Boliviano Currency 101: What You Need to Know

The Boliviano currency is the official currency of Bolivia, and it's essential to understand the basics if you're planning a trip or doing business there. It's denominated in BOB, which stands for Bolivianos.

The Boliviano has a long history, dating back to 1864 when it was first introduced. The currency has undergone several changes over the years, with the current design introduced in 1986.

In Bolivia, you can exchange your money for Bolivianos at banks, currency exchange offices, or some hotels. Be aware that exchange rates can vary significantly, so it's a good idea to compare rates before making a transaction.

One Boliviano is divided into 100 centimos, but centimos are no longer in circulation.

The Boliviano is the national currency of Bolivia. It's been around in some form since 1864, but the most recent version was introduced in 1987.

In 2020, you could buy 6.86 Bolivianos for just one US dollar.

The history of the boliviano currency is a long and complex one, with several different iterations of the currency being used over the years. The first boliviano was introduced in 1864 and replaced the Bolivian scudo at a rate of 1 boliviano to 0.5 Bolivian scudi.

The first boliviano pegged to the French franc at a rate of 5 francs to 1 boliviano, but this was later changed in 1908 when Bolivia adopted the gold standard, pegging the currency at 12.5 bolivianos to 1 British pound (GBP). The boliviano underwent a period of devaluation against the GBP lasting between 1928 and 1938.

In 1940, the Bolivian government began accepting multiple exchange rates between the boliviano and the U.S. dollar. By 1963, the boliviano had resumed its devaluation, prompting the government to replace it with a new currency—the peso boliviano—which began circulation at an exchange rate of 1,000 to 1 relative to the previous version of the currency.

The peso boliviano was eventually replaced by the modern boliviano in 1987, introducing it roughly at par with the dollar, or 1 million new bolivianos per peso boliviano. Here's a quick rundown of the different currencies used in Bolivia over the years:

The second boliviano has been a relatively stable currency since its introduction, with the central bank allowing it to float freely against other currencies.

The Bolivian boliviano is the official currency of Bolivia, issued by the Banco Central de Bolivia. It's a decimal currency, with one boliviano subdivided into 100 centavos.

The boliviano was first introduced in 1987. You can spot the latest series of banknotes, which were issued in 2018.

Bolivian coins come in several denominations, including 10, 20, and 50 centavos. Larger coins worth one, two, and five bolivianos are also in circulation.

Here's a breakdown of the Bolivian currency denominations:

In most local transactions, you'll need to use Boliviano coins and banknotes. Carrying local currency in cash is recommended when traveling to remote areas.

For another approach, see: Local Currency News

Bolivian coins can be found in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavos, although the 2- and 5-centavo coins are no longer in circulation but remain legal tender. There are also coins of 1, 2, and 5 bolivianos.

The 1, 2, and 5 boliviano coins are still widely used and accepted in Bolivia. You can also find coins in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 centavos.

Boliviano banknotes currently in circulation are of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 bolivianos. The older series included banknotes of 2 and 5 bolivianos but they have been out of circulation since 2013, although they are still legal tender.

You can find Boliviano banknotes featuring prominent Bolivian figures and revolutionaries on the front and vignettes of the country's landscape and cultural symbols on the back. Here are the notable figures on each banknote:

Only the Banco Central de Bolivia can issue Bolivian banknotes and coins.

The Boliviano and USD exchange rate has been fixed at 6.96 BOB: 1 USD since 2011, allowing for consistent exchange between the two currencies. This means that the Central Bank of Bolivia institutes monetary policies to maintain a consistent exchange rate of the BOB to USD at 6.96:1.

The exchange rate can fluctuate over time due to various economic, political, and market factors, but as of February 2025, the rate is 1 BOB = 0.1445 USD. This rate has been steadily decreasing over the past few weeks, with the lowest rate on January 27th being 1 BOB = 0.1442 USD.

If you're planning to travel to Bolivia, it's essential to know the current exchange rate to get the best value for your money. The boliviano trades against all other official currencies around the globe, giving us exchange rates that can help you navigate financial transactions.

Here's a table of the exchange rate history for converting Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) to Dollars (USD) in January 2025:

You can use online currency converters to get the latest exchange rate and plan your trip accordingly.

You can easily exchange dollars for bolivianos in Bolivia, but be aware that exchanging money at airport kiosks or border towns can result in bad rates.

It's a good idea to have some cash on you at all times, especially in rural areas where other forms of payment may not be accepted.

Credit cards, including VISA and Mastercard, are widely accepted in touristy establishments in Bolivia.

You can also use debit cards linked to your bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash, although prepaid travel cards are often a more convenient and cost-effective option.

Mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular, but it's essential to check their availability in Bolivia before relying on them.

If you're traveling to Bolivia, consider using a prepaid travel card, such as Revolut, which offers excellent exchange rates and multi-currency balances.

The Boliviano currency has a fascinating history. The Boliviano has been the official currency of Bolivia since 1864, making it one of the oldest currencies in South America.

Interestingly, the Boliviano was pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 6.9 Bolivianos per dollar from 1985 to 1996. This period of currency stability helped attract foreign investment to the country.

A single Boliviano is made up of 100 centimos, the smallest unit of currency in Bolivia. This is a useful fact to know when making change in local markets or shops.

The boliviano is the official currency of Bolivia, and it's been around since 1863. It's a unique part of the country's culture and history.

The boliviano is represented by the symbol "Bs" and has a few different denominations, including 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. These denominations make it easy to do business in Bolivia.

The boliviano is also divided into a minor unit called the centavo, which is a useful fact to know when traveling to the country. It's always good to have a basic understanding of the local currency.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Gbp Currency Country

One of the most interesting facts about the boliviano is that it has a single alternative currency, which is none. This means that the boliviano is the only official currency in Bolivia.

The boliviano is issued by the Central Bank of Bolivia, also known as the BCB. This is the main institution responsible for regulating the country's currency.

Here are the key facts about the boliviano at a glance:

Unity Makes Strength is a motto that's taken to heart in Bolivia. This principle is even reflected on the country's coins, which feature the inscription "Unity makes strength" on one side.

The Boliviano coins are a unique representation of the country's history and principles. They're a tangible reminder of the importance of unity in Bolivia.

The other side of the coins bears the coat of arms of Bolivia and the inscription "Plurinational State of Bolivia." This highlights the country's commitment to its diverse national identity.

Bolivia's motto is a powerful symbol of the country's values. It's a reminder that when people come together, they can achieve great things.