Bolivia +591

Nestled in the heart of South America, Bolivia is a nation of dramatic geographical contrasts, from the towering peaks of the Andes to the vast expanse of the Amazon Basin. Its telecommunications landscape reflects this diversity, with a country code that connects callers worldwide: +591. Understanding the nuances of dialing into Bolivia is essential for international businesses, travelers exploring the Salar de Uyuni, and expatriates keeping in touch with family. This comprehensive guide provides authoritative insights into Bolivia's dialing procedures, area codes, and practical communication tips to ensure seamless connectivity.

Dialing Procedures: A Step-by-Step Guide

Placing an international call to Bolivia requires a precise sequence of numbers. The process is straightforward but demands attention to detail, especially when distinguishing between landline and mobile numbers. The general format for dialing a Bolivian number from abroad is: International Access Code + 591 + National Number.

• Step 1: Exit Code – Dial the international access code of the country you are calling from (e.g., 011 from the United States and Canada, 00 from most European and Latin American countries, or + from any mobile device).
• Step 2: Bolivia Country Code – Enter 591 to route your call to Bolivia.
• Step 3: National Number – Bolivia uses 8-digit numbers for both landlines and mobile phones. Unlike many countries, there is no separate trunk prefix (like '0') used when dialing domestically or internationally; the 8-digit number is dialed directly after the country code.

For example, to call a landline in La Paz from the United States, you would dial: 011 591 2 2XXXXXXX (where '2' is the area code for La Paz and '2XXXXXXX' is the 7-digit local number). For a mobile phone, you would dial: 011 591 7XXXXXXX (where '7' is the mobile prefix).

Area Codes and Numbering Structure

Bolivia's telephone numbering plan is managed by the Autoridad de Regulación y Fiscalización de Telecomunicaciones y Transportes (ATT). The country is divided into nine departments, each with its own area code for landlines. These codes are essential for routing calls to fixed-line telephones. The following are the primary area codes:

• La Paz: 2
• Cochabamba: 4
• Santa Cruz: 3
• Oruro: 2
• Potosi: 2
• Chuquisaca (Sucre): 4
• Tarija: 4
• Beni (Trinidad): 3
• Pando (Cobija): 3

As noted, some departments share area codes. For instance, La Paz, Oruro, and Potosi all use the area code '2', but the subsequent digits in the local number differentiate them. The full national number is always 8 digits, which includes the area code (1 digit) plus a 7-digit subscriber number for landlines. Mobile numbers always begin with the digit '6', '7', or '8' (though '7' is most common), followed by 7 more digits, making them also 8 digits in total. This uniform length simplifies dialing but requires careful attention to the initial digits to determine if you are calling a mobile or a fixed line.

Special Rules and Dialing Nuances

When dialing Bolivia, there are several important rules to keep in mind to avoid call failures or unexpected charges:

• No Trunk Prefix: Bolivia does not use a trunk prefix like '0' for domestic long-distance calls. When calling from one Bolivian city to another, you simply dial the 8-digit number (including the area code). For international callers, this means you never add an extra digit after the country code.
• Mobile Calls: To call a Bolivian mobile phone from abroad, you must include the mobile prefix (e.g., 7) as part of the 8-digit number. Do not omit the first digit of the mobile number, as it is an integral part of the subscriber number.
• Toll-Free and Premium Numbers: Bolivia has toll-free numbers (800) and premium rate numbers (900) that are also 8 digits long. When dialing these from abroad, you must use the country code and the full number, but note that international access to toll-free numbers is often restricted or may incur international charges, as the toll-free aspect only applies domestically.
• Emergency Numbers: For emergency services within Bolivia, dial 110 (police), 118 (fire), or 132 (medical emergencies). These are domestic short codes, not reachable via +591 from abroad.

Another key nuance is that Bolivia is in the UTC-4 time zone (Bolivia Time, BOT) and does not observe daylight saving time. Therefore, the time difference with your location may vary seasonally, so always verify the local time to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.

Practical Tips for Travelers and Businesses

For travelers and businesses, effective communication in Bolivia requires planning. Here are expert recommendations:

• Local SIM Cards: The major mobile operators in Bolivia are Entel (state-owned), Tigo, and Viva. Purchasing a local SIM card is cost-effective for long stays. You will need to register your IMEI number, as Bolivia has a blacklist system for unauthorized devices. Ensure your phone is unlocked before arriving.
• VoIP and Messaging Apps: WhatsApp is immensely popular in Bolivia for both personal and business communication. Many businesses list WhatsApp numbers as their primary contact point. While VoIP services like Skype are available, they are less commonly used than in other regions.
• Calling from Bolivia: To call internationally from Bolivia, you must dial the international exit code '0010' (for Entel) or '0011' (for Tigo), followed by the destination country code and number. However, it is often easier and cheaper to use VoIP apps over Wi-Fi.
• Business Etiquette: When contacting Bolivian businesses, be aware that office hours typically run from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Friday. It is advisable to schedule calls during these windows, avoiding lunchtime. Also, Spanish is the official language, but many indigenous languages are spoken; having a Spanish-speaking contact can facilitate smoother communication.
• Reliability: Mobile coverage is excellent in major cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba, but can be sparse in rural and remote areas, especially in the Amazon and high-altitude regions. Satellite phones are recommended for expeditions to very remote areas.

By understanding these dialing protocols and communication landscape, you can ensure reliable and efficient contact with Bolivia, whether for business negotiations, family calls, or travel arrangements.