Visiting Bolivia (You're gonna love it...)

GEAR/CLOTHING | DOCS | MONEY | COMMUNICATIONS | PRE-FLIGHT | ALONG THE WAY | ARRIVAL | RETURN

Here are some of the things you'll want to consider for your upcoming visit... print this page out, if you like.

GEAR/CLOTHING: TOP

• Bring some camping/tropical clothing and stuff, including a synthetic fill sleeping bag (dries easier than down)
• Hiking boots
• Waterproof windbreaker outerwear -- I have an extra, if you don't bring one.
• Camera and film/compact flash card, extra batteries
• I have binoculars -- leave yours at home.
• Sunscreen is essential at this altitude. Bring your favorite, or pick some up here.
• You can buy sweaters here in Bolivia, cheap
• Visit REI for more ideas
• Get 3- or 4-dial combo locks for your carryons, use heavy-duty plastic tie strips for checked baggage
• Get an eye mask, earplugs and a neck pillow for the overnight Miami to La Paz leg, it's worth the expense. And, don't forget your iPod...
• REI has great synthetic wool socks. Bring a couple of pairs for your boots.
• If you bring old clothes to wear that you no longer want, you can give them away here and have more room in your return luggage for souvenirs.
• We have laundry facilities in the house... and a maid.

DOCS: TOP

• No special entry visa needed for Bolivia, just a current US passport. Easy to apply at the post office.
• Photocopy the photo and info page of your passport -- bring a copy with you in your luggage and leave another behind.
• You can get low cost travel insurance at AAA, but check with your regular health plan and your credit card company (the one you use for your airline ticket) to see if you're covered, too.
• Bring prescriptions for any meds you're using or might need. Lots of pharmacies here and I know a good doc to fill Rx's if you forget/run out.
• You don't need an international drivers license, but if you think you want one, pick one up at AAA. They also shoot passport photos for the lowest prices around.
• You may want to consult your physician and the CDC for immunization needs. Basically, I'd suggest that you just get a tetanus booster.

MONEY: TOP

• Don't bother with travelers checks. The dollar spends as easily here as in the States. You can exhange them for the local currency (Bolivianos) here as needed. Plenty of ATM's around too, that dispense dollars.

COMMUNICATIONS: TOP

• You can make long distance calls to the States from our home computer very cheaply via Skype.
• My cell number here is (591) 706 70387.

PRE-FLIGHT: TOP

• Charge your cell phone completely before leaving home.
• Reserve a window seat on left side between Miami and La Paz (my favorite is 33A). Great views on your approach to La Paz at sunrise.
• Check out American Airline's seating charts before asking for seat assignments. You'll be on a 757 between La Paz and Miami.
• Don't get a seat directly in front of the emergency exit row seats -- they don't recline.
• No alcohol for 72 hours before arrival to La Paz. Just say no. Drink lots of water before and during your trip down, and avoid heavy meals. It'll help you avoid altitude sickness on arrival.
• You may want to set up email notifications of your flight itinerary for someone special.

ALONG THE WAY: TOP

• If your cell phone is a tri-band GSM model, bring it along (with a charger)... you can use it here.
• When completing the green visa form on the plane as you arrive into La Paz International, you'll be staying in "Sopocachi, La Paz" during your visit.

ARRIVAL: TOP

• The airport here is at 13,000+ feet. Take it easy and breathe relaxed when you arrive. Slow inhales and exhales. If you feel dizzy, sit down. Just relax, basically. There's plenty of air, really -- just a little less than you're used to.
• La Paz is four hours ahead of California and one hour ahead of NY this time of year.
• Use a porter for your baggage as you claim it. Don't try lifting your bags by yourself onto a cart... remember, you're now over two miles up.
• I'll be at the gate right as you exit customs. It's the only flight arriving at that time of day (early morning), so there's no way I'll miss you.

RETURN: TOP

• Stow your phone in your carry-on bag so you don't have to go rummaging thru your luggage in Miami customs when you arrive back in the States.
• Lots of Amazon to watch for the first couple of hours out of Bolivia, assuming no clouds. Check out those rivers...
• You'll also fly over eastern Cuba and later, as you approach Miami, the Bahamas will be off to the right.
• On your customs declaration form you complete as you approach Miami, you should have $zero to declare. Everything you bring back will be for personal use or gifts. Use your judgement, though.