R 151113Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9726

UNCLAS LA PAZ 000067 
 
 
FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/ITA, AND DS/IP/WHA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC AMGT APER BL
SUBJECT: LA PAZ - ANNUAL OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT - 2009 
 
REF: A) 08 STATE 132056; B) 07 STATE 168473 
 
¶I. (U) OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY SITUATION 
 
¶A. CRIME THREATS 
 
Most major cities in Bolivia are currently rated as medium threat 
level for crime, while Santa Cruz remains high on the Department of 
State's threat rating scale.  However, La Paz and Santa Cruz 
continue to experience an increase in criminal activity in formerly 
low crime areas.  There have been several reported kidnappings and 
attempted kidnappings of children walking home from school within 
one or two blocks of the school, generally in upscale residential 
areas.  Violent crimes such as assault or rape against foreigners 
are relatively rare, but occur.  For instance, when an elderly 
American couple entered the next taxi in line after attending the 
theater, the taxi drove a few blocks, pulled over, two men jumped in 
the back, the woman was raped, and the couple was held for seven 
hours overnight so they could withdraw money both days from an ATM. 
In similar incidents, taxi customers are beaten up and thrown out of 
the taxi after being robbed of their personal belongings and taken 
to an ATM.  Robberies continue to increase.  For the most part, 
tourists can generally walk the streets in most areas of major 
cities without becoming victims of crime, if they observe reasonable 
precautions.  However, violent crimes do affect U.S. citizens and a 
number of unwary tourists.  One of the more sensational cases 
occurred in November 2003 when the daughter of a U.S. consular agent 
was shot and killed during an attempted carjacking.  While 
non-violent petty thefts are very common throughout Bolivia, violent 
crimes are increasing.  In particular, the following categories of 
theft are the most common: 
 
Vehicle thefts: Vehicle thefts remain at a constant high level in 
the major cities.  Unattended vehicles are broken into and the 
computer modules, spare tires, stereos, headrests, and other items 
of value are often stolen.  Such crimes are no longer exclusive to 
business and shopping districts; they occur in the more upscale 
residential areas as well. 
 
Personal robberies: The various forms of street crime are extremely 
common in the major cities of Bolivia, particularly in markets and 
commercial districts.  Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, the slashing 
of pocketbooks and pants pockets, and the theft of jewelry and cell 
phones are reported almost daily by tourists and visitors.  In La 
Paz, the area near the San Francisco church is particularly affected 
by this activity.  Other areas in La Paz such as the black market, 
markets on Sagarnaga Street and Sopocachi Street, and municipal bus 
stations/terminals are notorious for such activity.  Thieves 
typically operate in groups of two or more.  Usually, one or two 
members of the group will create a distraction (i.e. an argument, a 
staged fight, a blocked passage on a sidewalk, a cut to the face 
with a razor, or an unknown liquid thrown on the victim).  When this 
occurs, other members of the team rob the victim by pick-pocketing, 
slashing the purse, or clothes pockets.  This modus operandi has 
also been very successful at the airports in La Paz and Santa Cruz. 
People are advised to avoid carrying large sums of cash or 
ATM/credit cards, and to avoid wearing excess jewelry.  In another 
typical street scam, the thief poses as a police officer (tourist 
police or immigration official) instructing the person to accompany 
him to the police station using a nearby taxi.  This ruse, when 
successful, has lured victims into losing all possessions and being 
injured.  Visitors should demand that the U.S. Embassy be contacted 
and not enter the cab. 
 
Residential thefts: U.S. citizen residents have been victimized by 
residential burglary.  Thefts of unsecured bicycles, gardening 
tools, and lawn furniture from garden areas are fairly common, and 
such items should be brought indoors during the evening.  As in the 
past, there have been more incidents of poisoning pets through laced 
bread or meat.  Forced entry, though not common, has been an 
increasingly new phenomenon as well.  Finally, thefts from inside 
the home by household staff, workmen, and other visitors are not 
uncommon.  The vetting of domestic help as well as the careful 
monitoring of visitors inside the house are necessary precautions. 
 
