Moving To Bolivia

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Bolivia is a country located in the heart of South America, known for its diverse culture, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty. The capital city, La Paz, is situated at an altitude of over 11,000 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world. Bolivia is also home to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, and the Amazon rainforest, which covers over 60% of the country.

Moving to Bolivia from the USA can be an exciting adventure. But for making this transition smoother you need to have a proper moving plan.

Moving to Bolivia from USA

The International Sea & Air Shipping Advantages

International relocation calls for a lot of things – documentation, packing and moving household goods, pets, cars, and more. Additionally, there is the challenge of settling down in a new country. That is why it is always helpful to appoint an experienced international moving company.

At International Sea & Air Shipping we are one of the top-rated movers globally. We have extensive experience in offering customized relocation services to our global clients. With us, you can look forward to top-notch international moving services that will cover A-to-Z for your relocation to Bolivia from the USA.

An international relocation is full of challenges. You need to pay attention to the packing of your household goods and transferring those to Bolivia. You need to obtain the legal documents for moving to Bolivia from the USA. There are many other post-move responsibilities to consider, as well.

What makes us helpful for your relocation is that we perform seamlessly with the help of our experienced movers. They will ensure that all moving activities like packing your household goods, choosing the right container, and freight services are done on time to avoid any last-minute hassles. We will also provide valuable advice, and free moving quotes on the cost of relocation.

So, give us a call for your upcoming move to Bolivia from the USA, and take advantage of our bespoke moving services.

About Bolivia

Located in the western-central portion of South America, Bolivia borders Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. It is completely landlocked, with nearly a third of the country falling within the Andean mountain range. Bolivia is considered a developing country, with a declining poverty rate and increasing economic attributes like agriculture, forestry, fishing and manufacturing industries.

Bolivia features a lot of biodiversity, resulting in a variety of climates and terrains. This includes tropical rainforests, dry valleys, tropical savannas and mountains. The country experiences a humid tropical climate in its Llanos region, featuring warmer weather and infrequent precipitation. The Altiplano region experiences colder temperatures, as well as frequent frost and snow. The country’s more mountainous region experiences a temperate climate with high humidity and precipitation rates.

The official language of Bolivia is Spanish, with over 88% of the population speaking it. The country recognizes plenty of indigenous languages and dialects as official languages as well. Bolivia’s largest city is Santa Cruz de la Sierra, but its capital city is Sucre. Bolivia also features popular cities such as La Paz, El Alto and Cochabamba.

Custom Regulations for Bolivia

Like any other nation, there are certain documents you must have in order to be granted access into Bolivia. The country requires that you provide the destination agent will all of the necessary documents prior to the arrival of your shipment.

  • Original passport
  • Resident visa, approved by Migration Department (Visa de ObjetoDeterminado)
  • Labor contract, approved by Ministry of Labor
  • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill-2 original copies for sea shipments, 1 copy for air
  • Detailed inventory-original and 4 copies (in Spanish)
  • Insurance policy-original and 2 copies

For returning Bolivians, the requirements are a little different. First, you must have lived abroad for at least 2 years to be granted tax relief on your shipments. This Customs Tax Relief is only granted once per family. Another restriction is that you must not have visited Bolivia for a period of 90 continuous days during your 2 years abroad. Here are the required documents for returning Bolivians:

  • Residence Certificate, obtained from Bolivian Consulate at origin country
  • Detailed inventory with values of items, approved by Bolivian Consulate at origin
  • Work certificate or contract, proving your employment for 2 years outside of Bolivia

Bolivia isn’t as strict as other countries about what you can import through customs. In fact, most used household goods and personal effects valued under $35,000 can be imported duty and tax-free. These are just some of the items the nation allows you to import without hassle:

  • 400 cigarettes (2 cartons)
  • 50 cigars (or 500g of tobacco)
  • 3 liters of alcoholic beverages
  • 1 camera
  • 1 non-professional camcorder/video camera
  • 1 personal computer/laptop
  • 1 tape recorder
  • 1 cellphone

When moving to Bolivia, there are some items that are restricted by customs. This means that there are specific regulations for importing certain items into the country.

