Are you planning a trip to Bolivia (and we won’t lie, you’re lucky!)? Whether it’s to post your best shots of the Salar de Uyuni, find a hike on Google Maps, book an activity on GetYourGuide, or simply call a taxi via a local app, having internet while traveling is a real plus. In Bolivia, it’s not always as simple as in Europe, but rest assured: there are several effective solutions to stay connected.
In this ultra-comprehensive guide, we review the 5 best options for getting internet in Bolivia: eSIM, local SIM card, pocket WiFi, free WiFi, roaming… We detail everything, including the pros, cons, and our best tips for choosing the most suitable solution for your trip.
1. The eSIM: the simplest, fastest, and most convenient solution
If your smartphone is compatible, eSIM is clearly THE most convenient solution. It’s a digital SIM card that you can download directly to your phone via a QR code, without having to handle a physical card.
Advantages of eSIM in Bolivia:
- Quick activation, often in less than 5 minutes
- You’re connected as soon as you get off the plane
- No need to remove your French SIM card
- Ideal for travelers in a hurry or those arriving late
- Easy to top up if needed
Our favorite? Holafly. The Holafly eSIM for Bolivia offers
📊 Prices: from €19 for 5 days to €99 for 90 days (unlimited data)
If you have more limited needs, the Airalo alternative offers smaller plans (1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB) at a low price.
eSIM Compatible Models
Here are some models that support eSIM:
- iPhone XR/XS/11/12/13/14/15
- Samsung Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23
- Google Pixel 3 and later
- Huawei P40 (European models)
❌ Note: Not all models are compatible. Remember to check on the provider’s website or in your smartphone settings.
2. Buying a local SIM card: the economical but slightly more cumbersome option
If your phone is not eSIM compatible or if you’re planning a long stay (several weeks or months), a local SIM card is a good option. You buy it locally and insert it into your unlocked smartphone.
Where to buy a SIM card?
- Directly at the airport (La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba…)
- At mobile operator stores: Entel, Tigo, or Viva
- Sometimes in convenience stores, kiosks, or shopping malls
Expect to pay between 10 and 30 BOB for the SIM card alone, and then 30 to 100 BOB for a one-week to one-month internet plan.
Advantages:
- Very cheap solution, especially for long stays
- Good coverage in major cities
- Possibility of local calls
Disadvantages:
- You need an unlocked smartphone
- Possible waiting times in stores
- Often necessary to present a passport
- Risk of losing your French SIM card
- Not always easy to understand the options in Spanish
3. Renting a Pocket WiFi (mobile router)
The Pocket WiFi is a small device that acts as a router. It creates a WiFi network around you to which you can connect up to 10 devices (phone, tablet, computer…).
When is it useful?
- If you’re traveling with others
- If you need connectivity for work (digital nomads)
- If you don’t want to touch your SIM card
Where to rent a Pocket WiFi in Bolivia?
- Few local providers
- Prefer booking online before departure (hotel delivery)
Advantages:
- Stable connection for multiple devices
- No SIM card change
- Ideal for couples, families, groups
Disadvantages:
- Higher price (rental + deposit)
- You need to remember to charge it daily
- Additional device to carry
4. Using public WiFi: convenient but limited
In urban areas (La Paz, Sucre, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz), you’ll find free or cheap WiFi in many places:
- Cafes, restaurants, and bars
- Hotels and hostels (book here on Trip.com)
- Shopping malls
- Sometimes in parks or central squares
Useful apps:
- WiFi Map: directory of WiFi spots with passwords
- Instabridge: community of users sharing access
Advantages:
- Free or almost free
- Perfect for sending a few messages, checking emails, or planning your day
Disadvantages:
- Very slow connection in many cases
- Unreliable: sometimes unavailable or overloaded
- Security risks (use a VPN like NordVPN for sensitive operations)
5. Activating roaming with your French operator
It’s the easy solution, but to be avoided in 95% of cases. Most French operators apply very high rates for mobile data outside Europe.
Example:
- Orange, SFR, or Bouygues: around €10 per MB
- A simple Google search = 1 MB
- An HD YouTube video = several hundred MB
You get the idea: to be used only in emergencies.
Our advice:
- Disable your mobile data before landing
- Activate them only if you need to receive a bank SMS or make an emergency call
Bonus: What is the internet speed in Bolivia?
According to the Speedtest Global Index, Bolivia has an average mobile speed of about 10.5 Mbps. It’s not amazing compared to France (86 Mbps), but largely sufficient for:
- Using WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram…
- Checking Google Maps
- Browsing the web
- Sharing your photos on social media
However, for video calls or HD remote work, you might sometimes need to be patient.
Which solution is right for you?
| Solution | Simplicity | Price | Ideal for |
| Holafly eSIM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | Solo travel, short stay, quick departure |
| Local SIM card | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low | Long stay, tight budget, flexible travelers |
| Pocket WiFi | ⭐⭐⭐ | High | Couples, families, online work |
| Public WiFi | ⭐⭐ | Free | Occasional connection in the city |
| Roaming | ⭐ | Very expensive | Emergency use only |
Our final recommendation
For most travelers, the Holafly eSIM remains the simplest, fastest, and most convenient solution. You buy it before you leave, install it in a few clicks, and you’re connected as soon as the plane touches Bolivian soil.
Use our Holafly link with the promo code DESTINATIONBOLIVIE to get –5% off all eSIMs.
And to drink tap water safely during your trip to Bolivia, don’t forget your OKO Water Bottle: it’s ecological, economical, and ultra-practical!
Have a great trip everyone and fully enjoy this wonderful Andean adventure!