¶B. SAFETY THREATS 
 
¶1. ROAD CONDITIONS IN BOLIVIA 
 
Outside the major cities, road conditions are quite poor.  Of the 
42,815 Km. of roads in Bolivia, less than five percent are paved. 
Of the remainder, one third is topped with gravel, and the rest 
(approximately 60% of all the roads in country) are poorly 
maintained dirt.  Due to limited resources, road conditions are 
almost solely dependent on the volume of traffic.  Many winding 
stretches of road through insufficiently lighted mountainous areas 
increase this hazard, which is even further compounded by the lack 
of guard rails, traffic signs, as well as designation of traffic 
lanes.  Additionally, the general disregard of traffic laws combines 
with the dangerous road conditions to make driving in Bolivia 
particularly hazardous, with respect to accidents, injuries, and 
fatalities.  Pedestrians also pose a hazard to driving, with a 
general inattentiveness to traffic.  Accidents involving pedestrians 
are common in both urban and rural areas especially since there is 
little regard on behalf of motorists for pedestrians, bicycle and 
motorcycle/moped drivers. 
 
¶2. ROAD HAZARDS 
 
As noted, the majority of roads are unpaved, and can be quite 
hazardous during the rainy season (December - March), when rock 
slides, and road and bridge washouts are common.  There are many 
fatalities when bridges collapse under the torrent of the rivers 
fueled by heavy rains.  The mountainous areas pose even greater 
challenges to road travel, with weather conditions varying from 
blizzards to heavy rain storms, and narrow, unpaved roads being 
blocked by rock and mud slides.  Urban and paved roads have missing 
manhole covers and deep potholes which either is unmarked or has a 
branch or large stone placed nearby to warn the driver; in most 
cases it is difficult to see, especially in the dark. 
 
¶3. MOST DANGEROUS ROADS 
 
The North Yungas road, which runs from La Paz northeast toward 
Coroico and Caranavi, has infamously been dubbed "The World's Most 
Dangerous Road" and has thus become a hub for thrill-seeking 
mountain cyclists.  Though now restricted to bicycle and pedestrian 
traffic, it has claimed its share of vehicle and bicycle accidents 
and fatalities (to include several this past year) to live up to its 
reputation. 
 
Many of the roads north of La Paz and passing through Guanay, 
Mapiri, Consata, Apolo, and Sorata are extremely dangerous, due to 
landslides and narrow roadways traversing sheer cliffs.  Compounding 
this, these roads are lightly traveled, and motorists involved in 
accidents or encountering mechanical problems often find themselves 
miles from the nearest village, with little help of assistance from 
infrequently passing motorists. 
 
In addition, many of the roads in the province of Beni and other 
lowland departments have fast moving streams and rivers that cross 
the roadways with no bridges.  The stretch of road between La Paz 
and San Borja is crossed by rivers 23 times with no bridges.  Some 
of these crossings have nothing more than barges that are propelled 
by a pull rope and pulley system. 
 
II. (SBU) POLITICAL VIOLENCE 
 
¶1. TERRORISM - HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE 
 
Between 1988 and 1994, several Bolivian terrorist groups targeted 
U.S. citizens and U.S. Government (USG) interests.  Most notable 
examples were the 1988 attack against then Secretary of State 
Shultz's motorcade in La Paz, the series of bombings of Mormon 
Church between 1989 and 1993, and the murders of two Mormon 
missionaries in 1989.  USG facilities were also targeted in several 
non-lethal bomb attacks between 1990 and 1993.  Groups have also 
attacked commercial and Government of Bolivia (GOB) targets, 
including office buildings, oil pipelines, and electrical towers. 
The Bolivian National Police (BNP) was successful in arresting the 
leaders of many of these groups, including the Ejercito Guerillero 
de Tupac Katari (EGTK) and the Comision Nesto Paz Zamora (CNPZ) in 
the early 1990's.  However, remnants of these groups still remain, 
and their resurgence is possible. 
 
