Uyuni, Bolivia 🇧🇴
#1825
-20.460602, -66.824363
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Uyuni is a small town in southwest Bolivia, known for its proximity to the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 5 Mbps, with some variations depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 6.96 BOB (Bolivian Boliviano); ATM services are available but can be limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Entel, Viva, and Tigo with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; however, local banks may have limited services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels, hotels to Airbnb. Average hotel prices range from $20 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred for most transactions except in larger hotels or restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are available, starting from $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa de Sal, starting from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café de los Abuelos offers a conducive atmosphere for work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Plaza, known for its good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional local meetups may occur; keep an eye on social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local expat Facebook groups are a good way to connect with other expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No specific app; local taxis are available, often negotiated by fare. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rental options; ask at your accommodation for information. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; however, scenic salt flats and lagoons are main attractions. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and LATAM serve international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Established access via the highway leading to nearby cities like Potosí. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Uyuni Train Station, though services can be limited. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; fares are paid per ride which is inexpensive. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are the main method for regional travel; prices range from $10 to $20. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Juan XXIII is the primary health facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness services are limited; some hostels may offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic gym facilities can be found in a few hotels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; prices around $5 for a full load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No significant food delivery services; local restaurants often allow phone orders. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Salteñas (Bolivian meat pies) are a must-try when in Uyuni. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; some local eateries offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café de la Plaza for local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets have fresh produce and goods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local platforms like Compra Bolivia for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited availability; local markets are preferred. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Few bars in town; check Saloon 7 for a local vibe. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Microbrewery options are not available; local beers can be found in restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; local wines can be found in restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found around the plaza; try anticuchos (grilled meat skewers). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer international cuisine, mostly pizza and pasta. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Salar de Uyuni, Train Graveyard, and Isla Incahuasi. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Arqueológico de Uyuni showcases regional history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Train Stations and mining sites around the area. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Cristóbal, a local church in the town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Uyuni's Carnival, celebrated with vibrant local traditions in February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The main plaza is a hub for cultural gatherings. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters are small and host regional performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Central offers authentic local goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Bolivian music can be experienced in local bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check murals around the town depicting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes may be offered at some local homes on request. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; small local artisan shops offer craft works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The central train station is a historical building worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Uyuni is known for its rich cultural heritage rooted in indigenous traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Salar de Uyuni, Eduardo Avaroa National Park offer stunning landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, great for wildlife watching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited options; however, walking tours can be arranged. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Isla Incahuasi offers some of the best viewpoints in the salt flats. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Laguna Colorada is known for flamingo sightings. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Camping in the salt flats allows for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services are available; consult your accommodation for recommendations. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; look for local shops for basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check local recreational centers for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community centers may provide quiet areas for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events held at Plaza 10 de Noviembre. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; most gaming occurs at home or in small groups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; local games can be found at community events. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $12,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $250 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $15,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $16,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 12.5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate of property value. |