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Pros and Cons of Living in Bolivia | Expat Exchange
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Pros and Cons of Living in Bolivia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 21, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Bolivia include its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and affordable cost of living. Bolivia is home to a variety of cultures, including Quechua, Aymara, and Guarani, and its landscapes range from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains. Additionally, the cost of living in Bolivia is much lower than in many other countries, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. The cons of living in Bolivia include its high levels of poverty, limited access to healthcare, and lack of economic opportunities. Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, and many people lack access to basic healthcare services. Additionally, the country's economy is largely dependent on natural resources, leaving many people without the opportunity to find stable employment.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Bolivia?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Bolivia responded:

"Expats and digital nomads in Bolivia appreciate the low cost of living, the friendly locals, and the stunning natural beauty of the country. They also enjoy the vibrant culture, the delicious food, and the variety of outdoor activities available. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the infrastructure and public services lacking, the language barrier challenging, and the bureaucracy and red tape frustrating," explained one expat living in Bolivia.

"I am a retired British man living alone in Bolivia. people have been very kind to me here and at no time have I come across any violence, just people being very polite," said one in Santa Cruz.

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What do expats in Bolivia appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Bolivia appreciate the country's vibrant culture, which is full of colorful festivals, traditional music, and art. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Bolivian people, who are known for their friendliness and generosity. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's diverse cuisine, which is a mix of Spanish, indigenous, and African influences. Finally, expats enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Bolivia, with its majestic mountains, lush jungles, and vast salt flats," explained one expat living in Bolivia.

"Discovering a whole new world, it was like travelling back in time to see the local transport, lack of infrastructure with regard to roads, rail networks,etc. Seeing the enormous difference between the lifestyles of the rich and the poor was a real eye-opener, but not in a negative way, it was uplifting to see the happiest people seemed to be the ones with less money, always with a smile on their faces and very welcoming," said one expat in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Corruption on a large scale, feeling powerless to fight against it when things weren't going my way. Coping with the bureaucracy," explained one expat.

"Expats in Bolivia often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's high altitude can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from lower altitudes. Expats may also find the local customs and traditions to be unfamiliar and difficult to understand. Furthermore, the country's infrastructure can be unreliable and difficult to navigate, making it difficult for expats to get around. Finally, the cost of living in Bolivia can be high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," said one person in Bolivia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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