  • An import license is required for firearms and ammunition.
  • A sanitary or phytosanitary certificate is required for plant and meat products (obtained from the Servicio Nacional de SanidadAgropecuaria e Inocuidad).
  • Pets require a good health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in origin country.
  • The Telecommunications Office must authorize all transmission devices for television and radio.
  • You must register pharmaceutical products with the Vice Ministry of Health and they must be approved under World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

Of course, Bolivia does prohibit the import of certain items-most of which the country’s official deem unnecessary or dangerous to its citizens.

  • Illegal drugs
  • Unauthorized pharmaceutical products
  • Knives and deadly weapons
  • Unauthorized firearms and explosives
  • Unauthorized chemicals
  • Plants, fruits, vegetables and seeds considered harmful by Ministry of Agriculture
  • Unauthorized pets and animals
  • Used clothing deemed unsanitary
  • Radioactive material and other hazards
  • Counterfeit money and goods
  • Gambling machines
  • Pornographic and/or lewd material

When you’re importing a vehicle into Bolivia, keep in mind that only left-hand drive automobiles are permitted. Your vehicle must not be older than 3 years, and motorcycles over 100cc are prohibited from import. All vehicles are subject to duties and taxes up to 51% over their CIF value, since they are not considered personal effects.

The size and engine capacity of your vehicle is restricted, and prior to shipping it to Bolivia, you must get a valuation and inspection from your origin country. Here are the required documents for import:

  • Original Certificate of Title and Registration
  • Import permit, approved by Ministry of External Affairs before arrival
  • Original invoice and Certificate of Origin
  • Insurance policy-original and 2 copies
  • License from the Transport Control Department
  • Inspection certificate, stating vehicle is in running condition

For people importing pets into Bolivia, there are some important regulations you must remember. First, all pets must be at least four months old. You may be subject to a 32% duty over the CIF value of the animal at the time of customs clearance, and you must be present upon the pet’s arrival. Here are the required documents for import:

  • Certificate of Vaccination, issued in country of origin
  • Health certificate, issued by licensed veterinarian in country of origin
  • Certificate of value of animal
  • Import permit, issued by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks

For most goods, the tax rate ranges from 5-20% in Bolivia. Some materials, such as specific apparel and travel goods, can be subject to duties up to 40%. If your items spend any time in a customs warehouse, they will be assessed a 0.5% customs warehouse fee charged on the CIF value of all imports. A value-added tax (VAT) is added to the CIF value-this tax is around 13%. In addition, the Bolivian Customs office charges anywhere between $50 and $60 for each shipment.

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

Moving to Bolivia, important information to know:

Moving to Bolivia from the USA can be a unique and exciting experience. Bolivia is a country with a rich culture and history, and the cost of living is generally lower than in the USA.

However, there are some challenges to consider, such as language barriers and cultural differences. It’s important to research and prepare for the move thoroughly, including understanding the visa requirements and importing your belongings. Additionally, you may want to consider hiring a relocation company to help with the logistics of the move.

Let us discuss some of the important information that will help you in your international relocation to Bolivia from the USA.

All about visas & residency permits for moving to Bolivia from the USA

Bolivia offers various types of visas to accommodate different purposes of travel to this South American country. If you’re planning just a short visit to Bolivia prior to relocating there, you can apply for a tourist visa. This will allow you a stay of up to 3 months or 90 days.

Alternatively, if you have a specific reason for visiting Bolivia, such as employment or business, you may obtain a specific purpose visa – work visa or business visa. To acquire this, you’ll need the following documents –

  • A letter of intent from the company or organization sponsoring your trip
  • A photograph
  • A completed application form
  • A travel itinerary, and
  • A bank statement

If you’re planning a temporary stay in Bolivia, a temporary residence visa is an option. This requires a valid passport, a special purpose visa, a work contract, a criminal record certificate, proof of address, an application for temporary residence, and a letter addressed to the under-secretary of Migration.

