ATM Fees in Bolivia
Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) • Updated April 2026
Bolivia has a developing ATM network with coverage in major cities. WARNING: A severe USD shortage has created a parallel 'Blue Market.' The street rate for USD is often 40-50% higher than the official bank/ATM rate. Using ATMs will be significantly more expensive than bringing clean USD cash to exchange at casas de cambio.
Tips for Bolivia
- • Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz and BCP have reliable ATMs
- • ATM limits are often low (around 2,000 BOB per transaction)
- • CRITICAL: Blue market rate 40-50% better than official rate
- • Bring clean USD cash to exchange at casas de cambio for best value
- • Card acceptance limited to cities and tourist spots
- • Carry cash for salt flats tours - no ATMs in Uyuni area
Airport tips
- • La Paz (El Alto) Airport has bank ATMs
- • Currency exchange at airport uses official rate - poor value
- • Airport taxis accept cash only
- • Teleferico (cable car) to city accepts cash
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Bolivia, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
BOB/day
≈ $19.62-46.51 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
BOB/day
≈ $69.76-156 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
BOB/day
≈ $196-392 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Bolivia.
Credit card acceptance
Low to ModerateBolivia is predominantly cash-based. Card acceptance exists in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and tourist establishments, but cash is essential for most transactions, especially outside major cities.
Regional differences
- • La Paz Zona Sur: Moderate card acceptance
- • Santa Cruz: Good in malls and restaurants
- • Uyuni, Sucre, Copacabana: Limited to tourist hotels
- • Rural areas: Cash only
You'll need cash for
- • Local buses and trufi
- • Markets and street food
- • Most restaurants
- • Salt flat tours
- • Many hotels outside tourist tier
Cards usually accepted
- • Upscale hotels
- • Mall restaurants
- • Some travel agencies
- • Large supermarkets
- • Major tour operators
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz | 20 BOB | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~2.90 USD | 150 | Official rate 40-50% worse than blue market |
| BCP (Banco de Crédito) | 25 BOB | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.60 USD | 80 | Official rate 40-50% worse than blue market |
| Banco Nacional de Bolivia | 20 BOB | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~2.90 USD | 120 | Official rate 40-50% worse than blue market |
| Banco Fassil | 22 BOB | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.20 USD | 60 | Official rate 40-50% worse than blue market |
| Banco Ganadero | 25 BOB | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.60 USD | 50 | Official rate 40-50% worse than blue market |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz | 20 BOB | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~2.90 USD | 150 | Official rate 40-50% worse than blue market |
| Banco Nacional de Bolivia | 20 BOB | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~2.90 USD | 120 | Official rate 40-50% worse than blue market |
| BCP (Banco de Crédito) | 25 BOB | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.60 USD | 80 | Official rate 40-50% worse than blue market |
| Banco Fassil | 22 BOB | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.20 USD | 60 | Official rate 40-50% worse than blue market |
| Banco Ganadero | 25 BOB | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~3.60 USD | 50 | Official rate 40-50% worse than blue market |