Bolivia's currency is the boliviano (Bs, code BOB). Notes come in Bs 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Two note designs circulate at the same time and both are valid. Since June 29, 2026 the official exchange rate is flexible.
How many bolivianos you get for your dollars
| US dollars | Official rate | Parallel P2P (buy) |
|---|---|---|
| $20 | Bs 245.20 | Bs 245.80 |
| $50 | Bs 613.00 | Bs 614.50 |
| $100 | Bs 1,226.00 | Bs 1,229.00 |
| $200 | Bs 2,452.00 | Bs 2,458.00 |
| $500 | Bs 6,130.00 | Bs 6,145.00 |
Exchange houses post their own buying price every day. Use the official rate as a benchmark to spot a bad deal.
Where to exchange
- Licensed exchange houses and banks: they must be authorized by ASFI and post their prices. When they sell you dollars, they cannot charge more than the official rate plus 10 centavos (Bs 12.36 today).
- Street changers: avoid them for large amounts. The risk of fake notes or "quick" counting is real.
- P2P apps (USDT): they usually require a Bolivian bank account, so they rarely help on a short trip.
Cash tips
- Bring clean, undamaged US bills. Torn, stained or very old notes are often refused or bought at a lower price.
- Exchange a little at a time and keep Bs 10 and Bs 20 notes for taxis, markets and tips.
- Count your money at the counter and ask for a receipt.
Cards and ATMs
- If a terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, the merchant sets the exchange rate. This is called dynamic currency conversion (DCC). Card network rules say you must be offered the choice before entering your PIN, and it must not be pre-selected. Choosing bolivianos usually lets your own bank convert.
- Your bank may add foreign transaction or ATM fees, and the ATM owner may charge its own fee.
- QR payments are everywhere in Bolivia: 57% of QR payments are under Bs 50. But you usually need a Bolivian bank or wallet account to use them, so carry some cash.
Spotting fake notes
- US dollars: feel the slightly rough paper, tilt the note (the numeral changes from copper to green on $10 and up; the $100 has a blue 3-D ribbon) and check the watermark and security thread against the light.
- Bolivianos: the Central Bank's method is "look, touch, tilt": watermark and see-through number against the light, raised print, and a security thread that changes color when tilted. Bs 10, 20 and 50 notes from the "B" series can be checked with the BCB serial number checker.
Customs: how much cash you can carry
| Cash (or equivalent) | Entering Bolivia | Leaving Bolivia |
|---|---|---|
| Under USD 10,000 | No declaration | No declaration |
| USD 10,000 – 20,000 | Declare on Form 250 | Declare on Form 250 |
| USD 20,000 – 50,000 | Declare on Form 250 | Only through regulated institutions |
| Over USD 50,000 | Only through regulated institutions | Only through regulated institutions |
Undeclared cash is fined 30% of the difference between the amount found and the amount declared. Personal goods for non-commercial use are duty-free up to USD 1,000. Form 250 is filled in online; customs toll-free line: 800 10 5001.