¶2. RECENT TERRORISM 
 
¶A. REGIONAL TERRORISM 
 
No international terrorist acts took place in Bolivia in 2008.  To 
date, the GOB has not provided safe haven for terrorists.  However, 
with political instability, a weak and fluctuating legal framework, 
and the opening of diplomatic relations with Iran and relations with 
other nations hostile to the USG, there is always concern of 
possible terrorist activity.  While not significantly active, the 
National Liberation Army (ELN), the Revolutionary Armed Forces of 
Columbia (FARC), the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA), the 
Paraguayan Free Fatherland Party (PPL), and the Shining Path are 
thought to be present in Bolivia. 
 
Former Peruvian terrorist from the Movimiento Revolucionario de 
Tupac Amaru (MRTA) and from the Sendero Luminoso (SL) are known to 
reside in Bolivia, some under United Nations (UN) refugee status. 
These former/current terrorists have provided advice and assistance 
to groups within Bolivia which are seeking substantive and 
structural changes to Bolivian democracy.  This was evidenced in 
April 2003 when police raided an ELN-B safe-house and discovered 
literature and manuals from the Colombian ELN.  Additionally, a 
Colombian ELN member, Francisco Cortes, was discovered in the house 
and arrested.  In April 2006, the GOB released Cortez after the 
statute of limitations on his case expired.  In May 2006, Bolivia's 
Vice-Minister for the Interior directly intervened to arrange the 
release of PPL member Angel Acosta after he was arrested on an 
Interpol warrant for his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of 
Cecilia Cubas.  The Vice-Minister stated that the warrant was 
invalid.  In 2005, Bolivian authorities arrested Aida Ochoa, a 
suspected member of the MRTA, but released her in early 2006.  After 
a four month delay, the GOB issued a new arrest warrant, as 
requested by the Peruvians for Ochoa, who, by that time, was a 
fugitive.  In October 2007, the Peruvian government requested the 
extradition of Walter Chavez, a close advisor to the GOB.  Chavez 
was arrested in Peru in 1990 for alleged illegal activities and 
involvement with the MRTA.  Chavez was released on bail and 
disappeared before turning up in Bolivia in 1992.  The GOB is 
defending and protecting Chavez, and stated that he was a political 
refugee protected by international agreements. 
 
¶B. LOCAL TERRORISM 
 
As the events of February and October 2003 showed, homegrown 
Bolivian groups are capable of carrying out violent anti-government 
activities.  Supporters of Felipe Quispe's Movimiento Indigena 
Pacakuti (MIP) party ambushed a military and police convoy 
evacuating Europeans and Americans from Sorata and Warizata, causing 
the deaths of at least two Bolivian soldiers.  In 2008, Quispe 
admitted to ties and sympathy with the FARC.  Other groups who have 
at least discussed potential terrorist actions in Bolivia include 
the Ejercito Guerillero Tupac Katari (EGTK) and the CNPZ, although 
they do not currently appear to be active.  This is in part because 
many of the suspected leaders are either in the current 
administration, or extremely close to it.  Army Lieutenant Jorge 
Nava was arrested in connection with the June 21, 2008 bombing of 
the Unitel television station in Tarija. 
 
¶C. INTERNATIONAL OR TRANS-NATIONAL TERRORISM 
 
While there are no known Middle Eastern terrorist groups active in 
Bolivia, lax immigration controls, porous borders, the ease in which 
fake Bolivian travel documents can be obtained, and Bolivia's 
geographic location would make it attractive for an international 
terrorist to transit Bolivia if necessary.  The Colombian FARC and 
Japanese Red Army (JRA) are known to have operated in Bolivia, as 
evidenced by the arrest of FARC and JRA members in Bolivia in 1998. 
In September 2007, the GOB announced the opening of diplomatic and 
commercial relations with Iran.  The September 27th agreement 
pledges $1.1 billion in Iranian assistance to Bolivia over five 
years.  In addition, Bolivia continues to receive increased support 
from Venezuela and Cuba, both whom the GOB has very close relations 
with since 2006.  In January 2009, marchers in La Paz and Santa Cruz 
held anti-Israeli demonstrations in support of Hamas over the Gaza 
fighting. 
 
