💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in La Paz: card acceptance by neighborhood, where to find ATMs, how to pay for the teleferico and minibuses, and what to budget for tours and day trips. For Bolivia-wide ATM tips, tipping norms, and exchange advice:
Read the Bolivia Money Guide →🎧 Order Bolivianos Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order BOB → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in La Paz?
Yes, for almost everything. La Paz is one of the most cash-dependent capitals in South America. Markets, minibuses, taxis, street food, and most restaurants only accept bolivianos in cash. Card acceptance is limited to upscale restaurants in Sopocachi, international hotels, and shopping malls. Carry at least Bs 100–300 (about $14–43) when heading out.
Where You Will Need Cash
Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market souvenirs). Minibuses and trufis (Bs 2–3). Taxis (no meters, negotiate fare). Street food vendors. Most restaurants outside Sopocachi. Teleferico (rechargeable card or cash). Markets (Mercado Rodriguez, Mercado Lanza). Church entry fees. Tips for guides. Casas de cambio on Calle Colon.
Where Cards Work Fine
Upscale restaurants in Sopocachi and Calacoto. Hotels and hostels (most mid-range and above). Mega Center and other shopping malls. Tour operators (Death Road, Uyuni, Tiwanaku). Supermarkets (Ketal, Hipermaxi). Outside these, expect to pay cash for nearly everything.
Paying by Card in La Paz
Visa has the best acceptance, followed by Mastercard. Amex is rarely accepted. Contactless payments are uncommon. Many businesses that technically accept cards have a minimum purchase amount or add a surcharge. Do not count on cards for daily spending in La Paz. Bring enough cash for your day and treat card acceptance as a bonus.
Sopocachi
La Paz's trendy dining and nightlife district. Restaurants on Calle 20 de Octubre and surrounding streets accept cards (the best card acceptance in the city). Cafes and bars are mixed. Supermarket Ketal accepts cards. Nightlife: some bars take cards, others cash. The most comfortable neighborhood for tourists, with the best food scene. Budget Bs 50–120 for dinner.
Centro & Witches' Market
La Paz's historic core around Plaza Murillo. Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market): souvenirs, dried llama fetuses, and Andean remedies, all cash (Bs 5–50 for most items). Calle Sagarnaga tourist shops: mostly cash, some take cards. Iglesia de San Francisco: free entry. Street food around Mercado Lanza: Bs 5–15 for a meal. Cash dominates the entire area.
Mercado Rodriguez & Local Markets
La Paz's most vibrant local market, spilling across several blocks. Entirely cash. Fresh produce, meat, bread, and cooked food. Almuerzo (set lunch) for Bs 10–20 ($1.40–2.90). Fresh juices for Bs 3–5. Mercado Lanza near San Francisco is similar. These markets are where locals eat, and the food is excellent and incredibly cheap. Bring small bills.
Zona Sur (Calacoto, San Miguel)
La Paz's affluent southern zone, about 30 minutes from the center by teleferico or taxi. Mega Center mall: all stores accept cards. Restaurants along Calle 21 accept cards. International chains accept cards. A very different feel from the center: modern, spacious, and at lower altitude (3,200m vs 3,600m). Budget Bs 60–150 for a restaurant meal.
Paying for the Witches' Market & Souvenirs
The Mercado de las Brujas on Calle Linares is La Paz's most famous tourist attraction. Vendors sell dried llama fetuses (for Pachamama offerings), Andean textiles, silver jewelry, and traditional remedies. Everything is cash and negotiable. Start by offering 60–70% of the asking price. Alpaca scarves cost Bs 20–60. Small souvenirs start at Bs 5–10. The tourist shops on Calle Sagarnaga have higher prices but some accept cards.
ATMs in La Paz
For Bolivia-wide ATM advice, see the Bolivia guide. Centro: Banco BISA and Banco Mercantil ATMs on Avenida Camacho. Sopocachi: ATMs on Calle 20 de Octubre. Mega Center (Zona Sur): multiple ATMs inside. Airport (El Alto): ATMs in arrivals. Maximum withdrawal: typically Bs 2,000–3,000 per transaction. Fees: Bs 15–30 per foreign withdrawal. ATMs sometimes run out of cash on weekends.
Look for these logos on the street. These banks work best with foreign cards in La Paz.
Banco BISA
Banco Mercantil
Banco EconómicoPaying for the Teleférico, Minibuses & Taxis
Teleférico (Cable Car)
La Paz's spectacular cable car system with 10 color-coded lines. A single ride costs Bs 3 (about $0.43). Buy a rechargeable card at any station for Bs 5 (includes one ride). Transfers between lines are included within 90 minutes. The Red Line connects El Alto to the center. The Yellow and Green Lines offer stunning city views. The cheapest sightseeing in La Paz.
Minibuses & Trufis
Small minibuses with routes shouted by a caller. Bs 2–3 per ride (cash, exact change). Routes are not posted, so ask locals or your hotel. Trufis (shared taxis on fixed routes) cost Bs 3–5. Both are the local way to get around. Crowded during rush hours. Keep valuables secure.
Taxis
No meters. Negotiate the fare before getting in. Short rides in the center: Bs 7–15. Center to Sopocachi: Bs 10–15. Center to Zona Sur: Bs 30–50. Airport (El Alto) to center: Bs 60–80 (use the official taxi booth inside the terminal). Always cash. Uber does not operate in La Paz. Radio taxis (called by phone or hotel) are safer than hailing on the street.
