Verified Facts
In Bolivia, you can expect to find moderate internet speeds and coverage, with the best connectivity in urban areas, and several options for getting a SIM card or accessing WiFi.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet in Bolivia is generally reliable in urban areas, with average internet speeds of around 10 Mbps download, but can be slower and less reliable in rural areas. This urban-rural divide is significant, with many rural areas having limited or no access to the internet. However, the government has been working to improve internet infrastructure and expand coverage to more areas. In terms of reliability, the internet in Bolivia is generally stable, but outages can occur, especially during periods of heavy usage or bad weather.
In recent years, Bolivia has seen significant improvements in its internet infrastructure, with the rollout of 4G networks in many urban areas. However, the lack of 5G networks means that Bolivia lags behind some of its neighbors in terms of internet technology. Despite these challenges, the internet remains an essential tool for many Bolivians, with many using it for online banking, e-commerce, and social media.
Getting a SIM Card
To get a SIM card in Bolivia, you can visit a store of one of the main carriers, such as Entel, Tigo, or Viva. You will typically need to provide a passport and some form of identification, and you may need to register your SIM card with the carrier. The cost of a SIM card is around 10 USD, and you can purchase data plans with varying amounts of data and validity periods. It's recommended to purchase a SIM card from a official carrier store or a reputable reseller to avoid any issues with your phone or data plan.
Some popular carriers for tourists include Entel, Tigo, and Viva, which offer a range of data plans and prepaid options. You can also purchase a SIM card at the airport or at a store in a major city.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entel | Turista | 1 GB | 5 USD | Valid for 7 days |
| Tigo | Tourist Plan | 2 GB | 10 USD | Valid for 15 days |
| Viva | Visitor Plan | 3 GB | 15 USD | Valid for 30 days |
| AXS | Prepaid Plan | 1 GB | 3 USD | Pay-as-you-go |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi is generally good quality, with many hotels offering free WiFi to their guests
- Cafe WiFi culture is limited, but many cafes and restaurants in urban areas offer free WiFi to customers
- Coworking spaces are common in major cities, and often offer high-speed WiFi and other amenities
- Public WiFi is limited, but some cities have public WiFi networks in parks and other public areas
- Many hostels and guesthouses also offer free WiFi to their guests
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces are a good option for remote workers, with many offering high-speed WiFi, desks, and other amenities
- Reliable cafe chains like Cafe con Sal and Alex's Cafe offer free WiFi and a comfortable working environment
- Backup internet options like mobile hotspots or portable WiFi routers can be useful in case of internet outages
- VPNs are recommended to ensure secure and private internet access
- Some coliving spaces also offer accommodation and coworking facilities for remote workers
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is limited in Bolivia, but some websites may be blocked
- Blocked sites may include certain news websites or social media platforms
- VPNs are recommended to ensure secure and private internet access
- Roaming alternatives like eSIMs or portable WiFi routers can be a good option for travelers
- eSIM options are available from some carriers, but may require a compatible device
- It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before traveling to rural areas, as internet outages can occur during bad weather.