Santa Cruz, Bolivia 🇧🇴
#1824
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the largest city in Bolivia. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.7 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-40 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 6.96 BOB. Major banks include Banco Nacional de Bolivia and Banco Mercantil. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/S sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo, Viva, and Entel with data plans starting at 30 BOB for 3GB. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International accounts accepted; local banks like Banco Ganadero offer services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels starting at $10/night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless. Credit cards accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local rental platforms. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Selva offers beds starting at $12 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Plaza 24 de Septiembre area is popular for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Equipetrol is recommended for longer-term stays with many cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Santa Cruz, located in Equipetrol. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Muela has good Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events on Meetup.com and local Facebook groups for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Santa Cruz Expats Facebook group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | EasyTaxi and Uber operate in Santa Cruz. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental platforms like Bike and Ride are available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mizque River beach is about 2 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) connects to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca, LATAM, and American Airlines operate from Santa Cruz. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Santa Cruz to La Paz and Cochabamba. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estación de Trenes operates some trains primarily to Oruro. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; buses are pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby cities such as Camiri and Montero. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Japonés is a leading private healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | El Centro de Yoga offers classes in the city center. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic Fit and Smart Fit gyms are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Express is a reliable option in Equipetrol. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is the most widely used food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Salteña, a savory Bolivian pastry. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Verde provides a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Dolce Vita is famous for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Farmer's Markets like Mercado La Ramada provide fresh local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Use Mercado Libre for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Lonchera Express delivers groceries in Santa Cruz. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Barn offers a lively nightlife scene in Equipetrol. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Boliviana Nacional produces popular local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bodegas Casa Vieja specializes in local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the street food at Mercado Los Pozos for local flavors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | El Buen Sabor serves a mix of international cuisines, recommended for a taste of Italy. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Plaza 24 de Septiembre, a central hub and park. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Historia Natural offers insights into the region's biodiversity. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Iglesia de la Catedral is a must-visit landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilica Menor de San Lorenzo is an important religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnaval de Santa Cruz in February showcases colorful festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zona Norte hosts many cultural activities and artistic expressions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Teatro Municipal is a key performance venue. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Villa First offers a vibrant local shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Casa de la Cultura hosts local music performances regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city features numerous vibrant murals enhancing its urban landscape. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at Casa de la Cultura for traditional Bolivian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Tambo offers contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Libertad, a historic site known for its architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is rich in cultural diversity and historical significance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Amboró National Park offers hiking and wildlife viewing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Madidi National Park is a bit further but worth the visit for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Ciclovía is a popular cycling route along the main boulevards. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de la Virgen offers stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the city are known for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Chacra, a beautiful park, allows designated bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos de Bolivia offers reliable postal services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronica Santa Cruz specializes in device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at the sports complex in Parque Urbano. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Simon Bolívar offers Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal has quiet areas for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural San Isidro hosts various events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Droguería J.A offers computer gaming spaces. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Royale is a major gaming destination. |
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. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,350 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $108,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 12.5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules as in other countries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are low compared to Western standards. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% of the sale price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Bolivia does not tax foreign income for digital nomads residing temporarily. |