Traveling to Bolivia can be an exciting adventure. From the vibrant streets of La Paz to the stunning salt flats of Uyuni, there’s so much to experience. But traveling in Bolivia can come with its own set of challenges: navigating unfamiliar cities, booking tours on the go, and understanding the local language. Thankfully, with the right apps and tools, you can make your trip to Bolivia super smooth.
This guide will show you some of the must-have travel apps to download before you head off. These apps will help you navigate, translate, book accommodations, and get around Bolivia efficiently.
Navigation Apps
Google Maps (Free)
Google Maps is the go-to app for navigation anywhere in the world, including Bolivia. You can use it to find directions to hotels, tourist sites, and restaurants. You’ll find walking, driving, and public transport routes for major Bolivian cities.
One of the most useful features is the offline maps option. Before you leave internet access, download an offline map of the areas you’re visiting. That way, you can still access directions when you’re in remote areas like the Uyuni Salt Flats with no internet. Trust me, you’ll want the peace of mind that this app offers.
maps.me (Free)
If you’re heading into Bolivia’s more rural regions or national parks, consider using maps.me. It’s an offline map app that specializes in downloaded maps, which is perfect for when you have limited connectivity.
Just download the Bolivia map ahead of time, and you can navigate through remote areas, popular trails, or off-the-beaten-path destinations. What’s cool about maps.me is that it includes hiking and biking routes, which are common if you’re visiting nature spots.
Translation Apps
Google Translate (Free)
Language barriers can sometimes be tricky in Bolivia, where Spanish is the main language, and English is not widely spoken. Google Translate is an excellent tool for quick translations while traveling.
The app allows you to translate text, voice, or even scan text with your camera (for menus or signs). Download the Spanish language pack for offline use, and you’ll always have help when you need to communicate, even in rural areas without internet access.
iTranslate (Free with in-app purchases)
iTranslate is another popular app for translating languages on the go. In addition to standard text and voice translation, iTranslate also includes a useful “conversation mode” that lets you have bilingual conversations in real time—super handy when talking to locals or tour guides.
Like Google Translate, it’s a good idea to download the Spanish language pack before you leave, so you can use the app offline. Some features, like voice recognition and full offline conversation mode, require a premium version, but the free version works just fine in most situations.
Booking Apps
Booking.com (Free)
Booking.com is one of the easiest ways to book accommodations in Bolivia. There’s a wide selection of hostels, hotels, and guesthouses, and you can sort by user reviews to find the best places to stay.
Many properties listed offer free or last-minute cancellation, which is great for travelers who prefer flexibility. You can see detailed descriptions of rooms, read reviews, and check out prices before booking, making your route through Bolivia more manageable.
Airbnb (Free)
Airbnb is ideal for travelers who want more local, authentic experiences. From apartments in La Paz to homestays in smaller towns, you’ll find a variety of options that can fit every budget.
The interface is easy to use, and the app provides detailed reviews from other guests. If you’re traveling in groups or planning longer stays, Airbnb can often be a cost-effective option compared to hotels.
Local Transportation Apps
EasyTaxi (Free)
Taxis are a common way to get around Bolivian cities. EasyTaxi simplifies the process of finding a ride by letting you book taxis directly from your phone. It’s especially helpful in cities like La Paz or Santa Cruz, where getting a safe and reliable taxi can sometimes be challenging.
Not only can you see the driver’s profile before the ride, but you also avoid haggling since the fare is set through the app. It’s a great way to see Bolivia’s cities without the worry of overpaying.
Uber (Free)
Uber is available in some parts of Bolivia, especially in larger cities like Santa Cruz. It’s a reliable way to get around urban areas without dealing with cash. While Uber options aren’t as extensive as in other countries, it’s still worth checking when you need a ride.
All payments for Uber rides are taken care of via the app, so you can avoid handling money or worrying about exact fares.
Public Transportation Solutions
Moovit (Free)
If you’re traveling through Bolivia’s cities and want to use public transportation, Moovit is an excellent app for navigating buses, trufis (shared taxis), and minibusses. The app provides information on routes and times, making it easier to get around using public transport.
You can even get step-by-step guidance, which is useful if you’re unfamiliar with Bolivia’s transportation system. While public transportation schedules can sometimes be unpredictable, Moovit still gives you a good starting point.
Llamabus (Free)
Bolivia has long-distance buses connecting different regions of the country. Llamabus is an app dedicated to providing schedules and booking tickets for various companies. This app is great for planning journeys between cities like La Paz, Sucre, and Potosí.
You can compare bus providers, see schedules, and check amenities (like Wi-Fi or reclining seats) before booking. This makes planning cross-country trips much easier than trying to find a ticket at local bus stations.
Money and Budgeting Apps
Wise (formerly TransferWise) (Free)
If you need to transfer money internationally or exchange currencies, Wise is a fantastic app to use. It offers better exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks. This is super useful if you need to send money or top up foreign accounts during your trip.
Wise also provides a debit card that you can use to make payments in the local Bolivian currency, saving you money on conversion fees.
XE Currency (Free)
Bolivia uses the boliviano, so keeping track of conversion rates is helpful. XE Currency lets you convert currencies and track exchange rates in real-time, even offline. It’s a must-have if you’re dealing with multiple currencies or if you plan to exchange cash on the go.
XE also offers rate alerts, which can notify you of favorable exchanges, so you can plan your spending a bit more wisely while abroad.
Offline Travel Tools
Pocket (Free with Premium option)
If you’re traveling through Bolivia’s more rural areas with no internet, Pocket is an excellent app for saving articles, websites, or travel guides that you want to access later offline. This can include travel tips, itinerary inspiration, or even restaurant recommendations found online.
Save everything in advance so when Wi-Fi isn’t available, you can still access all your travel info. The free version works well, but the premium version provides even better organization tools.
Prey Anti Theft (Free with premium options)
Keeping your devices safe while traveling is essential. Prey Anti Theft helps you track and recover your phone, tablets, or laptops in case they get lost or stolen.
The app works by tracking your devices via GPS and even lets you lock the screen or trigger an alarm. With so much of your trip organized through apps, this is a good way to protect your tech. The free version offers basic tracking, while advanced features like remote wipe are available in the premium version.
Tours and Local Experiences
GetYourGuide (Free)
If you like to plan activities and tours in advance, GetYourGuide is a great tool. It lists a ton of available tours, activities, and experiences across Bolivia, such as guided trips to Uyuni or city walking tours in La Paz.
You can easily book in the app, pay online, and receive your tickets directly to your phone. It’s a good way to find reputable tours and avoid the hassle of looking for tour operators in person.
Viator (Free)
Viator is another popular app for booking tours and activities. It’s similar to GetYourGuide but has a slightly different range of offers. You can browse experiences by rating, price, and type (guided tours, adventure activities, etc.).
This app is useful if you’re looking for unique local experiences or want to avoid inflated tourist prices booking in person. Both GetYourGuide and Viator are highly regarded for their convenience and wide selection.
So there you have it: some of the best apps and tools for making your trip to Bolivia easier. With these apps, you can streamline everything from accommodation booking to translations and transportation. Don’t forget to download the offline maps and language packs, and you’ll be all set for an adventure!
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