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SIM Cards in Bolivia: The Best Prepaid Plans | 2024 Guide

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.

Buying a SIM Card in Bolivia Guide (logos of Entel, Tigo & VIVA)

Original publication: 28th of December 2019. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.


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.

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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)
Cellular Connectivity Illustration by Phone Travel Wiz

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)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

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.

Buying an eSIM for Bolivia Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Latamlink, Discover+, WA Mobile, Alosim & Airalo)

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+ (125+ countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
  • Alosim: Bolivia

Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:

  • Airalo: MAR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, MAR10 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.

Buying an eSIM for Bolivia Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Latamlink, Discover+, WA Mobile, Alosim & Airalo)

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 Logo
© 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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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+ (125+ countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (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.

Buying an eSIM for Bolivia Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Latamlink, Discover+, WA Mobile, Alosim & Airalo)

For now, I will continue with Entel.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Entel Bolivia

Entel top-up vouchers are sold in Entel stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Bolivia.

The following (online) top-ups are available:

Top-UpValidity
0.50 BOB – 49 BOB60 days
50 BOB – 99 BOB90 days
100 BOB =>150 days
Entel Bolivia Top Ups

To top up your Entel SIM card, dial *109*VoucherCode# or dial *109, select option 1, and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *109*123456#.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

Dial *105# to check your Entel balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Entel app (Android/iOS).

Entel Bolivia App
© Entel Bolivia

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Entel Bolivia

Entel has five data-featured prepaid plans:

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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Combo Navegador (Browser Combos) – Entel Bolivia

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:

PricePlanDataWhatsApp DataLocal MinutesValidity
10 BOBNavegador 101 GBUnlimited2 minutes5 days
15 BOBNavegador 151.5 GBUnlimited4 minutes10 days
30 BOBNavegador 303 GBUnlimited8 minutes15 days
50 BOBNavegador 506 GBUnlimited10 minutes20 days
100 BOBNavegador 10013 GBUnlimited15 minutes30 days
Entel Bolivia Combo Navegador Plan
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:

PricePlanDataLocal MinutesValidity
10 BOBHablador 10100 MB12 minutes5 days
15 BOBHablador 15200 MB18 minutes10 days
30 BOBHablador 30300 MB38 minutes15 days
50 BOBHablador 50500 MB65 minutes20 days
100 BOBHablador 1001000 MB130 minutes30 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:

PriceDataWhatsApp DataValidity
2 BOB200 MBN/A24 hours
3 BOB350 MBUnlimited24 hours
4 BOB500 MBUnlimited24 hours
7 BOB1 GBUnlimited24 hours
15 BOB2.5 GBUnlimited24 hours
Entel Bolivia Paquetes Diarios Daily Packages
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:

PricePlanDataWhatsApp DataValidity
2 BOBPaquetes Nocturnos 400400 MBN/A1 night 00:00 – 05:59
4 BOBPaquetes Nocturnos 900900 MBN/A1 night 00:00 – 05:59
5.90 BOBPaquetedesveles IlimitadoUnlimitedN/A1 night 22:30 – 05:59
40 BOBPaquete Semanal4800 MBUnlimited7 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:

PriceDataWhatsApp DataValidity
15 BOB1 GBN/A30 days
20 BOB1.5 GBN/A30 days
50 BOB5 GBUnlimited30 days
98 BOB10 GBUnlimited30 days
140 BOB15 GBUnlimited30 days
198 BOB22 GBUnlimited30 days
288 BOB40 GBUnlimited30 days
Entel Bolivia Paquetes Mensuales Monthly Packages

APN/Internet Settings – Entel Bolivia

  • Name: Entel
  • APN: 4g.entel

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Tigo Bolivia

Tigo Logo Big
© Tigo

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).

Tigo Bolivia SIM Card Price
  • 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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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+ (125+ countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (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.

Buying an eSIM for Bolivia Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Latamlink, Discover+, WA Mobile, Alosim & Airalo)

But let's continue with Tigo for now.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tigo Bolivia

Tigo top-up vouchers are sold in Tigo stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Bolivia.

Note that you can get up to 40% bonus credit when you top-up with the Mi Tigo (My Tigo) app (Android/iOS).

Tigo Bolivia Mi Tigo App Bonus Top-Ups
© Tigo Bolivia

To top up your Tigo SIM card, dial *109*VoucherCode#, text the VoucherCode to 171, or dial 77 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *109*123456# or text 123456 to 171.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *105#, *123, or text SALDO to 7255 to check your Tigo balance.

You can also use the Mi Tigo app to check your balance.

Tigo Bolivia Mi Tigo App
© 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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

These 24 Horas, Larga duración & Nocturno PaqueTigos are available:

PriceDataWhatsApp DataValidity
2 BOB55 MBN/A24 hours
2.50 BOB150 MBUnlimited24 hours
4.50 BOB800 MBN/A1 night (00:01 – 5:59)
5 BOB250 MBUnlimited24 hours
5.50 BOB370 MBUnlimited24 hours
6 BOB380 MBUnlimited2 days
10 BOB660 MBUnlimited3 days
12 BOBUnlimitedShared with data allowance1 night (00:01 – 5:59)
20 BOB1000 MBUnlimited7 days
20 BOB1500 MBUnlimited24 hours
120 BOB4000 MBN/A30 days
Tigo Bolivia Paquetigos Plan

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.

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VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)

Viva Bolivia Logo
© VIVA Bolivia

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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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+ (125+ countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (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.

Buying an eSIM for Bolivia Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Latamlink, Discover+, WA Mobile, Alosim & Airalo)
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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)

VIVA top-up vouchers are sold in VIVA stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Bolivia.

To top up your VIVA SIM card, dial *109*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *109*123456#.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

Viva Bolivia Recarga Xpress
© VIVA Bolivia

Currently, you get bonus data when you do an eTop-Up:

eTop-UpBonus DataBonus Data Validity
10 BOB – 19 BOB115 MB24 hours
20 BOB – 29 BOB455 MB24 hours
30 BOB – 49 BOB605 MB24 hours
50 BOB =>905 MB24 hours

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Note that you get 25% bonus credit when you top up (1/2) online or with the Viva app (Android/iOS)

Dial *105# to check your VIVA balance.

Viva Bolivia App
© VIVA Bolivia

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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Dial *511*4# to activate Yeii Prepago:

PriceDataSocial DataValidity
2 BOB120 MBUnlimited24 hours
2 BOBUnlimitedN/A1 hour
2 BOBN/AUnlimited 31 day
3 BOB370 MBUnlimited24 hours
3.30 BOBN/AUnlimited 11 day
3.90 BOBN/AUnlimited 24 hours
4.90 BOBN/AUnlimited 12 days
5.59 BOBUnlimitedN/A6 hours
6 BOB800 MBUnlimited24 hours
8 BOBN/AUnlimited 37 days
10 BOB1400 MBUnlimited24 hours
10 BOBUnlimitedN/A24 hours
12 BOBN/AUnlimited 15 days
20 BOB2900 MBUnlimited24 hours
27 BOBUnlimitedN/A3 days
50 BOB4 GBUnlimited15 days
60 BOBUnlimitedN/A7 days
70 BOB1 GBUnlimited15 days

1 for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
2 for Amazon, Netflix, Paramount Plus, PlutoTV & YouTube
3 for WhatsApp

Viva Bolivia Yeii Prepago Plan

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.

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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.