La Paz guide
🇧🇴 Packing List
What to pack for La Paz
In May, La Paz is typically mild, light rain possible (14–22°C). This list adapts to those conditions; adjust for your exact travel dates.
La Paz essentials
- Modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees for town and religious sites
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- Casual day outfits
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light jacket for evenings
- Compact umbrella
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover for freshest food. Avoid raw salads washed in tap water outside the city centre.
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type A/C. Voltage: 115-220V depending on region.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Bolivian Boliviano (BOB)
- Cash is widely accepted. International cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. Carry local currency for...
Local know-how
- Do not acclimatise at altitude with vigorous exercise or alcohol — altitude sickness can be severe or fatal if ignored
- Local SIM: Tigo, Entel. Good 4G in cities, patchy in rural areas. Prepaid SIMs available from street vendors.
- Pocket tissues: some island toilets are squat-style or limited
- Overcharging in taxis without pre-agreed fares
- May highlights: Festivals