¶2. CIVIL UNREST 
 
Demonstrations, road blocks, protests, and other forms of civil 
unrest are common in Bolivia.  For the most part, such actions have 
been non-violent and directed against the GOB, and U.S. citizens are 
normally only affected indirectly by having to contend with traffic 
disturbances and transportation stoppages.  These past years, 
however, civil unrest has reached a level of violence not seen for 
several decades. 
 
In September 2008, major civil unrest occurred in the city of Santa 
Cruz requiring the international airport to provide limited service 
for 10 days.  Thousands of demonstrators gathered and marched in a 
residential area which housed many U.S. Embassy personnel.  The 
American school closed twice to avoid demonstrators.  The U.S. 
Embassy went on authorized departure evacuation status for almost 90 
days as a result.  Clashes between protesters from opposing factions 
resulted in several injuries and many deaths.  U.S. citizens 
received timely Warden Notices and frequent updates.  Fortunately, 
there were no U.S. casualties.  As a result of the political unrest 
and safety to its volunteers, the Peace Corps suspended operations 
indefinitely in Bolivia in October 2008. 
 
In 2007 and 2008, political tensions resulted in frequent 
demonstrations across the country.  Leading causes of unrest 
included a new, government-backed draft constitution, calls for 
autonomy from Eastern Departments (States), Sucre's claims to full 
capital status, and opposition claims of exclusion from political 
institutions (Constituent Assembly and Senate).  Many smaller 
demonstrations were also organized to protest economic conditions, 
political grievances, and perceived government inattention to local 
needs. 
 
Although largely peaceful, protests occasionally turned violent.  In 
November 2007, three protestors were killed during demonstrations 
against actions of the Constituent Assembly outside the city of 
Sucre.  In January 2007, the city of Cochabamba saw demonstrators 
protest by setting up road blocks and setting fire to the main 
municipal building. 
 
There were also a handful of protests directed against the U.S. 
Embassy.  During one particularly heated attack in October 2007, 
about 10,000 protesters attempted to overrun the front entrance. 
They threw projectiles over the compound wall (including sticks of 
dynamite).  The demonstrators (commemorating 'Black October') even 
used a coffin with a corpse inside as a battering ram to the front 
pedestrian entrance. 
 
In June 2008, a violent demonstration (supported by the GOB) took 
place against the U.S. Embassy.  In an attempt to overtake the U.S. 
 
Embassy, over 10,000 demonstrators hurled dynamite, rocks, and 
burning wood and tires at the U.S. Embassy compound.  At least 10 
BNP officers were injured during this clash that required the police 
to use canines and water cannons to disperse the crowd.  Afterward, 
the President himself personally congratulated the demonstrators for 
their actions against the U.S. Embassy. 
 
Some common areas for civil disturbances in La Paz: 
 
- The Prado area 
- Student plaza 
- Main highway toll booth area in El Alto 
- Plaza San Francisco 
- Plaza Murillo 
- Bridge of the Americas 
- Plaza Bolivia (across from the Radisson Hotel) 
- Plaza Garita de Lima 
- Sopocachi (road blockages) 
- Obrajes (road blockages, marches) 
 
III. (U) POST-SPECIFIC CONCERNS 
 
¶A. NATURAL DISASTERS 
 
EARTHQUAKES: From data gathered by the San Calixto Observatory in La 
Paz, there have been 13 reported incidents of seismic activity since 
January 1994, the last being in October 2002 when an earthquake 
measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit the Zongo area.  During this 
10-year period, the largest earthquake, which was felt in La Paz, 
measured 7.1.  The U.S. Agency for International Development 
(USAID), with resources from its Office of Foreign Disaster 
Assistance (OFDA), donated portable seismic monitoring equipment to 
the San Calixto Observatory to improve its early warning 
capabilities. 
 
FLOODS: Between January and April 2008, low lying areas in Beni, 
Pando, Tarija, Potosi, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba experienced once 
again severe flooding and was declared a natural disaster are by the 
GOB.  The results of this severe flood affected over 500,000 (loss 
of life, cattle lost, farming lost) and a total damage of over $150 
million to the economy.  The USG donated more than $1 million in 
disaster assistance to relieve suffering. 
 
