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Shopping in Bolivia

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One can only imagine how lazy it would be in a country without magical shopping malls and streets! Bolivia is a shoppers paradise on its own leaving you with much to marvel!

Bolivia has a good reputation as a shopping destination so if you are looking for western-style cozy malls! The country has some of the most fascinating markets in the region with the most reputable in La Paz.

Bigger markets are found in the capital! Outside the capital, markets are just as popular among locals as they are travelers.

In Santa Cruz, the nation’s agricultural capital, stalls tend to have a much wider variety of fresh produce than anywhere else in the country, and groceries are brought from other areas of the country almost daily. Once you are here you won’t run short of options when it comes to food items.

The king of markets must be Mercado Negro, which sprawls through a large area of La Paz between the Witches’ Market and El Cementario. Never heard about the Witches market?! Well, the country has an interesting artisanship that is fondly expressed through curios and sculptures of distinct origin and tales! Explore every other market but do not forget to check out the distinctified Witches’ Market in the capital!

Llama wool textiles are particularly popular souvenirs and gifts when shopping in Bolivia. Items such as sweaters, ponchos, scarves, and gloves can be found in a bewildering display of designs and architecture. Leather goods, gold and silver jewelry, and home decorations are also commonly available, and sometimes a good value for the money if you’re willing to barter, which can knock up to 30% off the asking price.

Colored ponchos, rugs, scarves, bags, and lama and alpaca sweaters are the typical Bolivian souvenirs. And just like in the rest of other Latin countries you’ll find countless shops and stalls in Bolivia, offering many other souvenirs. The country is also famous for its streets markets where you can find items for sacrifices such as sweets, lama fetuses (yes indeed!), frogs, coca leaves, and herbs. Bolivia has many black markets where you just find everything.

If you look a bit better, you’ll discover all kinds of design stores, with lots of cool items and stylish western clothes with a Bolivian twist. The best thing is to just walk through the busy city centers, absorb the chaos and in the meantime look for the coolest items, you’ll only find in Bolivia.

RocApply Tips:

  • As with other facets of life in Bolivian, food, and grocery are also sold in their local currency, so ensure to make all the necessary conversions and move around with a little local cash on you. Many of the establishments only accept the dollar.
  • The market is a very popular and crowded place to, so it is important to watch your wallet.
  • As a newcomer, some of the names of the items might confuse you, please use any online translator services to check the correct Spanish word for whatever you are searching for.
  • Always ask for help or directions from fellow students and if you can't find any around you then ask even the locals they are always happy to assist foreigners and visitors.

"I enjoy shopping and I found it affordable but some of the clothes are definitely not of the highest quality." - Hassan from Turkey

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