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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

The Southwest, Bolivia

Essential Preparations

A chronological planning timeline guides your pre-trip tasks effectively.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Organize your preparations for a smooth journey.

1

-6 Months Before

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity (6+ months). Start visa application if needed.

Health Check

Consult a travel health clinic for vaccinations (e.g., Yellow Fever) and preventative medication.

Flights & Insurance

Book international and domestic flights. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

2

-2 Months Before

Accommodation & Tours

Book Sucre accommodation. Book internal flights or long-distance bus tickets. Book major tours like Uyuni.

Language & Documents

Start learning basic Spanish phrases. Gather copies of all important documents.

Bank Notifications

Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.

3

-4 Weeks Before

Medications & Kit

Pack all essential medications and a basic first aid kit.

Currency Ready

Arrange for local currency exchange or confirm ATM card functionality.

Confirmations & Apps

Confirm all bookings. Download offline maps and essential apps. Reconfirm transfers.

Required Advance Bookings

Some arrangements require early commitment.

Reservations

  • International and domestic flights (especially peak travel times).
  • Accommodation (useful during high season or festivals).
  • Multi-day tours (e.g., Uyuni, Maragua).
  • Popular Spanish language courses, if an intensive program is planned.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Inform yourself for a better journey.

Research Areas

  • Sucre’s climate and the best time to visit based on your preferences.
  • Safety and health precautions, including altitude sickness prevention.
  • Local customs and etiquette for respectful interactions.
  • Transportation options within Sucre and for day trips.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Secure your home before leaving.

Mail & Pet Care

  • Arrange for mail collection or forwarding.
  • Organize pet care if you have pets.
  • Ensure pet sitters have emergency contacts.
  • Confirm pet food and medication supplies.

Plant & Property Maintenance

  • Arrange for plant watering.
  • Organize any other home maintenance needs.
  • Schedule routine checks if gone for extended periods.
  • Dispose of perishable food items.

Contacts & Home Security

  • Notify trusted contacts of your itinerary and emergency information.
  • Secure your home (lock doors, windows).
  • Notify neighbors if leaving for an extended period.
  • Consider smart home devices for remote monitoring.

Important Note

A smooth departure starts with a well-prepared home. These steps bring peace of mind.

Arrival Checklist

The first steps upon arrival assist a smooth settling in and a positive Sucre experience.

First Steps at Destination

  • 1
    Clear Immigration

    Possess your passport, visa (if needed), and Yellow Fever certificate ready for inspection.

  • 2
    Luggage & Currency

    Collect luggage. Exchange a small amount of local currency at the airport or withdraw from an ATM.

  • 3
    Connectivity & Transport

    Purchase a local SIM card. Arrange transport: use pre-arranged airport transfer, or an official airport taxi.

Orientation Strategies

  • Locate Accommodation

    Find your accommodation on a map and familiarize yourself with the immediate surroundings.

  • Essential Facilities

    Find the nearest ATM, pharmacy, and convenience store (tienda).

  • Neighborhood Exploration

    Take a short walk around your neighborhood to get your bearings and feel the local rhythm.

Initial Purchases & Transport

Small Denominations

Possess small denominations of Bolivianos (10, 20, 50 BOB notes, and coins) for taxis and small purchases.

Large notes are difficult to break.

Purified Water

Purchase a large bottle of purified water immediately upon arrival.

Tap water is not safe for consumption.

Airport Transport

Use a pre-arranged airport transfer if your hotel features it.

Otherwise, opt for official airport taxis and agree on the fare beforehand.

Welcome to Sucre

Upon arrival at Alcantarí Airport, your journey into Sucre begins.

Departure Preparation

Plan your departure from Sucre as carefully as your arrival to avoid last-minute stress.

Souvenir & Shipping Considerations

  • Plan space and weight in your luggage for any souvenirs.
  • If buying larger items, research international shipping costs and reliability well in advance.
  • Private couriers are more reliable but costlier than postal services.
  • Bolivia has no formal VAT refund system for tourists on purchases.

Pre-Departure Timing & Return Trip

  • Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before domestic flight departures from Alcantarí Airport.
  • Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before bus departure.
  • Factor in time to pay the "uso de terminal" fee at a separate window.
  • Pack your carry-on with essentials for your travel day.

Final Notes

Reconfirm your onward flights or bus tickets.

Possess enough local currency for any last-minute purchases, snacks for the journey, or the terminal usage fee.