How to access your money

Cash is king in Bolivia. Only the swankiest hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, so get used to using ATMs. These are widely available in all decently sized communities, but in isolated places they are unreliable (if they exist at all). In case of need, keep some additional cash and a debit card separate in your luggage. Bolivians can use Bolivian credit cards or PayPal to make purchases in other countries. Foreign credit card holders can use their cards to make purchases in Bolivia, according to their home bank's rules. Bolivian businesses are unable to charge overseas customers using PayPal or other online payment methods.

A bank in the importer's nation operates on behalf of an exporter to collect and remit money for a cargo through documented collection. The exporter provides the shipping and collection paperwork to his or her bank (in his or her home nation), which forwards them to the importer's correspondent bank. In exchange for cash payment (in the event of "documents against payment" instructions) or a firm commitment to pay on a defined date, the foreign bank (referred to as the presenting bank) turns over shipping and title papers (needed for taking possession of the shipment) to the importer (in case of "documents against acceptance" instructions).