¶B. COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION 
 
Public transportation is poor, except along the more frequently 
traveled routes where roads have been upgraded and maintained (i.e. 
La Paz to Cochabamba, Cochabamba to Santa Cruz, and La Paz to 
Oruro).  Bus service along these routes is generally safe, although 
accidents occur periodically, with fatalities resulting. 
 
As noted, travel along less-utilized routes is considered dangerous 
due to poor roads, reckless drivers, and poorly maintained buses and 
trucks.  Added dangers are the lack of formal training for most 
drivers, lack of lights on vehicles at night, and drunk or overly 
tired drivers, including commercial bus drivers.  Most roads are 
rarely patrolled by police, and have many isolated stretches between 
villages.  Consequently, traffic accidents and vehicle breakdowns 
are particularly hazardous. 
 
Urban bus transportation is considered risky for foreigners, with 
frequent incidents of theft and robbery reported.  Similarly, taxis 
are generally poorly maintained and operated by drivers working 
part-time.  Trufis (taxis that transport passengers along a 
designated route) and radio taxis are recommended within larger 
cities, but still prone to robbery incidents. 
 
¶C. KIDNAPPINGS 
 
While kidnappings do occur in Bolivia, there have been no reported 
incidents of U.S. citizens being kidnapped this past year.  In 
September 2008, however, there was a rash of "express kidnappings" 
of grade school students from wealthier neighborhoods.  The parents 
of the young victims would be called to provide a quick ransom 
before releasing them unharmed.  Throughout the year, other typical 
reports of "express kidnappings" occurred when a victim would use an 
ATM machine (usually at night) and then forced into a nearby vehicle 
at knife or gunpoint.  The victim would then be driven to various 
ATMs to exhaust the maximum withdrawals.  Sometimes, the victim 
would be held for several days before being released.  Finally, 
other "express kidnappings" occurred when victims would leave a 
club, bar or restaurant late at night (usually alone) and hale a 
taxi.  The taxi driver would then drive to a remote location with 
accomplishes driving behind him.  The victim would then be taken to 
a remote location to be robbed, assaulted or taken to various ATMs 
(as described above). 
 
¶D. DRUGS AND NARCO-TERRORISM 
 
Despite questionable eradication efforts, Bolivia remains the third 
largest source of coca leaf, and the third largest producer of 
cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride, which is shipped to markets 
in Latin America, Europe and last the U.S.  The USG, along with the 
Bolivian ruling class, is held responsible for this effort, which 
began in 1997, in eradicating much of the illegal coca leaf 
traditionally grown by thousands of native families to supply this 
international cocaine trade.  As a result, coca growers quickly 
began periodic nationwide protests resulting in widespread civil 
disturbances and road blockages. 
 
On November 01, 2008, the President of Bolivia (who is still 
president of the coca growers union) expelled the Drug Enforcement 
Administration (DEA).  Over the summer of 2008, cocaleros (coca 
farmers) successfully forced the USAID out of the Chapare and 
Yungas.  All of these actions were supported by the GOB and publicly 
applauded by the President of Bolivia.  The President and his coca 
growing supporters view these act as a success and progress towards 
their political aspirations. 
 
U.S. citizens visiting the Chapare region should monitor local news 
and media before traveling there, particularly when transiting 
through areas where eradication efforts are ongoing.  Also, U.S. 
citizens should note that penalties for possession of illegal drugs 
are very strict, and offenders receive lengthy prison sentences if 
convicted.  Further aggravating this, those accused of drug offenses 
are often imprisoned two years or more before being tried and 
sentenced.  Prison conditions are extremely primitive by U.S. 
standards. 
 
IV. (U) POLICE RESPONSE 
 
¶A. POLICE RESPONSE 
 
The BNP have limited resources, particularly outside major cities. 
In many cases, officers assigned to the smaller villages and towns 
do not have a vehicle to respond to traffic accidents or criminal 
activity.  Even when such resources are available, response is 
extremely slow.  Travelers may contact the consular section at the 
U.S. Embassy in La Paz for assistance in dealing with the BNP.  U.S. 
citizens are advised to cooperate with the police if stopped or 
questioned.  If involved in a traffic accident or victimized by 
crime, one may be required to accompany the investigating officer to 
the local police station to file a complaint or respond to 
questions.  Should a police report be required for an insurance 
claim, a nominal fee will be charged.  The BNP emergency telephone 
number is 110. 
 
