In 2020, 126 Germans officially emigrated to Bolivia and 250 returned to their homeland. Within the 10 years from 2010 to 2019, 1,910 Germans officially emigrated to Bolivia and 2,420 moved back to Germany.

Bolivia is shaped by the chains of the Andes, the height of which reaches over 6,500 m. In between lies the central highlands, the 3,000 to 4,000 m high Altiplano. Around 80 percent of all Bolivians live here. The idyllic Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world (at around 3,800 meters above sea level) and South America’s largest lake, is world-famous. The natural area around the lake in western Bolivia is breathtaking.

We recommend hiking along the lake and on the islands of Sol and Luna, as you can enjoy the view of the Königskordilleren here. Boat trips and boat tours are also offered. The picturesque town of Copacabana, which is the most important pilgrimage center in Bolivia, is also recommended.

The most interesting city is Sucre. At 2,710 meters above sea level, it has an astonishingly mild climate. The city center is characterized by neoclassical and baroque, whitewashed facades, colonial churches and a chessboard-like basic structure.

But La Paz also serves as a springboard to very interesting destinations: to Tiwanaku, the most important archaeological area in the country. A very special tour leads down into the Yungas, tropical valleys in the northeast of La Paz. Spectacular slopes wind their way down around 2,000 meters and reach areas where coffee and cocoa are grown.

Labor market – vacancies, jobs

According to countryvv, Bolivia is one of the poorest, economically underdeveloped South American countries. The economic importance of the country lies mainly in its wealth of valuable minerals, especially tin. Some job opportunities exist for technicians, chemists, and other people useful in mining; also for craftsmen and farmers. It is rather difficult to earn a living in the tourism sector.

The wages are usually very low. But self-employment is only recommended for experienced and financially strong entrepreneurs. You can get along well with Spanish almost everywhere. However, you should be able to do this well enough, as you will not be understood here with English, for example.

Cost of living

You would need around € 1,873.47 in Santa Cruz to maintain the same standard of living that you could have in Berlin with € 3,700.00 (assuming you rent in the cities).

• Consumer prices in Santa Cruz are 42.92% lower than in Berlin (without rent)
• Consumer prices including rent in Santa Cruz are 49.37% lower than in Berlin
• Rental prices in Santa Cruz are 64.01% lower than in Berlin
• Restaurant prices in Santa Cruz are 53.23% lower than in Berlin
• Food prices in Santa Cruz are 40.38% lower than in Berlin
• The local purchasing power in Santa Cruz is 53.92% lower than in Berlin

Average cost of living in Santa Cruz (from 07/2019 – 06/2020)

Average costs for local transport, utilities, clothing, leisure, education of Santa Cruz (from 07/2019 – 06/2020)

A normal gas bottle costs about 2.30 euros, so you can cook for about a month. The electricity bill for a thrifty family is around 15 euros a month. Water costs to around 5-6 euros. Internet connection with a prepaid USB surf stick costs around 14 euros a month.

Average Rental Prices / Purchase and Salaries from Santa Cruz (from 07/2019 – 06/2020)

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