How to Ship to Bolivia from the US
Bolivia is a landlocked country at high altitude — La Paz sits at over 11,000 feet above sea level — and is one of the more challenging South American shipping destinations from the US. Express services fly through Lima or São Paulo hubs, typically adding a day to transit times versus coastal destinations. Santa Cruz is the main commercial center with the most direct air links.
Bolivia charges IVA (13% VAT) plus customs duties on imports. Bolivia's de minimis threshold for personal imports is approximately $200 USD — packages below this may clear with reduced duties, though IVA typically still applies. Commercial imports face full tariff schedules.
Typical 1 lb cost
$55–$80 USD
Typical transit
6–20 business days
Carrier Options to Bolivia
DHL Express Worldwide
Best option for Bolivia. 4-6 business days via Lima hub. Strong customs presence in La Paz and Santa Cruz.
FedEx International Priority
4-6 business days. Reliable for business shipments to Santa Cruz.
UPS Worldwide Expedited
5-7 business days. Serves major cities.
USPS Priority Mail International
2–4 weeks via Empresa de Correos de Bolivia (ECOBOL). Limited tracking; not recommended for valuables.
Customs Forms Required
CN22 for items under $400. CN23 + commercial invoice for higher-value packages.
Commonly Prohibited Items
- ✕Firearms and military equipment without authorization
- ✕Illegal drugs and narcotics
- ✕Counterfeit goods
- ✕Pornographic materials
- ✕Agricultural products without phytosanitary permit from SENASAG
Bolivia-Specific Shipping Tips
- 💡 Bolivia's high-altitude geography means some air carriers have weight/volume restrictions — confirm with your carrier
- 💡 Personal imports under ~$200 may clear with reduced duties; above that, expect 13% IVA plus 0–20% duty
- 💡 Use express carriers for anything time-sensitive — ECOBOL (Bolivian postal) service is unreliable
- 💡 Include recipient phone number; street addresses in Bolivian cities may lack standardization
- 💡 Santa Cruz has better logistics infrastructure than La Paz for business shipments
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping to Bolivia take?
Is there a duty-free threshold?
Why is shipping to Bolivia more expensive?
Can I ship electronics to Bolivia?
What currency is used for customs declarations?
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