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: 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
You have these four options:
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days – most 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.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
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)
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.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very 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
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
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.
Currency in 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.
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, 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.
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.
You have these four options:
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days – most 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.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
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.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very 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
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)
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-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 0.50 BOB – 49 BOB | 60 days |
| 50 BOB – 99 BOB | 90 days |
| 100 BOB => | 150 days |
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).
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)
- Paquetes Mensuales/Monthly Packages (data)
- Mix Paquetes/Mix 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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
You have these four options:
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days – most 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.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
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.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very 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
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)
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).
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.
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 | Unlimited | 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.
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.
You have these four options:
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Bolivia/WA Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days – most 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.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
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.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very 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
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)
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.
Currently, you get bonus data when you do an eTop-Up:
| eTop-Up | Bonus Data | Bonus Data Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 10 BOB – 19 BOB | 115 MB | 24 hours |
| 20 BOB – 29 BOB | 455 MB | 24 hours |
| 30 BOB – 49 BOB | 605 MB | 24 hours |
| 50 BOB => | 905 MB | 24 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.
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 | Plan | Data | Social Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.90 BOB | Night (22:00 to 07:00) | Unlimited @ 2 Mbps | N/A | 9 hours from 22:00 p.m to 07:00 a.m |
| 8.50 BOB | RRSS 48Hrs x8.5Bs | N/A | Unlimited @ 2 Mbps 1 | 2 days |
| 8.50 BOB | Video Streaming 48Hrs x8.5Bs | N/A | Unlimited @ 2 Mbps 2 | 2 days |
| 12.50 BOB | RRSS 96Hrs x12.5Bs | N/A | Unlimited @ 2 Mbps 1 | 4 days |
| 12.50 BOB | Video Streaming 96Hrs x12.5Bs | N/A | Unlimited @ 2 Mbps 2 | 4 days |
| 20 BOB | Whatsappx365Dx20Bs | N/A | Unlimited @ 2 Mbps | 365 days |
| 22.50 BOB | RRSS 192Hrs x22.5Bs | N/A | Unlimited @ 2 Mbps 1 | 8 days |
| 22.50 BOB | Video Streaming 192Hrs x22.5Bs | N/A | Unlimited @ 2 Mbps 2 | 8 days |
| 30 BOB | 15D 4Gb + WhatsApp x30Bs | Unlimited | Unlimited 3 | 7 days |
| 50 BOB | WOW Pack 5 | 6 GB | Unlimited @ 10 Mbps | 5 days |
| 60 BOB | 15D 8Gb + WhatsApp x60Bs | Unlimited | Unlimited 3 | 15 days |
| 120 BOB | WOW Pack 15 | 20 GB | Unlimited @ 10 Mbps | 15 days |
| 200 BOB | WOW Pack 28 | 40 GB | Unlimited @ 10 Mbps | 28 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.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other American Countries
Visiting other countries in the Americas? Check out my Caribbean SIM card buying guide, covering other American nations, such as:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
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.
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 cards, international SIM cards, mobile 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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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!