Bolivia – known for its plenty of mountains, llamas & for having 37 official languages.
It is also known for being one of, if not the, cheapest travel destinations in South America.
But what can you do in this country?
You could head to the North Yungas Road, a popular cycling trail with stunning views.
If you have never seen a red lake before, be sure to visit Laguna Colorada. It also has plenty of flamingos wandering around.
Or visit Parque Nacional Madidi – an incredible part.
As you can see, there is no reason to be bored in Bolivia
While it is comparatively an inexpensive travel destination, it is always a good idea to find ways to keep your travel expenses even lower.
That is why you should get a local SIM card to enjoy local rates – much cheaper than international roaming.
Fortunately, SIM cards are cheap in Bolivia.
You can get a Bolivian SIM card for 10 BOB (1.45 USD) in Entel, Tigo & VIVA (formerly Nuevatel) stores or other places, like electronic shops and pharmacies. It is possible to get SIM cards at Santa Cruz de la Sierra-Viru Viru International Airport (VVI).
Cheap, right? Try finding a 1.50 USD SIM card in Canada – I will be waiting.
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Bolivia. Let's get started.

Original publication: 28th of December 2019. Last updated: 30th of November 2023.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Bolivia?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Bolivia, I recommend going with Entel or VIVA. Entel is, overall, the best mobile operator in the country. VIVA has the largest variety in plans and is the fastest, but it is behind on (4G/LTE) coverage.
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
Bolivia has three mobile operators offering prepaid services that are easily accessible to travelers:
- Entel Bolivia (Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)
- Tigo Bolivia
- VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)

Anyone living in or visiting Bolivia can buy a Bolivian SIM card without restrictions.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)

Where Can You Buy a Bolivian SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can get a Bolivian SIM card in the official stores of Entel, Tigo & VIVA (formerly Nuevatel), and from select third-party stores. However, it is recommended to visit branded stores for smooth registration. Some Bolivian airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Bolivian SIM cards:
- Entel Bolivia: 10 BOB
- Tigo Bolivia: 10 BOB
- VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel): 10 BOB
Note that Bolivian SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date BOB (Bolivian Boliviano) to your currency (let's say USD – US Dollar) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between BOB and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 BOB = 0.15 USD
- 10 BOB = 1.45 USD
- 100 BOB= 14.50 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Bolivia
In recent years, (travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
As a result, the adoption of eSIM technology by mobile operators worldwide rose impressively quickly.
Currently, no Bolivian mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
In my Bolivia eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than a Bolivian SIM card or eSIM in specific scenarios.
Moreover, Latin (Central- and South) America-wide and global eSIM options are also available at competitive prices (without having to deal with expensive international roaming rates).
In this Bolivia SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my Bolivia eSIM buying guide for more information about travel eSIMs covering the country.
But here is a quick overview already + applicable discount codes if you are interested in purchasing a travel eSIM for Bolivia:
- Airalo: WA Mobile (Bolivia only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin (Central- and South) America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Bolivia
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: DEC15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, DEC10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
Once again, check out my Bolivia eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.

The eSIM guide is as comprehensive as this SIM card buying guide, but it solely focuses on travel eSIMs (while the guide you are reading focuses on local SIM cards and eSIMs for prepaid users (where applicable).
Bolivian Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Entel Bolivia, Tigo Bolivia & VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel), and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that said, let's see what Bolivia offers us.
Entel Bolivia

Entel Bolivia, just Entel and standing for Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, is the largest mobile operator in Bolivia.
It is a state-owned company with the best overall performance and has the biggest market share in the country.
And who says state-owned companies always have to be bad ;)
There are also Entels in Chile and Peru (by Entel from Chile), but they have nothing to do with Entel in Bolivia.
Entel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 13)
This is what you will learn about Entel:
* Coverage
* How to Get an Entel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Entel Bolivia
Entel has the best coverage in Bolivia.
Its 4G/LTE coverage is less extensive than Tigo Bolivia's.
However, 2G and 3G reception can be found almost anywhere throughout the country.
Below is Entel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Entel Bolivia
You can get an Entel SIM card for 10 BOB in Entel stores and from resellers, including grocery stores, pharmacies & electronic shops. Entel SIM cards are also available at Santa Cruz de la Sierra-Viru Viru & La Paz-El Alto International Airports.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Entel has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Bolivia, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Entel.
Especially if you get a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Latin American countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Bolivia eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: WA Mobile (Bolivia only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Bolivia – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Bolivia & South America (14 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Bolivia & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Bolivia eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.

