Shopping in Bolivia - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Holidays in many countries cannot be called complete without quality shopping. This statement also applies to Bolivia. In addition to exploring the Bolivian attractions and natural beauty of the Inca country, tourists can enjoy the purchase of local souvenirs with an Injun flavor. Guests of the country can also make a number of other purchases at quite reasonable prices. Great shopping awaits travelers both in shopping centers and markets. An additional bonus will be a large variety of products that will remind you of a pleasant vacation in Bolivia.

You should know and follow a number of rules to make a high-quality and at the same time budget shopping in Bolivia. You should definitely bargain with sellers in the market. Locals are sure that all tourists are rich. Therefore, the prices of their products are inflated initially. The bargaining between the seller and the buyer is appropriate and expected. If you want to bring an original souvenir with a local flavor from Bolivia, then you should remember to keep a receipt for such goods. This applies to stuffed animals, antiques, and antique coins. Coca leaves are prohibited from export from Bolivia. If you buy woolen items, you need to carefully examine the product for the quality of its dressing. Low-quality products can cause allergies.

The main part of the stores is open from 8 am to 7 pm in Bolivia. Store owners determine the time of the lunch break at their own discretion. Large shopping centers are located in the cities of La Paz and Sucre. Some supermarkets operate around the clock. You can pay for your purchases with local boliviano money or US dollars. Currency exchange is possible both in Bank branches and in large shopping centers. It is better to import dollars to Bolivia as tourist checks. They are cashed in Bank branches or in retail establishments. You can also pay for purchased items using a credit card. However, the seller may require the original or a copy of the passport in this case. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The best shopping is in the cities of Sucre and La Paz in Bolivia. The first city is the actual capital of the country. The second city has the official status of the main city. There is only one large shopping center in Sucre. However, there are many different shops and markets in the city. Various souvenirs and memorabilia are sold in huge quantities here. Shopping in La Paz is really interesting. The main tourist shopping facilities in the city are located in its center. There are a number of markets in the capital. But you will find one of the best selections of goods and souvenirs in the central market of La Paz called "Negro".

One of the most famous attractions of La Paz and a very colorful place is the Witches' Market. It is considered one of the most famous markets in Bolivia. It is located on Linares Street. The market is a long line of shops with various goods. It seems that they are related to magic and witchcraft. You can buy various amulets, talismans, skulls, scary masks, stuffed animals, snakes, and frogs here. You will also find various souvenirs related to the products of the culture of local Injuns and many different unusual gifts. You can find antique items and silverware at the Witches' Market. The market is very popular with both ordinary Bolivians and visiting travelers.

Almost every tourist buys a souvenir of local textiles before leaving Bolivia. This can be blankets, plaids, sweaters, jackets or carpets woven from alpaca, llama or vicuna wool. Many travelers buy silver products made of metal extracted by artisanal methods here. Jewelry with amethyst also called bolivianite, amethyst-citrine or two-color amethyst is also in demand. A souvenir in the form of a guitar, the body of which is made of an armadillo shell will be very original. Another colorful musical souvenir is the siku flute. Its melodies are very melancholy. But the sounds of siku are very nice. Traditionally, products with Injun themes are in high demand. Tourists also buy Pichincha. It is a pumpkin rattle. Pumpkin seeds that make sounds very similar to the sound of rain put inside Pichincha.

A vacation in Bolivia will be incomplete without tasting local fruits and products. You can bring cherimoya, passion fruit, jackfruit, guava from the country for testing with friends and relatives. Fans of spices will treat themselves to seasonings. Hot peppers are traditional for the cuisine of Bolivia. The local hot sauces are also very tasty. Aromatic Bolivian coffee is sold in specialty stores. Chocolate is in great demand. But it is very bitter. Local chocolate is not intended for children but for true connoisseurs of its taste. Local corn vodka called "chicha" will be a great gift from Bolivia. Grape liqueur may appeal to women. Local wines are also no less famous. This is "Kohlberg", "Aranjuez", and "Concepcion".