¶B. POLICE HARASSMENT OR DETENTION 
 
U.S. citizens who are detained by the BNP, or feel that they are 
being harassed, should contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) 
unit of the consular section in the U.S. embassy in La Paz (note: 
U.S. citizens in the Santa Cruz or Cochabamba areas should contact 
the consular agencies in those cities).  The consular section and 
consular agencies maintain an online list of attorneys in Bolivia 
(http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/arrestosatt.htm l).  Local attorneys 
will charge based upon the magnitude of the case. 
 
¶V. (U) MEDICAL EMERGENCIES 
 
The altitude of La Paz is approximately 13,400 feet above sea level. 
 This can prove to be a serious risk to those suffering from 
respiratory or circulatory conditions.  Those with severe anemia 
(especially sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait) should not come 
to La Paz.  Those with mild to moderate heart or lung disease should 
consult with their physicians before coming to La Paz.  Travelers 
with respiratory infections should delay travel to La Paz until they 
have fully recovered. 
 
Adapting to altitude normally requires only a few days.  Travelers 
should limit their physical activity for 48 to 72 hours after 
arrival in La Paz and avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least a week 
after arrival.  Diamox (acetazolamide - 250 mg dosage) is 
recommended twice each day to relieve the effects of high altitude. 
Diamox is only available by prescription in the U.S. and cannot be 
taken by pregnant women or nursing mothers. 
 
¶A. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE 
 
Medical care in large cities is adequate for most purposes but of 
varying quality.  Medical facilities, even in La Paz, are not 
adequate to handle serious medical conditions, such as cardiac 
problems. 
 
Below are recommended medical facilities: 
 
¶1. LA PAZ - Clinica del Sur, 3539 Avenida Hernando Siles, Obrajes. 
Telephone: (591) (2) 278-4001, 278-4002, 278-4003 
¶2. SANTA CRUZ - Clinica Folianini, Avenida Irala 468. Telephone: 
(591) (3) 422-9407, 423-1403, 425-0928 
¶3. COCHABAMBA - Centro Medico Belga, Calle Antezana 0455 (between 
Calles Venezuela and Paccieri).  Telephone: (591) (4) 422-9407, 
423-1403, 425-0928 
 
Further medical information is available at 
http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/medcare.html. 
 
¶B. AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES 
 
The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult with 
their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm 
whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover 
emergency expenses such as medical evacuation.  U.S. medical 
insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the U.S. 
unless supplemental coverage is purchased.  Further, U.S. 
Medicare/Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical 
services outside the U.S.  However, many travel agents and private 
companies offer insurance plan that will cover health care expenses 
incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical 
evacuations. 
 
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas 
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau 
of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans 
Traveling Abroad", available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home 
page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.  For additional health 
information: 
 
CDC International Traveler's hotline (U.S.): (404) 332-4559; 
website: http://www.cdc.gov 
 
For international treatment and medical insurance: AEA International 
(U.S.): (206) 340-6000 
 
Air ambulance service (recommended for severe injuries or illnesses 
best treated in the U.S.): AEA International (U.S.): (800) 752-4195 
 
VI. (U) ADVICE TO TRAVELERS 
 
¶A. PERSONAL SECURITY PRACTICES 
 
¶1. Maintain a low profile.  Do not advertise the fact that you are a 
U.S. citizen.  Dress casually, keep valuables out of sight, and do 
not draw attention to yourself with your actions. 
 
¶2. Vary your routines.  Be unpredictable in your movements; vary 
your routes from home to/from the office as well as your departure 
and arrival times. 
 
¶3. Be alert to possible surveillance.  Note any individual who 
appears out of place along your routes to regularly scheduled 
activities, such as going from home to office.  Avoid sitting 
outside at restaurants.  Instead, try to find a seat in an area not 
clearly visible from the street. 
 