Walking
La Paz sits at 3,640 meters (11,942 feet) in a dramatic canyon. Walking is exhausting until you acclimatize (2–3 days). The center is compact but extremely steep. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and take your time. Walking downhill is fine, but uphill will leave you breathless. The teleferico is your friend for crossing altitude changes.
Tipping in La Paz
The Bolivia guide covers general norms. In La Paz: Restaurants: 5–10% at sit-down restaurants (not usually included). Market food stalls: no tip expected. Tour guides: Bs 30–50 per person per day. Death Road guides: Bs 50–100 per person. Taxis: no tip expected (round up small amounts). Hotel porters: Bs 5–10 per bag. Always tip in cash (bolivianos).
Prices in La Paz
La Paz is one of the cheapest capital cities in the world for travelers. Market food is incredibly inexpensive, and even tourist restaurants are very affordable. The biggest expenses are tours (Death Road, Uyuni, Tiwanaku). Budget travelers can easily get by on $20–30 per day.
| Item | Price (BOB) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Market almuerzo (set lunch) | Bs 10–20 | $1.40–2.90 |
| Restaurant meal (Sopocachi) | Bs 40–80 | $5.70–11.50 |
| Coffee | Bs 10–20 | $1.40–2.90 |
| Fresh juice (market) | Bs 3–5 | $0.43–0.72 |
| Teleférico ride | Bs 3 | $0.43 |
| Minibus ride | Bs 2–3 | $0.29–0.43 |
| Taxi (center to Sopocachi) | Bs 10–15 | $1.40–2.15 |
| Death Road bike tour | Bs 420–700 | $60–100 |
| Tiwanaku day tour | Bs 70–150 | $10–21 |
| Witches' Market souvenir | Bs 5–60 | $0.72–8.60 |
| Budget hostel (per night) | Bs 40–100 | $5.70–14.30 |
| Beer (local) | Bs 10–20 | $1.40–2.90 |
USD estimates based on approximately Bs 6.96 = $1. Rates fluctuate.
Day Trips from La Paz
Death Road (North Yungas Road)
A 64 km mountain bike descent from 4,700m to 1,200m on the world's most dangerous road. Day tours: $60–100 per person including transport, bike, gear, guide, and lunch. Book with reputable operators (Gravity Bolivia or Barracuda) on Calle Sagarnaga. Card or cash. The ride itself is free of spending, but lunch at the bottom is included. An unforgettable experience.
Tiwanaku
Pre-Inca ruins 72 km west of La Paz. Organized tours: Bs 70–150 per person including transport and guide. Entry fee: Bs 100 (cash). DIY by minibus: Bs 15 each way from Cemetery District (2 hours). A guide at the site costs Bs 50–100. The on-site museum is included with entry. Bring snacks and water. Entirely cash at the ruins.
Valley of the Moon
Eroded clay formations in the Zona Sur, about 30 minutes from the center. Entry: Bs 15 (cash). Getting there: taxi Bs 30–50 or minibus Bs 3. A short but fascinating walk through lunar-like landscapes. Combine with a lunch in Calacoto afterward. Budget Bs 50–100 for the half-day trip.
La Paz Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sopocachi restaurants | ✅ Most accept cards | Tips: Bs 5–10 | Best dining in the city |
| Witches' Market | ❌ Cash only | Bs 10–100 | Prices negotiable |
| Local markets | ❌ Cash only | Bs 10–30 | Best cheap food |
| Teleférico | ❌ Card/cash at station | Bs 3–5 | Rechargeable card Bs 5 |
| Taxis | ❌ Cash only | Bs 7–80 | No meters, negotiate |
| Death Road tour | ✅ Tour operators | Tips: Bs 50–100 | $60–100 per person |
| Tiwanaku ruins | ❌ Cash only | Bs 100 entry | Plus transport and guide |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in La Paz?
Yes, for almost everything. Markets, minibuses, taxis, street food, and most restaurants are cash only. Only upscale Sopocachi restaurants, hotels, and malls accept cards. Carry Bs 100–300 daily.
How much does the teleferico cost?
Bs 3 per ride ($0.43). Buy a rechargeable card at any station for Bs 5. Transfers between lines are free within 90 minutes. Ten lines cover the city and El Alto.
Is La Paz expensive?
No. It is one of the cheapest capitals in South America. Market lunch: Bs 10–20 ($1.40–2.90). Restaurant dinner: Bs 40–80 ($5.70–11.50). Budget travelers can manage on $20–30 per day.
How do I get from the airport?
El Alto airport is above the city at 4,061m. Official taxi booth inside arrivals: Bs 60–80 to the center. No Uber in La Paz. The teleferico Red Line connects El Alto to the city for Bs 3 but the station is a taxi ride from the terminal.
Is the Death Road tour worth it?
Yes, if you enjoy adventure. A 64 km downhill mountain bike ride through stunning scenery. $60–100 per person including everything. Book with Gravity Bolivia or Barracuda for the best safety standards.
Can I use US dollars?
Not for everyday purchases. Exchange USD at casas de cambio on Calle Colon or Avenida Camacho. ATMs dispense bolivianos. Some tour operators accept USD.
Pay Smart in Bolivia
The Wise card converts at the real mid-market rate with no FX markup. Withdraw bolivianos from ATMs with lower fees. Hold BOB, USD, and 40+ currencies on one card.
Get the Wise Card →