Bolivia ATM Travel Guide
ATMs in Bolivia don’t usually pose any challenges for travelers as all sizeable towns have cajeros automáticos (ATMs). Whilst ATMs are slowly arriving in smaller places they are not often from any major bank networks and they frequently reject foreign cards…. or even worse, retain them.
We’ve heard of problems in places like Uyuni and Tupiza, where it is not uncommon for ATMs to run out of cash or not be working. Also many travelers get caught out arriving in Uyuni for a Salt Flats Tour and have trouble withdrawing money for the entrance fee.
If there are no ATMs close by or the ATMs in Bolivia are not working with your card, check back here for our guide below about how to send yourself money online and pick it up at an authorized local cash pick up point.
It is a very similar process to buying something on the internet with your debit card and is probably the quickest way to send yourself money online to Bolivia.
What’s more, it’s convenient, safe and cheaper than paying high ATM withdrawal fees allowing you to transfer more than the maximum ATM limit.
Bolivia ATM Fees & General Information
Most ATMs in Bolivia don’t charge for withdrawing, though you will probably get charged a fee by your own bank. The currency conversion rate is not always the best and the money lost in the exchange can really add up.
Having a TransferWise MasterCard can help reduce your home bank fees and gives a great exchange rate on purchases.
Withdrawal limits depend on the bank, but tend to range from 1500bs to 6500bs, with 3500-4000 being the average maximum withdrawal per transaction.
The best banks to try are BNB, BCP, BMSC and Banco Union.
VISA cards are the most widely accepted though MasterCard is increasing in coverage. American Express is rarely accepted anywhere.
Check out our Travel Money Tips for more general information covering pre-trip planning, fees, scams, skimmers and general safety.
Getting Cash Without Using The ATMs In Bolivia:
– Send Money To Bolivia & Pick Cash Up Locally
With so many overseas workers now sending money home to their families, there are lots of local cash pick up points to collect these funds.
By tapping into this network, you can use your ATM card (debit/credit) or bank details to securely send yourself funds online through a reputable International money transfer service. See below for online services that have partnerships with domestic money transfer agents in Bolivia where you can pick up your money within a few hours.
This means when there’s no ATM you can still withdraw cash within a few hours, and what’s more, it’s often more convenient, safe and cheaper than paying ATM withdrawal fees.
Option 1: World Remit
Check to see if there is a local authorized cash pick-up point where you are. Click HERE for a list of locations.
In Bolivia, this is any branch of the BTS network:
- Banco Mercantil Bolivia
- Ganadero Bolivia
- More Money Transfers
- Banco Bisa Bolivia
If there’s a branch locally, then download the World Remit App HERE.
Make your transfer and use the promo code ‘FREE’ to get your first transfer FEE-FREE!
They also offer £5 cashback once you send £50 or more by signing up using refer a friend code MARKT64
Option 2: Ria Money Transfer, Panda Remit, Sendwave & Transfergo
Ria Money Transfer, Panda Remit, Sendwave & Transfergo all work the same way as WorldRemit.
Explore what transfer you may make and what options you have to pick up cash somewhere close by.
Follow this link for Ria Money Transfer, this link for Panda Remit, this link for Sendwave and this link for Transfergo and
This may involve making an account / downloading their app.
Option 3 :
Moneygram and Western Union also offer similar services but can be a little pricier.
Sending Money To A Bank Account Instead
Option 1: World Remit
You can also use the above method to quickly transfer money to an overseas bank account, perhaps to pay for your accommodation or an activity.
For more information visit this FAQs section.
Option 2: Wise (formerly TransferWise)
This another service that also offers bank transfers. If you are new to the service, and follow THIS LINK, you will automatically pay NO FEES on your first transfer of up to £500 (or the equivalent amount in any other currency).
Arguably the best thing about them is that they give you the mid-market rate on the currency exchange, so it’s much cheaper than a traditional bank to bank wire transfer. You won’t need any SWIFT or IBAN numbers, just the name of the account holder, their account number, the bank name and branch location.
Option 3 : Xe Money Transfer or OFX
Xe Money Transfer have a handy app for converting currencies quickly. You can also send money directly through their app. Follow this link to see options.
OFX also offer bank to bank transfer, either through their website or app. Follow this link for more info.
We update this guide every month or so, however, if you have any feedback to help keep this guide up-to-date or make it more comprehensive and easier for others to follow, please Message us on Facebook
Useful Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolivia
Here are two useful links to find the nearest ATMs in Bolivia : Visa / MasterCard