Settling In 111NO AMOUNT OF PLANNING will totally elude the chaos factor,
which exerts a greater impact in underdeveloped countries
like Bolivia. Bolivia’s remoteness from world consciousness
makes it a land for adventure and eco tourists, and if you don’t
look for adventure it may fi nd you anyway. But adventure
does not have to be chaos. The better the advance planning,
the less likely that you will become a victim of misfortune.
We now go through the important steps that will lead
to a satisfying stay, prior to and after arrival, in rough
chronological order.
IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS
Visa requirements are in constant transition. The best
strategy is to visit or call the Bolivian Consulate in your
country of origin. In my numerous entries to Bolivia, I have
never been asked to prove economic solvency nor have I
had any diffi culty with other bureaucratic procedures that
are supposedly in force.
Indeed, prior to my long term visa, I was able to enter
with a fax machine, laptop computer, printer and other
household appliances, simply by explaining to the customs
offi cial that all items in my suitcases were for uso personal
(personal use).
There is no guarantee that you will be as fortunate. The best
way to get through customs is, upon arriving at the baggage
claim area, immediately enlist the services of a porter, who