For now, I will continue with Entel.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Entel Bolivia
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Entel Bolivia
Entel has five data-featured prepaid plans:
- Combo Navegador/Browser Combos
- Combo Hablador/Talking Combos
- Paquetes Diarios/Daily Packages (data)
- Mix Paquetes/Mix Packages (data)
- Paquetes Mensuales/Monthly Packages (data)
I will list all the prices in BOB (Bolivian Boliviano).
To convert BOB to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
The Combo Navegador (Browser Combos) are combo packages with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
Combo Navegador can be activated on the Entel app:
Price | Plan | Data | WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 BOB | Navegador 10 | 1 GB | Unlimited | 2 minutes | 5 days |
15 BOB | Navegador 15 | 1.5 GB | Unlimited | 4 minutes | 10 days |
30 BOB | Navegador 30 | 3 GB | Unlimited | 8 minutes | 15 days |
50 BOB | Navegador 50 | 6 GB | Unlimited | 10 minutes | 20 days |
100 BOB | Navegador 100 | 13 GB | Unlimited | 15 minutes | 30 days |

Combo Hablador (Talking Combos) – Entel Bolivia
The Combo Hablador (Talking Combos) are combo packages with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
Combo Hablador can be activated on the Entel app:
Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 BOB | Hablador 10 | 100 MB | 12 minutes | 5 days |
15 BOB | Hablador 15 | 200 MB | 18 minutes | 10 days |
30 BOB | Hablador 30 | 300 MB | 38 minutes | 15 days |
50 BOB | Hablador 50 | 500 MB | 65 minutes | 20 days |
100 BOB | Hablador 100 | 1000 MB | 130 minutes | 30 days |
Paquetes Diarios (Daily Packages) – Entel Bolivia
The Paquetes Diarios (Daily Packages) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Paquetes Diarios can be activated on the Entel app:
Price | Data | WhatsApp Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
2 BOB | 200 MB | N/A | 24 hours |
3 BOB | 350 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
4 BOB | 500 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
7 BOB | 1 GB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
15 BOB | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | 24 hours |

Mix Paquetes (Packages) – Entel Bolivia
The Mix Paquetes (Mix Packages) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Mix Paquetes can be activated on the Entel app:
Price | Plan | Data | WhatsApp Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
2 BOB | Paquetes Nocturnos 400 | 400 MB | N/A | 1 night 00:00 – 05:59 |
4 BOB | Paquetes Nocturnos 900 | 900 MB | N/A | 1 night 00:00 – 05:59 |
5.90 BOB | Paquetedesveles Ilimitado | Unlimited | N/A | 1 night 22:30 – 05:59 |
40 BOB | Paquete Semanal | 4800 MB | Unlimited | 7 days |
Paquetes Mensuales (Monthly Packages) – Entel Bolivia
The Paquetes Mensuales (Monthly Packages) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Paquetes Mensuales can be activated on the Entel app:
Price | Data | WhatsApp Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
15 BOB | 1 GB | N/A | 30 days |
20 BOB | 1.5 GB | N/A | 30 days |
50 BOB | 5 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |
98 BOB | 10 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |
140 BOB | 15 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |
198 BOB | 22 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |
288 BOB | 40 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |

APN/Internet Settings – Entel Bolivia
- Name: Entel
- APN: 4g.entel
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Tigo Bolivia

Tigo Bolivia, just Tigo, is the second-largest mobile operator in Bolivia.
In 2005, it merged with TELECEL Bolivia, which made Tigo gain many customers.
Tigo, as a company, is active in various countries in Latin America and in Tanzania.
Tigo uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 17)
This is what you will learn about Tigo:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Tigo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Tigo Bolivia
Tigo has the best 4G/LTE coverage in Bolivia.
4G/LTE reception is almost anywhere where Tigo has coverage.
Below is Tigo's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Tigo Bolivia
You can get a Tigo SIM card for 10 BOB in Tigo stores and from resellers, including grocery stores, pharmacies & electronic shops. Tigo SIM cards may be available at Santa Cruz de la Sierra-Viru Viru International Airport (VVI).

- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Tigo has no eSIMs.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Bolivia, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Tigo (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Bolivia or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Bolivia eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: WA Mobile (Bolivia only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Bolivia – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Bolivia & South America (14 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Bolivia & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Bolivia eSIM buying guide.

But let's continue with Tigo for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tigo Bolivia
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Tigo Bolivia
Tigo has only one data-featured prepaid plan: PaqueTigos. It is a data plan (without 5G NR access) which includes the 24 Horas, Larga duración & Nocturno PaqueTigos (24 Hours, Long Duration & Night PaqueTigos) options.
I will list all the prices in BOB (Bolivian Boliviano).
To convert BOB to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

These 24 Horas, Larga duración & Nocturno PaqueTigos are available:
Price | Data | WhatsApp Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
2 BOB | 55 MB | N/A | 24 hours |
2.50 BOB | 150 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
4.50 BOB | 800 MB | N/A | 1 night (00:01 – 5:59) |
5 BOB | 250 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
5.50 BOB | 370 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
6 BOB | 380 MB | Unlimited | 2 days |
10 BOB | 660 MB | Unlimited | 3 days |
12 BOB | Unlimited | Shared with data allowance | 1 night (00:01 – 5:59) |
20 BOB | 1000 MB | Unlimited | 7 days |
20 BOB | 1500 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
120 BOB | 4000 MB | N/A | 30 days |

APN/Internet Settings – Tigo Bolivia
- Name: INTERNET TIGO
- APN: internet.tigo.bo
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)

VIVA Bolivia, just VIVA and formerly Nuevatel, is the smallest mobile operator in Bolivia.
It is, however, the fastest mobile operator in the country.
VIVA uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1700 MHz (Band 4)
This is what you will learn about VIVA:
* Coverage
* How to Get a VIVA SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)
VIVA has the worst coverage in Bolivia.
Its nationwide coverage is still limited compared to its competitors.
Below is VIVA's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)
You can get a VIVA SIM card (both Prepago Preplan and Prepago Libre) for 10 BOB with 10 BOB credit (60 days) in Viva stores and from resellers, including grocery stores, pharmacies & electronic shops. VIVA SIM cards may be available at Santa Cruz de la Sierra-Viru Viru International Airport (VVI).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

If you want to purchase plans, it does not matter whether you choose a Prepago Preplan or Prepago Libre SIM card.
VIVA has no eSIMs.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Bolivia because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from VIVA.
Especially if you get a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Bolivia in my Bolivia eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: WA Mobile (Bolivia only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Bolivia – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Bolivia & South America (14 countries) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Bolivia & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Bolivia eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with VIVA for now.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)
VIVA has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Yeii Prepago. It is a data plan (without 5G NR access).
I will list all the prices in BOB (Bolivian Boliviano).
To convert BOB to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Dial *511*4# to activate Yeii Prepago:
Price | Data | Social Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
2 BOB | 120 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
2 BOB | Unlimited | N/A | 1 hour |
2 BOB | N/A | Unlimited 3 | 1 day |
3 BOB | 370 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
3.30 BOB | N/A | Unlimited 1 | 1 day |
3.90 BOB | N/A | Unlimited | 24 hours |
4.90 BOB | N/A | Unlimited 1 | 2 days |
5.59 BOB | Unlimited | N/A | 6 hours |
6 BOB | 800 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
8 BOB | N/A | Unlimited 3 | 7 days |
10 BOB | 1400 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
10 BOB | Unlimited | N/A | 24 hours |
12 BOB | N/A | Unlimited 1 | 5 days |
20 BOB | 2900 MB | Unlimited | 24 hours |
27 BOB | Unlimited | N/A | 3 days |
50 BOB | 4 GB | Unlimited | 15 days |
60 BOB | Unlimited | N/A | 7 days |
70 BOB | 1 GB | Unlimited | 15 days |
1 for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
2 for Amazon, Netflix, Paramount Plus, PlutoTV & YouTube
3 for WhatsApp

APN/Internet Settings – VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)
- Name: Viva
- APN: internet.beuvatel.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Bolivia
Getting a SIM card from Entel or VIVA would do you well when considering a Bolivian SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
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Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
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