Sucre Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Sucre.
Healthcare System
Sucre has a two-tier healthcare system with public hospitals and private clinics. Private facilities offer better quality care but require upfront payment or proof of insurance. Public hospitals are available but often crowded with long wait times.
Hospitals
Hospital Santa Barbara (private) and Clínica Alemana are the preferred facilities for tourists, offering better equipment and cleanliness. Hospital San Pedro de Claver is the main public hospital. Dental care is available and relatively affordable at private clinics.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available throughout the city center. Many medications available by prescription-only in other countries can be purchased over-the-counter. Pharmacists often provide basic medical advice. Look for 'Farmacia' signs, with several 24-hour pharmacies available.
Insurance
Travel insurance with medical coverage and emergency evacuation is highly recommended and essential for visiting Sucre. Ensure your policy covers high-altitude destinations up to 3,000 meters.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring any prescription medications in original packaging with a copy of the prescription
- Common medications for altitude sickness (acetazolamide/Diamox) are available at local pharmacies
- Private clinics require payment upfront; keep all receipts for insurance claims
- Consider arranging medical evacuation insurance to La Paz or Lima for serious emergencies
- Carry a basic first-aid kit as quality may vary in remote areas outside the city
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in pairs or groups, with one creating a distraction while another steals belongings. Slash-and-grab theft from bags is also reported.
Sucre sits at 2,810 meters above sea level. Altitude sickness (soroche) affects many visitors, causing headaches, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and sleep disturbances. Symptoms typically appear within 6-24 hours of arrival.
Road safety standards differ from developed countries. Drivers may not follow traffic rules consistently, pedestrian crossings are often ignored, and roads can be poorly maintained. Motorcycles and minibuses can be particularly unpredictable.
Traveler's diarrhea and stomach upsets are common due to different food preparation standards and water quality. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Card skimming and ATM fraud occasionally occur. Some ATMs may be tampered with or have hidden cameras to capture PIN numbers.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals posing as plain-clothes police officers approach tourists claiming to need to check their money for counterfeit bills or inspect passports. They may ask to see wallets, bags, or valuables, then steal cash or cards during the 'inspection.'
Someone spills something on you, points out bird droppings on your clothing, or creates another distraction while an accomplice steals your bag, camera, or picks your pocket.
Unlicensed taxi drivers or those at tourist areas quote inflated prices, especially to newly arrived tourists. Some may take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare.
Unlicensed or disreputable tour operators offer suspiciously cheap tours but provide poor service, use unsafe vehicles, fail to include promised services, or pressure tourists to buy additional services.
Money changers on the street or in unofficial exchange houses use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit bills, or switch agreed-upon rates during the transaction.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cash, cards, and passport in hotel safe
- Divide money between different locations (wallet, money belt, hotel safe)
- Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance, cards) and store separately
- Use ATMs during daylight hours inside banks when possible
- Keep small bills handy for taxis and small purchases to avoid displaying large amounts of cash
- Consider carrying a 'dummy wallet' with small amounts of cash if in crowded areas
Transportation
- Use registered radio taxis (ask your hotel to call one) rather than hailing on the street
- Avoid taking taxis late at night alone; share with other travelers if possible
- If renting a car, park in secure lots and never leave valuables visible inside
- On buses, keep bags on your lap or between your feet, not in overhead compartments
- For intercity travel, use reputable bus companies and avoid night buses when possible
- Wear seatbelts when available and sit in the back seat of taxis
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good security (locked doors, safes, reception)
- Keep your room locked even when inside
- Don't open the door to unexpected visitors; verify identity through reception
- Use the safe for passports, extra money, and electronics
- Keep a list of emergency contacts and your hotel address in Spanish
- Check reviews on multiple platforms before booking
Personal Safety
- Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
- Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
- Learn basic Spanish phrases for emergencies
- Keep your phone charged and consider buying a local SIM card
- Tell someone your plans when going on day trips or hikes
- Avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
Health Precautions
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Carry hand sanitizer for times when washing isn't possible
- Bring any prescription medications in sufficient quantity
- Pack a basic medical kit with anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, and bandages
- Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (if traveling to lowlands)
- Drink only bottled water and avoid ice
- Take time to acclimatize before engaging in strenuous activities
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Sucre is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors, and is considered one of the better destinations in Bolivia for women. However, machismo culture exists, and women may experience catcalling (piropos), staring, or unwanted attention. These behaviors, while uncomfortable, are usually verbal and not physically threatening. Most interactions with locals are respectful and friendly.
- Dress modestly to reduce unwanted attention; locals tend to dress conservatively
- Ignore catcalls and don't engage; responding often encourages more attention
- Sit near other women or families on public transportation
- Use registered taxis, especially at night, and share your ride details with someone
- Carry a personal alarm or whistle for emergencies
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted advances; 'No, gracias' is usually sufficient
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use taxis after dark
- Consider staying in female-only dorm rooms if in hostels
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Wedding rings (real or fake) can sometimes reduce unwanted attention
- Connect with other women travelers through hostel common areas or online forums
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Bolivia, and the constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and legal protections are limited in practice.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection to avoid unwanted attention or harassment
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and establishments in advance
- Be cautious when using dating apps; meet in public places and inform someone of your plans
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation with strangers or in potentially hostile situations
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations or online communities for current information and support
- Be aware that some hotels may question same-sex couples sharing a room, though this is becoming less common
- Consider booking private accommodations through platforms with LGBTQ+-friendly filters
- If experiencing harassment, contact tourist police or your embassy
- Larger cities like La Paz have more visible LGBTQ+ scenes if seeking community connections
- Remember that attitudes vary individually; many younger Bolivians are more accepting
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Sucre due to the high altitude, limited advanced medical facilities, potential need for medical evacuation, and unpredictable weather that can disrupt travel plans. Medical treatment for foreigners requires upfront payment, and serious conditions may require expensive evacuation to La Paz or international destinations. The cost of evacuation alone can exceed $10,000-$50,000.
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