Weather can be a little confusing in Bolivia, especially in the capital where temperatures can soar during the day and dip below freezing when night falls – so pack appropriately for both extremes. The country is quite formal, and old-fashioned politeness is still widespread, so remember to greet everyone you talk to with a formal “good morning”, “good afternoon” and “good evening” before starting a conversation. It’s not uncommon, as with, for example, rural areas of Britain, in smaller towns and villages, for strangers to exchange greetings as they pass on the street. If nothing else be sure to use your “please” and “thank you’s” and pay attention to the locals.
Like elsewhere in South America, tipping is most common in restaurants, where it’s generally acceptable to leave 10% where there’s no service charge. Taxi drivers don’t usually expect a tip, unless they’re hired for a full day, in which case 10% is more than adequate.
