120 CultureShock! Bolivia
its depositors to believe that their money was in Florida
and insured by the United States government. The bank
went belly up and it turned out that its Miami offi ce was
a front. Thanks to these scandals, a government fund was
created for fortifying banks and forceful banking regulators
rectifi ed, at least temporarily, the banking predicament.
A good source for rankings of banks is the excellent
weekly Nueva Economía,also avalible online at http://www.
nuevaeconomia.com.bo.Tipping and Bargaining
Normally, 10 per cent is an acceptable tip in a restaurant,
but it is my custom to go beyond this minimum since
waiters and waitresses are not making enough. Tips are
not required for radio- taxi drivers, but taxi fares are low
by Western standards and cab driver salaries are low
and a tip is appreciated. In congested cities where the
driver has done some extraordinary manoeuvring to get
you where you need to go, he deserves a generous tip. I
say ‘he’ because it is rare to fi nd a woman driving a cab.
Bargaining is a custom in most countries in the world, and
Bolivia is no exception. However, in most formal shops
and shopping centres, the custom is extinct.
If you are uncomfortable about bargaining, the vendor
will make it easy for you. After you’ve asked ‘cuánto cuesta?’
if you suspect the price is too high, just say ‘gracias’ and
begin to walk away. A willing vendor will call out to you,
saying: ‘I can give it to you for X Bolivianos!’ (‘Se lo doy en
X Bolivianos.’)CONSUMER GOODS
A few upscale supermarkets and shopping centres offer
imported products from your country of origin. However,
expect to pay as much or more for the same thing as
you would have paid back home. Either decide to do as
the locals do 100 per cent, or take with you to Bolivia
what you cannot do without. It’s your choice. Junk
food for the kids (not this author’s recommendation),
a new generation pharmaceutical product or a special