For those seeking permanent residence in Bolivia, it’s possible to obtain a visa for indefinite residence under specific conditions.

An expat’s life in Bolivia – what to expect

The expat community

The expat community in Bolivia is small, primarily concentrated in major cities like Sucre, La Paz, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, and Cochabamba. Many expats work for NGOs or engage in volunteer activities. The Bolivian government has introduced policies to attract foreign entrepreneurs.

Housing & accommodation options

Expats have various housing options in Bolivia, including detached houses and apartments, with costs varying by location and property size. Public transportation is affordable but often falls short of international standards. Driving in Bolivia can be challenging due to poor road infrastructure and signage.

Healthcare facilities

While there are some quality private hospitals, overall medical facilities in Bolivia are subpar, with under-funding and long wait times. Expats should secure comprehensive health insurance covering treatment outside Bolivia if needed.

Social security

Although Bolivia is becoming more stable and peaceful, safety remains a concern. Petty theft, especially in tourist areas, is an issue, so you need to take precautions to safeguard your valuables when you move to Bolivia from the USA.

Climate in Bolivia

Bolivia’s climate is as diverse as its terrain, encompassing everything from humid tropical regions to cold semi-arid zones. Nonetheless, certain climate patterns are prevalent across the nation. Owing to its significant elevation, Bolivia experiences a broad temperature range, with scorching and humid days contrasting with freezing nights. The country’s dry season falls between June and September, corresponding to winter, while the wet season aligns with summer, spanning from November to March. In Bolivia’s major cities, expatriates can anticipate a predominantly mild to hot climate throughout the year.

An expat’s life in Bolivia – what to expect

The expat community

The expat community in Bolivia is small, primarily concentrated in major cities like Sucre, La Paz, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, and Cochabamba. Many expats work for NGOs or engage in volunteer activities. The Bolivian government has introduced policies to attract foreign entrepreneurs.

Housing & accommodation options

Expats have various housing options in Bolivia, including detached houses and apartments, with costs varying by location and property size. Public transportation is affordable but often falls short of international standards. Driving in Bolivia can be challenging due to poor road infrastructure and signage.

Healthcare facilities

While there are some quality private hospitals, overall medical facilities in Bolivia are subpar, with under-funding and long wait times. Expats should secure comprehensive health insurance covering treatment outside Bolivia if needed.

Social security

Although Bolivia is becoming more stable and peaceful, safety remains a concern. Petty theft, especially in tourist areas, is an issue, so you need to take precautions to safeguard your valuables when you move to Bolivia from the USA.

Climate in Bolivia

Bolivia’s climate is as diverse as its terrain, encompassing everything from humid tropical regions to cold semi-arid zones. Nonetheless, certain climate patterns are prevalent across the nation. Owing to its significant elevation, Bolivia experiences a broad temperature range, with scorching and humid days contrasting with freezing nights. The country’s dry season falls between June and September, corresponding to winter, while the wet season aligns with summer, spanning from November to March. In Bolivia’s major cities, expatriates can anticipate a predominantly mild to hot climate throughout the year.

Top places to live in Bolivia

Bolivia is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and cultures. The top places to live in Bolivia depend on personal preferences and priorities. Some popular destinations include La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, and Cochabamba.

La Paz

Is the administrative capital and offers a unique blend of indigenous and colonial architecture.

Santa Cruz

Is the largest city and has a tropical climate.

Sucre

City of poetry and art, known for its beautiful architecture, gardens, and pleasant climate.

Cochabamba

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a rich colonial heritage.

Kandahar

Is known for its vibrant culture and mild climate.

Each location has its own unique charm and attractions, making it easy to find the perfect place to live in Bolivia.