Currency in Bolivia: BOB Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Bolivia with the Bolivian boliviano.
What's in this Bolivia currency guide?
What currency is used in Bolivia?
The official currency of Bolivia (country code: BO) is the Bolivian boliviano, with symbol and currency code BOB.
What is a good Bolivian boliviano exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the Bolivian boliviano
The currency code "BOB" refers to the Bolivian boliviano, which is the official currency of Bolivia. It is represented by the symbol "Bs" and is abbreviated as BOB. The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1 centavo, 5 centavos, 10 centavos, 20 centavos, and 50 centavos. The banknotes come in denominations of 2 bolivianos, 5 bolivianos, 10 bolivianos, 20 bolivianos, 50 bolivianos, and 100 bolivianos. The banknotes feature images of famous Bolivian historical figures, such as Simon Bolivar and Antonio José de Sucre. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.
For more BOB information check out our selection of Bolivian boliviano news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Bolivia?
The domestic currency in Bolivia is the Bolivian boliviano.
What is the Bolivian boliviano currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Bolivian boliviano is BOB.
What does the Bolivian boliviano look like?
Here is an example Bolivian boliviano banknote:
Which countries use the Bolivian boliviano?
It is the domestic currency in Bolivia.
Is the Bolivian boliviano a closed currency?
No, the Bolivian boliviano is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of AUD and BOB?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for AUD to BOB (Australian dollar to Bolivian boliviano)*.
*Converted at the current AUDBOB interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Bolivia
Using Wise for Bolivian boliviano travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Bolivian boliviano otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Bolivian boliviano cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the BOB cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Bolivia: Travel Guide
Traveling to Bolivia requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Bolivia is a country located in South America. It is known for its diverse landscape, which includes the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and the Atacama Desert. The official language is Spanish, and the country has a diverse culture with a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Bolivia has a tropical and subtropical climate, with rainy seasons in the summer and dry seasons in the winter. The country is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, and flamingos. The main industries in Bolivia include mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Bolivia is known for its rich natural resources, including tin, silver, and natural gas. It is also known for its traditional handicrafts, including ceramics, textiles, and woodcarvings.
Everyday Costs in in Bolivia
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Bolivia? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide: Bolivia (ISO Code: BO)
For travelers planning a week-long mid-range stay in Bolivia, it's advisable to budget around 1,200 to 1,500 BOB (Bolivian Bolivianos), equivalent to roughly 170 to 220 USD. This budget includes a mix of activities, meals, and accommodations, offering a comfortable experience without overspending. Here’s a snapshot of typical daily expenses you can expect in Bolivia:
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 40-60 BOB
- ☕ Coffee: 5-15 BOB
- 🚌 Public transport fare: 2-5 BOB
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 50-80 BOB
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 150-300 BOB
Overall, Bolivia is considered a budget-friendly destination, generally cheaper than the United States and Australia, where dining and accommodation can be significantly pricier. Visitors will find that their money stretches further in Bolivia compared to these countries, allowing for a more immersive experience without breaking the bank.
Expat Living in Bolivia
Expatriates looking to move to Bolivia can expect typical monthly living costs to be around 2,500 to 4,000 BOB (approximately 360 to 570 USD). This budget includes rent (for a modest apartment), groceries, utility bills, and leisure activities. For managing finances, it is recommended to use local banking services paired with international card usage; however, be aware of potential foreign transaction fees.
When it comes to sending and receiving money, utilizing online transfer services like Wise or OFX often proves to be more cost-effective and quicker than traditional banking methods. While exchanging money locally is convenient, it can come with higher fees and less favorable rates, especially in tourist areas. Opting for online services can help you save on costs, making it an appealing alternative for expats looking to maximize their financial efficiency in Bolivia.
USD/BOB Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/BOB change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Recent Bolivian boliviano Market News
The boliviano is a freely traded currency and there are no restrictions on the amount of currency that can be brought into or out of the country. However, cash transactions over Bs 10,000 must be declared to the customs authorities.
The Bolivian economy heavily relies on its natural resources like oil and gas, mining, and agriculture. As such, fluctuations in the prices of these commodities can have a significant impact on the Bolivian economy, and therefore, the boliviano.
There is also a high inflation rate in the country which contributes to the volatility of the Boliviano.
For more BOB information read our News and guides to the Bolivian boliviano.
Send Money to Bolivia - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Bolivia you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Bolivia
When sending money to Bolivia it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Bolivian boliviano amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted BOB amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Bolivia.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Bolivian boliviano deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!