Bolivia (BO)
Bolivia is South America's highest and most landlocked country — a plurinational state of dramatic contrasts, from the world's highest navigable lake (Titicaca at 3,812m) and the vast salt flats of Uyuni to the tropical Amazon basin.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Bolivia.
Carnet de Extranjería
Foreign resident identity card issued by SEGIP (Servicio General de Identificación Personal). Required to open bank accounts, register for NIT, sign contracts, and access most government portals.
How to get it: Apply at Cancillería / SEGIP offices with passport, visa/residency approval, and proof of address. Biometrics taken in person. Processing: 30–90 days. Fee: Bs.200–400.
E-Government Portal
https://tramites.gob.boMost government portals require Carnet de Extranjería and NIT for full access. Many administrative processes still require in-person attendance for biometrics or notary steps. Firefox and Chrome recommended for compatibility. WhatsApp is widely used by government offices for appointment reminders.
Essential Apps
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
Facebook Marketplace
FreeThe dominant channel for apartment and house rentals in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba — most landlords advertise through Facebook Marketplace and local neighbourhood groups.
Tigo Money
FreeBolivia's dominant mobile wallet. Send and receive money, pay utility bills, top up mobile credit, pay merchants via QR. Works with or without a bank account. Essential for informal payments and deliveries.
QR Interoperable (ASFI)
FreeASFI-standardised interoperable QR payment system accepted at all major Bolivian banks. Pay at supermarkets (Hipermaxi, Ketal), formal restaurants and shops from your bank account. All major bank apps include QR scan.
BNB Móvil
FreeBNB (Banco Nacional de Bolivia) mobile app for account management, transfers, bill payments and QR payments. Bolivia's most widely used bank app among expats.
SIN Móvil
FreeBolivian tax authority (SIN) app for NIT lookup, factura electrónica viewing, and monthly declaration reminders. Supplements the impuestos.gob.bo portal.
Uber / InDriver
FreeRide-hailing apps operating in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. InDriver popular for price negotiation. Pay by card or cash. Available 24/7 in main cities. Complement to taxis and PumaKatari buses.
PedidosYa / Rappi
FreeFood and grocery delivery apps operating in La Paz and Santa Cruz. PedidosYa has wider restaurant coverage; Rappi focuses on urban centres. Accept card and cash on delivery.
De facto standard for all communication in Bolivia — personal, business, government offices and customer service. Many landlords, lawyers, doctors and schools communicate exclusively via WhatsApp.
Mi Teleférico
FreeOfficial app for La Paz–El Alto cable car network (10 lines). Check real-time operating status, line maps and station information. Top up Teleférico card at stations — app is informational only.
Netflix / Disney+ / Amazon Prime
PaidAll major streaming services available in Bolivia with Spanish-language libraries. Netflix and Disney+ have the broadest local content. VPN used by some expats for home-country content access.
Gestora Pública App
FreeAccess your individual Bolivian pension account (cuenta individual de capitalización), check monthly contributions, download annual statements, and apply for pension. Requires NIT and Carnet de Identidad.
Bolivia's internet penetration is approximately 65% (2026), predominantly mobile. ENTEL (state-owned) offers widest coverage including rural areas and launched 5G in La Paz/Santa Cruz in 2025. Tigo is strongest in Santa Cruz. Fixed home broadband (ENTEL/Tigo fiber): Bs.200–500/month. Prepaid SIM registration requires passport — available at operator shops. VPN services are unrestricted. Coworking spaces concentrated in Sopocachi (La Paz) and Equipetrol (Santa Cruz).