¶4. Watch your surroundings.  Minimize valuables and do not carry 
large sums of money while in crowded, urban areas.  Be aware of 
popular scams and robbery tactics used to distract your attention. 
 
¶B. TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS 
 
¶1. Prior to road travel, ensure that your vehicle is in good 
operating condition, paying particular attention to the engine, 
tires, brakes, head and tail lights, spare tire and jack, horn, and 
oil/gas/brake/coolant fluid levels. 
 
¶2. The following items are recommended for extended road trips: 
 
- Cellular telephone with charger 
- An extra spare tire 
- Portable gas can of gasoline with funnel 
- Potable water 
- Non-perishable food items 
- First Aid kit 
- Camping gear (sleeping bag, blanket, stove, etc) 
- Fire extinguisher 
- Emergency tool kit with: 
* Flashlight with additional batteries 
* Battery operated radio 
* Extra fan belt/drive belt 
* Extra fuses, spark plugs, and light bulbs 
* Duplicate ignition key 
* Screwdriver (regular and Phillips head) 
* Socket wrench set 
* Pliers 
* Wire 
* Electrical tape 
- Jumper cables 
- Compressed air tire inflator 
- Flares/reflectors 
- Collapsible shovel 
 
¶3. Particularly on long trips to remote areas, try to travel in 
tandem with other vehicles. 
 
¶4. Advise someone of your travel plans, including anticipated 
arrival and departure times and contact numbers. 
 
¶C. PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE 
 
Headlights and tail lights: The headlights and tail lights are held 
in place by easily accessible screws.  Install grilles around the 
lights, or simply tap out the heads of the screws holding the lights 
in place. 
 
Spare tire: If your spare tire is mounted on the outside of the 
vehicle, secure it in place with chain and padlock, or similar 
device.  If this is not possible, remove the spare tire and keep it 
at home, and then reinstall it only for extended trips outside the 
city. 
 
Items inside the vehicle: Theft of the vehicle's operating computer 
is a common crime, as is the theft of car sound systems.  The 
installation of a car alarm is strongly recommended.  Also, if you 
purchase a car radio, look for that can be removed from the dash and 
locked in the trunk.  Also, keep your vehicle sterile, storing 
anything that would entice a thief out of plain view. 
 
Locking hubs: Replace one lug nut on each wheel with a specially 
keyed bolt that locks or can only be removed with a special 
attachment to the tire iron. 
 
Emblems: Should be secured with rivets. 
 
Parking: Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street.  Park your 
vehicle inside a residential compound, in a parking lot with an 
attendant, or at least within view of the location of your visit. 
If this isn't possible, leave your car at home and take a taxi. 
 
Car Alarm: As previously mentioned installation of a car alarm is a 
recommended precaution in deterring vehicle thefts and thefts of 
interior contents. 
 
¶D. PROTECTING YOURSELF 
 
- Avoid wearing jewelry and carry a clutch purse or a neck purse 
instead of a shoulder bag. 
- Carry a wallet in the front trouser pocket or front jacket 
pocket. 
- Never leave shopping bags or merchandise unattended. 
- When hiring domestics, vet them to the greatest extent possible. 
Ensure that they are trained not to volunteer information to 
strangers or to allow access of workers without prior 
authorization. 
 
VII. (U) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
US citizens are encouraged to register with the American Citizens 
Services, located in the consular section at the U.S. Embassy, 2780 
Avenida Arce, La Paz; telephone: (591) (2) 216-8246; the consular 
agency in Santa Cruz, Avenida Roca Aguilera 146 (Tercer Anillo); 
telephone: (591) (3) 351-3477 or the consular agency in Cochabamba, 
1122 Avenida Pando, Saal Bldg, Office B & C, Recoleta; telephone: 
(591) (4) 411-6313.  Further information is available via the 
Embassy's consular section website at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov 
and the U.S. Department of State website at 
http://www.travel.state.gov. 
 
Embassy contact numbers: 
 
- Embassy Main Switchboard: (591) (2) 216-8000 
- American Citizen Services: (591) (2) 216-8246 
- Marine Security Guard (Post One): (591) (2) 216-8500 
- Regional Security Office: (591) (2) 216-8300 
 
URS