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Connectivity

Connectivity

The Southwest, Bolivia

Mobile & Internet

Local SIM cards and Wi-Fi access.

Mobile Providers

  • Entel, Tigo, Viva are providers.
  • Entel has the best coverage, including some limited signal in remote areas around Salar de Uyuni.
  • SIM cards purchased at official stores in Uyuni or larger cities require passport registration.

Internet & Post

Internet access and postal service availability.

Wi-Fi Access

  • Uyuni Town: Most hotels and hostels have Wi-Fi.
  • Salar de Uyuni Tour: Very limited or no Wi-Fi once the tour leaves Uyuni.
  • Postal services: Basic post office in Uyuni town; sending mail can be slow.

Language

Communication tips and important phrases.

Communication Tips

  • Official Language: Spanish.
  • English: Limited English spoken by some tour staff.
  • Translation Apps: Download Spanish packs for offline use.

Important Phrases

phrases for daily interactions.

Common Sayings

  • Hola: Hello
  • Gracias: Thank you
  • Por favor: Please

Additional Phrases

Questions & Statements

  • Sí: Yes / No: No
  • Cuánto cuesta?: How much does it cost?
  • Dónde está...?: Where is...?
  • Agua: Water / Comida: Food / Baño: Bathroom

Dietary & Assistance

  • No entiendo: I do not understand
  • Soy vegetariano/a: I am vegetarian (m/f)
  • Sin carne: Without meat
  • Ayuda!: Help! / Tengo mal de altura: I have altitude sickness

Phrasebook Tip

A small Spanish phrasebook is very helpful. Offline translation apps are also beneficial. Consider Airalo for eSIMs or Solis Wi-Fi for portable devices. For language learning, explore Rosetta Stone.

Operations

Business operating hours and schedules.

Typical Operating Hours

Plan your visits around these times for banks, shops, restaurants, and tour agencies.

Banking and ATMs

ATMs available in Uyuni town. Can run out of cash, especially on weekends. Withdraw cash in larger cities. Banks: Banco Unión, Banco Nacional de Bolivia have branches in Uyuni.

Public Holidays

Bolivia observes many public holidays. Services may close or have reduced hours. Tour operations generally continue but might be busier. Major holidays include Carnival, Holy Week, Labor Day, Independence Day, All Saints' Day, Christmas.

Seasonal Changes

Impacts on tours and access.

Season Impact

  • Peak Wet Season (Jan-Mar): Some attractions (Incahuasi Island) may be inaccessible due to flooding.
  • This leads to adjusted tour routes.
  • Be ready for changes in itinerary due to weather.

General Hours

Overview of typical business operating times.

Typical Operating Hours

  • Banks: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (some close for lunch).
  • Shops: Mon-Sat, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (many close for afternoon siesta).
  • Restaurants: Lunch 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Dinner 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

Tour Agency Hours

Uyuni Town Agencies

  • Generally open from early morning (7:00 AM).
  • Open until late evening (9:00 PM).
  • Confirm hours with specific agencies.

Airport Services

  • Priority Pass: Access airport lounges worldwide. (See Priority Pass)
  • Compensair: Helps with flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding compensation. (See Compensair)
  • These services work for smoother travel logistics.

Planning Ahead

Check for holidays before travel. Cash is often needed for local purchases, as ATMs can run out.

Social Customs

Cultural norms and respectful interaction guidelines.

Greetings & Dress

Appropriate attire for different settings.

Social Norms

  • Greetings: Simple "Hola," handshakes common.
  • Friends: Light kiss on the cheek (right cheek first).
  • Attire: Modest and practical clothing. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious settings.

Dining & Tipping

Dining practices and tipping information.

Mealtime Customs

  • Street food: Locals often eat with hands.
  • Sit-down: Standard cutlery.
  • Tipping: See Section 2.3 for specific information.

Photography & Taboos

Considerations for photos and sensitive topics.

Considerations

  • Photography: Be respectful. Ask for permission ("¿Puedo tomar una foto?").
  • Religious Sites: Photography may be restricted.
  • Military/Government: Avoid photographing these.

Sensitive Topics

Topics that need careful handling.

Discussion Points

  • Politics: Be cautious discussing Bolivian politics.
  • Poverty: Avoid overtly displaying wealth or insensitive comments.
  • Gender: Bolivia is conservative. Public displays of affection not widely accepted outside of larger, more liberal cities.

LGBTQ+ Information

Social Acceptance

  • While discrimination based on sexual orientation is legally prohibited, social acceptance varies significantly.
  • Especially in rural or conservative areas.
  • Public displays of affection are rare.

Safety Notes

  • Solo female travelers should exercise standard precautions.
  • Always prioritize personal safety.
  • Stay informed about local norms.

Tipping & Other Customs

Tipping Practices

  • Refer to Section 2.3 for detailed tipping guidelines.
  • Consider service quality when tipping.
  • Small amounts often appreciated.

Cultural Patience

  • Things may operate on a different schedule ("Bolivian time").
  • A patient attitude makes for a smoother experience.
  • Local knowledge can vary.

Language Barrier

Showing an effort to speak Spanish is appreciated. "No entiendo" is good for language gaps and indicating you do not understand.

Travel Accessibility

Travelers with mobility challenges face hurdles in the Uyuni region.

Infrastructure Challenges

Mobility limitations and local conditions.

Mobility Limitations

  • Uyuni Town: Sidewalks uneven, ramps rare. Limited paved roads.
  • Salar de Uyuni Tour: Rugged terrain, gravel roads, uneven surfaces.
  • Tour vehicles (4x4s) are not wheelchair accessible.

Accessible Sites

Attractions and transportation options.

Attractions & Transport

  • Attractions: Most Uyuni tour attractions (Incahuasi Island, geyser fields) are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Transportation: Public buses and trains are not wheelchair accessible. Taxis are for short distances.
  • Specialized Tours: Highly customized private tours needed for specific mobility needs.

Impairment Support

Services for visual or hearing impairments.

Visual & Hearing

  • Limited specific services.
  • Information not always in Braille or sign language.

Resources

Information sources and organizations.

Information Sources

  • Specialized travel agencies focusing on accessible travel.
  • Research travel blogs and forums dedicated to accessible travel in South America.
  • Consult with experts for tailored advice.

Important Note

Bolivia, especially the remote Uyuni region, presents significant accessibility challenges.