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Guide
Santa Cruz, Bolivia π§π΄
#1824
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the largest city in Bolivia. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 1.7 million. |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-40 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 6.96 BOB. Major banks include Banco Nacional de Bolivia and Banco Mercantil. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable. Use bottled water. |
π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type C/S sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Tigo, Viva, and Entel with data plans starting at 30 BOB for 3GB. |
π³ Banking for Expats | International accounts accepted; local banks like Banco Ganadero offer services. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels starting at $10/night. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless. Credit cards accepted in urban areas. |
π Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local rental platforms. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Selva offers beds starting at $12 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Plaza 24 de Septiembre area is popular for tourists. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Equipetrol is recommended for longer-term stays with many cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Coworking Santa Cruz, located in Equipetrol. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Muela has good Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Look for events on Meetup.com and local Facebook groups for expats. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Santa Cruz Expats Facebook group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | EasyTaxi and Uber operate in Santa Cruz. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental platforms like Bike and Ride are available. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Mizque River beach is about 2 hours away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Boliviana de AviaciΓ³n (BoA) connects to major cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Avianca, LATAM, and American Airlines operate from Santa Cruz. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major roads connect Santa Cruz to La Paz and Cochabamba. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | EstaciΓ³n de Trenes operates some trains primarily to Oruro. |
π Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; buses are pay-per-ride. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby cities such as Camiri and Montero. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital JaponΓ©s is a leading private healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | El Centro de Yoga offers classes in the city center. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic Fit and Smart Fit gyms are popular choices. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | LavanderΓa Express is a reliable option in Equipetrol. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is the most widely used food delivery service. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the SalteΓ±a, a savory Bolivian pastry. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Verde provides a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | La Dolce Vita is famous for its pastries and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Farmer's Markets like Mercado La Ramada provide fresh local produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Use Mercado Libre for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Lonchera Express delivers groceries in Santa Cruz. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Barn offers a lively nightlife scene in Equipetrol. |
π» Local Brewery | CervecerΓa Boliviana Nacional produces popular local beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Bodegas Casa Vieja specializes in local and imported wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Try the street food at Mercado Los Pozos for local flavors. |
π Popular International Cuisine | El Buen Sabor serves a mix of international cuisines, recommended for a taste of Italy. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Plaza 24 de Septiembre, a central hub and park. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Historia Natural offers insights into the region's biodiversity. |
π° Historical Sites | Iglesia de la Catedral is a must-visit landmark. |
π Religious Sites | Basilica Menor de San Lorenzo is an important religious site. |
π Annual Events | Carnaval de Santa Cruz in February showcases colorful festivities. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Zona Norte hosts many cultural activities and artistic expressions. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Teatro Municipal is a key performance venue. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Mercado Villa First offers a vibrant local shopping experience. |
πΌ Music Scene | Casa de la Cultura hosts local music performances regularly. |
π¨ Street Art | The city features numerous vibrant murals enhancing its urban landscape. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Classes available at Casa de la Cultura for traditional Bolivian cooking. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | GalerΓa de Arte Tambo offers contemporary art exhibitions. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Libertad, a historic site known for its architecture. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The city is rich in cultural diversity and historical significance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | AmborΓ³ National Park offers hiking and wildlife viewing. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Madidi National Park is a bit further but worth the visit for nature lovers. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | CiclovΓa is a popular cycling route along the main boulevards. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de la Virgen offers stunning city views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the city are known for diverse bird species. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Chacra, a beautiful park, allows designated bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Correos de Bolivia offers reliable postal services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Electronica Santa Cruz specializes in device repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Available at the sports complex in Parque Urbano. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Instituto Simon BolΓvar offers Spanish classes for expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal has quiet areas for study. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro Cultural San Isidro hosts various events and classes. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | DroguerΓa J.A offers computer gaming spaces. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Royale is a major gaming destination. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $60,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $48,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $108,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $90,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $128,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,350 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $108,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 12.5%. |
π¦ Tax System | The tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 13%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules as in other countries. |
π Property Tax | Annual property taxes are low compared to Western standards. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 3% of the sale price. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Bolivia does not tax foreign income for digital nomads residing temporarily. |