If you’re planning a trip to Bolivia and want to stay connected, buying a local prepaid SIM card is the most cost-effective and reliable way. Whether you’re exploring the Salar de Uyuni, hiking in La Paz, or heading to the Amazon basin, a Bolivian SIM will save you from expensive roaming charges. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Bolivia — from providers and prices to coverage and how to activate them.
Basics
In Bolivia, prepaid SIM cards are widely available at airports, shopping centers, mobile shops, and convenience stores. The three main mobile operators offering prepaid services are:
- Entel
- Tigo
- Viva
All three support 3G and 4G/LTE services in major cities, with 2G fallback in remote areas. SIM cards can be purchased easily with a valid passport and are compatible with most unlocked international phones.
Official Websites
To check plans and coverage in advance, visit the official websites:
Frequencies Used in Bolivia
Before inserting a local SIM, make sure your phone supports these frequencies:
| Technology | Frequency Bands (MHz) |
|---|---|
| 2G | 850, 1900 |
| 3G | 850, 1900 |
| 4G/LTE | 700 (Band 28), 1700 (Band 4) |
Unlocked GSM-compatible smartphones (especially those from Europe or Latin America) typically work well.
Coverage & Speed
Entel
- Best rural coverage and solid LTE in major cities.
- Slower speeds in remote areas but stable signal.
Tigo
- Excellent urban coverage and fast 4G in La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz.
- Limited rural connectivity.
Viva
- Focused on value plans, decent 4G in populated areas.
- Inconsistent coverage outside city zones.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | Entel | Tigo | Viva |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 🟢 Best overall | 🟡 Good urban | 🔴 Moderate |
| 4G Speed | 🟡 Average | 🟢 Fastest | 🟡 Decent |
| Tourist SIM | ✅ Available | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| App Availability | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| eSIM Support | ❌ Not Available | ❌ Not Available | ❌ Not Available |
Biometric User Registration
In Bolivia, all SIM card purchases require biometric registration. You’ll need to present your passport, and a photo will be taken in-store for verification. Without this, your SIM card may be deactivated.
What to Expect
- SIM registration can take 5–15 minutes.
- Staff usually assist with insertion and APN setup.
- Support for English is limited, so basic Spanish helps.
- SIMs work in most unlocked phones, but LTE may not always activate automatically—check APN settings if needed.
Device Registration
There’s no mandatory device registration for short-term visitors. However, if you plan to stay for an extended period (over 30–90 days), some carriers may prompt IMEI registration to avoid network blocks. Keep your purchase receipt and passport handy.
Mobile Apps
Each carrier has its own app for managing data, top-ups, and checking balances:
- Entel App: Mi Entel Bolivia
- Tigo App: Mi Tigo Bolivia
- Viva App: Mi Viva
These apps are available on both Android and iOS and can be used with a local number to buy bundles or add-ons.
SIM Card Price
Here’s a general overview of SIM card prices:
| Provider | SIM Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entel | BOB 10–20 |
| Tigo | BOB 10 |
| Viva | BOB 10 |
Note: Prices may vary slightly depending on the shop or location.
Prepaid Plans
Entel Bolivia
- BOB 10: 1 GB for 1 day
- BOB 50: 5 GB for 7 days
- BOB 100: 15 GB for 30 days
Tigo Bolivia
- BOB 10: 1 GB + WhatsApp (1 day)
- BOB 30: 4 GB + social media (7 days)
- BOB 100: 20 GB + unlimited social media (30 days)
Viva Bolivia
- BOB 15: 1.5 GB + 15 min calls
- BOB 30: 3.5 GB for 10 days
- BOB 90: 12 GB for 30 days
Tourist SIM
All three providers offer tourist SIM card bundles, usually including data, local minutes, and free access to WhatsApp or Facebook. Ask for “chip Turisticos” at airport kiosks or main city stores. Tigo and Entel are more organized in offering these at international arrival terminals.
Data Add-Ons
Data can be added through:
- Mobile apps
- USSD codes (e.g., *222# for Tigo)
- Physical recharge cards or online top-ups
- Banks or pharmacies
Common data add-ons:
- 1 GB for BOB 10 (valid 1–2 days)
- 5 GB for BOB 30 (valid 7 days)
- 10 GB for BOB 50–60 (valid 30 days)
Activation
Most SIM cards activate instantly upon insertion and registration. If not:
- Restart your phone.
- Set the correct APN (can be found on provider’s website).
- Dial a USSD code to activate (e.g.,
*10#for balance check on Entel). - Ask a shop assistant to help if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
Buying a prepaid SIM card in Bolivia is affordable, straightforward, and essential for staying connected while exploring this diverse country. Tigo offers fast speeds in cities, Entel boasts the widest coverage, and Viva is great for budget travelers. Be sure to carry your passport and prepare for a short biometric registration at purchase. With prepaid data plans starting from just BOB 10, staying online in Bolivia has never been easier.