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Bolivia: 3 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

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: 21st of May 2023.


Table of Contents

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Bolivia?

Anyone living in or visiting Bolivia can buy a Bolivian SIM card from Entel, Tigo & VIVA (formerly Nuevatel) in their stores or from resellers without any restrictions.

You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.

Moreover, your phone has to support the frequencies used in Bolivia.

Finally, your phone needs to be unlocked (SIM-lock free) to use a Bolivian SIM card.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Bolivia?

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. SIM cards are also available at Santa Cruz de la Sierra-Viru Viru International Airport (VVI).

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

TIP: Check out my SIM card prices lookup tool for a detailed overview of SIM card starter pack benefits (for Bolivian SIM cards and SIM cards worldwide).

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Can You Use Your Phone in Bolivia?

Bolivia uses GSM technology for mobile communications primarily. CDMA phones will not work in Bolivia. However, almost all phones use GSM anyway.

You also need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.

Although there are three ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American Frequencies and European Frequencies.

Bolivia uses American Frequencies, which are used in the Americas (North-, Central, and South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2).

Phones sold in the Americas typically have no issues when using their phone in other ITU Region 2 countries.

In Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3), they typically use European Frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European Frequencies without issues.

ITU Regions Map by Phone Travel Wiz

If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Bolivia.

If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device without Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Bolivia or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).

If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Bolivia (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Bolivia

Bolivia has three mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • Entel Bolivia (Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)
  • Tigo Bolivia
  • VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel)

The following frequencies are used in Bolivia:

  • 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
  • 3G: 850 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 13 & Band 17) & 1700 MHz (Band 4)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Bolivia, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).

Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).

If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.

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5G NR in Bolivia

5G NR is not available in Bolivia as of 2022, and the Bolivian government has not made any indications of when it will auction 5G licenses.

However, Entel Bolivia has held 5G NR trails since 2019.

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.

Phone Travel Wiz Approved Seal
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Best eSIM in Bolivia

Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Bolivia (yet).

Note that the Bolivian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Bolivia without personal detail capturing, you can get the Bolivia (WA Mobile) eSIM from Airalo.

Airalo Bolivia WA Mobile eSIM
© Airalo

You have these four options:

  1. Bolivia/WA Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
  2. Bolivia/WA Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days
  3. Bolivia/WA Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Bolivia/WA Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

For an in-depth analysis of the Bolivia WA Mobile eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Bolivia eSIMs Compared guide.

With this eSIM, you can skip Bolivia's SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in Bolivia!

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

TIP: check out my Best Bolivia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Bolivia, including ones not mentioned above.

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

Latamlink Latin America eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers to be used in Bolivia and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

  • Argentina
  • Belize 1
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • French Guiana
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela 1

1 on 3G only

Airalo Latamlink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version 1)

With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

Holafly also has an eSIM covering most of Central- and South America (although the eSIM is called South America eSIM).

But honestly, the Latamlink eSIM is superior (but you can consider the Holafly Central America eSIM if you want 6 GB of data instead in 13 countries – just do not forget about code PHONETRAVELWIZ if you go with Holafly).

TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in Bolivia and eSIMs worldwide) and my Best Bolivia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Bolivia.

SIM Card Registration in Bolivia

SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Bolivia. This will be done at the point of sale.

Bolivia Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Flag of Bolivia

In the introduction, I mentioned that Bolivia may be the cheapest travel destination in South America.

We also learned that SIM cards are cheap too.

But what about mobile data rates? Are they low too?

Yes, but above the regional average.

The average price for 1 GB of data in Bolivia is 2.18 USD, around the South American average of 1.97 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.

But you might have noticed something weird in the image above… the Falkland Islands – what is going there?

Long story short for now (but you can learn more about it in the Falkland Islands SIM card buying guide), but anyone living there is being scammed by the local mobile operator.

If I included the Falkland Islands‘ figures in the South American average, the average cost of data would be 5.25 USD instead of 1.97 USD.

So yeah, I do not include it in the average.

Okay, what about mobile internet speeds.

Are they fast in Bolivia? They are decent.

Bolivia's median mobile download speed is around 16 Mbps.

The speeds have basically been stagnant over the year, even though the mobile operators have invested heavily in improving their networks.

Moreover, Entel Bolivia and Tigo Bolivia use a slow frequency for 4G/LTE (700 MHz – good for wider coverage), contributing to the lack of speed improvements.

VIVA Bolivia (formerly Nuevatel), however, uses 1700 MHz, which can produce much faster speeds, but the range is not as extensive as 700 MHz.

With low SIM card prices, good nationwide coverage (except for VIVA Bolivia), decent mobile download speeds, and low mobile data rates, you should have a decent network experience in Bolivia.

