Do’s and Don’ts 269DON’TS
Don’t tell the taxi driver your destination before saying
buenos días.
Don’t participate in indigenous ceremonies without
being invited. Never take photos of anything private or
ceremonial without permission from all.
Don’t arrive at the stated time for social occasions (you’ll
be too early.)
Don’t imitate a different social class or you will be
perceived as mocking the people involved.
Don’t ignore the people you pass when leaving a dinner
or restaurant.
Don’t belittle traditional religious practices based on La
Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Don’t be blunt, as social and business relations in Bolivia
are cushioned by a thick layer of civility.
Don’t adopt alternative lifestyles unless you know it
fits in with the Bolivian culture; Bolivia is an alternative
country, alternatives to this alternative are not promising,
as traditional customs prevail.
Don’t borrow money from Bolivian moneylenders. Normal
lending interest rates here are much higher than what
illegal lenders get on the mean streets of New York.
Don’t count on facilities for the handicapped in Bolivia.
It’s hard for Bolivian authorities to consider handicapped
facilities when they can’t afford sewage systems in
outlying communities.
Don’t hire a lawyer, for the ending of such stories are
usually not happy.
Don’t be lazy and refuse to exert yourself physically.
Don’t think you can find a lost item; they’re often kept by
someone else who needs them more than you do.