menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulces de Potosí for local desserts like alfajores. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central Potosí is the go-to for local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lagarto (local online marketplace) for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Hipermaxi offers delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bolivar Street for various bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Potosí offers tours and tastings of local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No notable wine bars; local wines are available in restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Traditionally near Plaza 10 de Noviembre; try anticuchos. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some options include hamburger shops and pizza places. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cerro Rico and the Potosí Mint. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de la Casa de la Moneda is a key cultural site. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Basilica of Our Lady of Machines is a must-visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Lorenzo is a notable church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnaval de Potosí in February is well-known. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic center features colonial architecture and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Jr. is a local venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Central for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live music, especially folk. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals can be found in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available through local cooking schools; inquire at tourism offices. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Potosí showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The colonial-era buildings in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The rich mining history and indigenous culture shape the identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Salar de Uyuni, about 6 hours by bus, offers breathtaking landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | National Park Sajama is 3 hours away and offers stunning natural scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails around Cerro Rico are popular for hiking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador del Cerro Rico provides panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Biosfera de Bañados del Izozog for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some designated parks allow small bonfires, inquire locally. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services like Servientrega are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electrónica Potosí for phone and computer repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools in the city cater to expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Potosí hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | A few small gaming cafes exist in the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Potosí is available for those interested. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 12.5% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax rates based on residence. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax varies by location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% standard rate applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreign income not subject to Bolivian tax residents. |