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Currency in Bolivia

200 Bolivian Boliviano Bank Note
© Central Bank of Bolivia/Banco Central de Bolivia

Bolivia uses the Bolivian Boliviano with the symbol BOB (which will be used throughout this guide).

However, prices are often listed as Bs. For example, 25 BOB = Bs. 25.

For reference, below are some exchange rates between BOB and USD (US Dollars):

  • 1 BOB = 0.15 USD
  • 10 BOB = 1.45 USD
  • 100 BOB= 14.35 USD
  • 1000 BOB = 143.75 USD

For up-to-date BOB:USD exchange rates, search BOB to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.

If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.

Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).

I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.

Open a Wise account for FREE!

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Bolivian Prepaid SIM Cards

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, and availability
  • Recharge / top-up information
  • Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs) 

With that being said, let’s see what Bolivia has to offer to 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.

Note that the Bolivian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Bolivia without personal detail capturing, you can get the Bolivia (WA Mobile) eSIM from Airalo.

Airalo Bolivia WA Mobile eSIM
© Airalo

You have these four options:

  1. Bolivia/WA Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
  2. Bolivia/WA Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days
  3. Bolivia/WA Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Bolivia/WA Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

Latamlink Latin America eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers to be used in Bolivia and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

  • Argentina
  • Belize 1
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • French Guiana
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela 1

1 on 3G only

Airalo Latamlink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version 1)

With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

TIP: check out my Best Bolivia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Bolivia, including ones not mentioned above.

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz
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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
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
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

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.

Note that the Bolivian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Bolivia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Bolivia (WA Mobile) eSIM from Airalo.

Airalo Bolivia WA Mobile eSIM
© Airalo

You have these four options:

  1. Bolivia/WA Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
  2. Bolivia/WA Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days
  3. Bolivia/WA Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Bolivia/WA Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

Latamlink Latin America eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers to be used in Bolivia and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

  • Argentina
  • Belize 1
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • French Guiana
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela 1

1 on 3G only

Airalo Latamlink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version 1)

With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

TIP: check out my Best Bolivia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Bolivia, including ones not mentioned above.

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

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 MBUnlimited24 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.

Note that the Bolivian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Bolivia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Bolivia (WA Mobile) eSIM from Airalo.

Airalo Bolivia WA Mobile eSIM
© Airalo

You have these four options:

  1. Bolivia/WA Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
  2. Bolivia/WA Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days
  3. Bolivia/WA Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Bolivia/WA Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

Latamlink Latin America eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers to be used in Bolivia and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

  • Argentina
  • Belize 1
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • French Guiana
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela 1

1 on 3G only

Airalo Latamlink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version 1)

With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

TIP: check out my Best Bolivia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Bolivia, including ones not mentioned above.

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz
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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:

PricePlanDataSocial DataValidity
4.90 BOBNight (22:00 to 07:00)Unlimited @ 2 MbpsN/A9 hours from 22:00 p.m to 07:00 a.m
8.50 BOBRRSS 48Hrs x8.5BsN/AUnlimited @ 2 Mbps 12 days
8.50 BOBVideo Streaming 48Hrs x8.5BsN/AUnlimited @ 2 Mbps 22 days
12.50 BOBRRSS 96Hrs x12.5BsN/AUnlimited @ 2 Mbps 14 days
12.50 BOBVideo Streaming 96Hrs x12.5BsN/AUnlimited @ 2 Mbps 24 days
20 BOBWhatsappx365Dx20BsN/AUnlimited @ 2 Mbps365 days
22.50 BOBRRSS 192Hrs x22.5BsN/AUnlimited @ 2 Mbps 18 days
22.50 BOBVideo Streaming 192Hrs x22.5BsN/AUnlimited @ 2 Mbps 28 days
30 BOB15D 4Gb + WhatsApp x30BsUnlimited Unlimited 37 days
50 BOBWOW Pack 56 GBUnlimited @ 10 Mbps5 days
60 BOB15D 8Gb + WhatsApp x60BsUnlimited Unlimited 315 days
120 BOBWOW Pack 1520 GBUnlimited @ 10 Mbps15 days
200 BOBWOW Pack 2840 GBUnlimited @ 10 Mbps28 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.


Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences

Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:

Support Phone Travel Wiz

It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).

Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).

Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.

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Check Out My Resource Page

Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience

Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!

Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.

Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!

Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling

Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?

In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.

If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!

Learn About Your Phone Travel Options

You can buy local prepaid SIM cardsinternational SIM cardsmobile hotspots, or roam internationally.

Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.

Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks

I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!

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Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.

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A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!

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Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!