What a tourist who visits Bolivia for the first time should know

Bolivia is located in South America. The country is far from popular tourist routes. But every year the flow of travelers to this country is increasing.
In order not to get into an awkward position or a dangerous situation, it is necessary and useful to take into account a few tips from those who have already visited this interesting country of the Western Hemisphere. Here are a few of them.

Caution and Safety

Local authorities maintain order and ensure the safety of tourists from all over the world at the proper level. Of course, compliance with the rules and regulations of precaution must be observed always and everywhere.

The Bolivian people observe the laws of hospitality and respect for other nations. In the tribes of the country, as in all of South America, a sense of rejection of violence, robbery, and theft is brought up. Non-compliance with laws applies only to the service sector. Here you can get on cases of fraud and deceit.

Close attention should be paid when moving around Bolivia. Many checkpoints have been set up in the country to fight terrorists and criminals. The posts are controlled by the police, the army, and local residents. When stopping at such checkpoints, you should clearly follow the commands and orders of the military or police. With tourists, local law enforcement officers behave politely and correctly. Checking documents and luggage, as a rule, does not take much time.

Country Police

There are few police units in the country. But control over the situation is carried out everywhere. Police officers can be seen at all highway intersections in major cities. The powers of the guardians of order are very broad. They are authorized to stop and search all people and any vehicles. As a rule, they do not stand on ceremony with the locals. With tourists behave more cautiously, with respect. To avoid misunderstandings with the police, you must always carry identification documents with you.

Periodically, the police searches hotels, hotel rooms, tourists themselves. The search is carried out carefully. Envelopes are opened, bags and packages are turned inside out. It is good if strangers are present as witnesses. There is no point in arguing with the cops. For any questions and assistance, please contact the Tourist Police. There are cases of fraud on the part of law enforcement officers. This is not a rare occurrence.

Traffic

The country is experiencing erratic traffic on the roads. Both vehicular and pedestrian. Local drivers often openly disregard the rules of the road. Non-observance of the rules by drivers and pedestrians should not bring confusion to the lives of tourists. It is necessary to be attentive and careful not only behind the wheel, but also when moving on foot. The sidewalks of the streets are lined with stalls, portable stalls and seated vendors. Walking down the street, you need to be very attentive to others. Among them are many petty thieves and pickpockets.

House numbering

It is very confusing, it is difficult to understand the addresses. Houses are numbered out of order, as in European countries. They receive numbers as they enter service. If a new one is built among the houses, then its number will not follow the neighbor's number in order.

Drugs and smoking

The use, and especially the production and distribution of drugs, is considered a serious violation of the law in Bolivia. This kind of crime is punishable by a long prison term.

Drugs were especially widespread in rural provinces of the country. Being in the villages, one must be extremely careful that the police are not interested in tourists.

Smoking in Bolivia is allowed in almost all places. Except as specifically marked.

Demonstrations

Such street processions are quite common and not rare in the country.

They do not pose a danger, they are held in a peaceful atmosphere, without any unrest. Demonstrators gather in groups on various, even the smallest, occasions. Processions are held calmly and without violations of the rules of conduct in public places. They are accompanied, as a rule, by songs, colorful performances, demonstration of outfits.

Tips

Money above the price is paid in almost all hotels and inns, cafes and restaurants, as well as in taxis or for services elsewhere. Approximately their amount is from five to ten percent of the cost.

If the hotel or restaurant belongs to a high category, then the reward amount is initially included in the bill. In such establishments, it is not necessary to pay in excess of the bill. It is the same in a taxi, it is enough to round the amount of payment for the trip up.