Updated Date:
Author: Salar de Uyuni Editorial Team
Quick Summary: Bolivia ended its fixed 6.96 exchange rate on 26 June 2026, and the boliviano now floats at roughly 11–13 Bs per US dollar, so dollar prices you find online are often outdated. Uyuni has only a handful of ATMs, they regularly run out of cash, and there are no ATMs or card machines anywhere on the tour route. Withdraw or exchange most of your money in La Paz, carry crisp US dollars as a backup, and bring small boliviano notes for park fees, toilets and tips. This guide explains the rate, the ATMs, card use and exactly how much cash to bring.
Money is one of the most common things travelers get wrong in Uyuni. People arrive after an overnight bus, head to an ATM to pay for their tour, and find the machine empty or refusing their card. Then they discover that the reserve fee, toilets and tips on the route are all cash-only, with no way to get more once the jeep leaves town.
In 2026, there is an extra layer of confusion. Bolivia’s currency changed dramatically in June, and many online guides still quote the old exchange rate.
This guide explains how money actually works in Uyuni right now: the exchange rate, ATMs, cards, cash and how much you really need.
The 2026 Boliviano Rate: What Changed
For almost 15 years, Bolivia kept the boliviano fixed at 6.96 per US dollar. That ended on 26 June 2026, when the government and the Banco Central de Bolivia adopted a flexible exchange rate.
Since then, the boliviano has weakened sharply against the dollar:
- The official rate climbed from around 9.7 Bs per dollar in late June to 12.26 Bs on 2 September 2026.
- It then eased slightly, with the official rate at around 11.90 Bs on 22 September 2026.
- The gap between the official rate and the informal “parallel” rate, which was huge in 2025, has narrowed to around 1%.
You can check the current official rate on the Banco Central de Bolivia website, which publishes it daily. For a broader explanation of the change, Bolivia Hop’s currency guide breaks down where to exchange money safely.
What the Float Means for Travelers
- Dollar quotes go stale fast. A tour listed at “$150” last month may be priced differently in bolivianos today.
- Your money may go further. With the dollar buying more bolivianos, some prices feel cheaper in dollar terms.
- But local prices are rising. Inflation and the removal of the diesel subsidy on 19 September 2026 are pushing boliviano prices up, especially for transport and tours.
- Old conversions are wrong. Many sites still convert the 150 Bs reserve fee to “$22.” At current rates, it’s closer to $12–14.
The practical rule: ask for prices in bolivianos, and convert using the rate on the day you pay.
ATMs in Uyuni: What to Expect
Uyuni has only a handful of ATMs, mostly clustered in the central blocks around Plaza Arce. They work, but you should not depend on them.
Common ATM Problems in Uyuni
- Machines run out of cash, especially on weekends and during peak season.
- Foreign cards get rejected more often than in La Paz.
- Withdrawal limits are low. Many Bolivian ATMs cap a single withdrawal at around 2,000 Bs, sometimes less.
- Queues form when buses arrive and everyone needs cash at once.
- Your home bank still charges fees, even if the Bolivian bank doesn’t.
How to Use ATMs Smartly
- Withdraw in La Paz, Sucre or Potosí before you travel to Uyuni.
- Use bank-branch ATMs during opening hours, so you can get help if the machine keeps your card.
- Always decline conversion if the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency. Choose bolivianos.
- Carry two cards from different banks, in case one is blocked.
- Tell your bank before you travel to avoid fraud blocks.
Once your tour leaves Uyuni, there are no ATMs until you return or reach San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
Cash: Bolivianos and US Dollars
Cash is still king in Uyuni. Almost everything on the tour route, and much of what you buy in town, is paid in cash.
Bolivianos
Bring bolivianos in a mix of notes. The most useful are 10, 20 and 50 Bs notes. Large notes like 200 Bs can be hard to break at village stops, toilets and small shops.
US Dollars
Carry some US dollars as a backup. They can be exchanged in La Paz and, to a lesser extent, in Uyuni. Some tour agencies also accept dollars for tour payments.
What to watch for:
- Bring crisp, undamaged notes. Torn, marked or very worn bills are often refused.
- Newer designs are safer. Older-series notes can be harder to exchange.
- Exchange houses are limited in Uyuni. Change most of your money in La Paz, where there are more licensed casas de cambio.
- Count your money at the counter before walking away.
Cards and Digital Payments
Where Cards Work
- Mid-range and upscale hotels
- Some tour agencies, often with a 5–10% surcharge
- A few restaurants aimed at travelers
- Flights booked online
Where Cards Don’t Work
- Park fees on the tour route
- Village toilets and refugio showers
- Small shops, markets and street food
- Taxis and most local transport
- Tips for drivers and cooks
QR Payments
In Bolivia, many locals pay by QR code linked to local bank accounts, and QR is widely accepted even at small businesses. For most foreign visitors, though, this requires a Bolivian bank account or a third-party app, and availability varies. Treat QR as a possible bonus, not your main plan.
Payment Options Compared
| Payment method | Works in Uyuni town? | Works on the tour route? | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolivianos in cash | Yes, everywhere | Yes, essential | Fees, tips, snacks, toilets | Carry small notes |
| US dollars in cash | Some agencies and hotels | Rarely | Backup and tour payments | Must be crisp and undamaged |
| ATM withdrawals | Sometimes, limited | No ATMs | Topping up in town | Empty machines and low limits |
| Credit or debit card | Some hotels, agencies and restaurants | No | Hotels and tour deposits | Surcharges and rejected cards |
| QR payments | Widely used by locals | Rarely | Travelers with local accounts | Usually needs a Bolivian bank account |
How Much Cash Do You Need for a 3-Day Tour?
This is the question that matters most. Here are typical cash costs for a standard 3-day tour from Uyuni, on top of the tour price itself.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eduardo Avaroa Reserve entry | 150 Bs | Paid in cash at the ranger checkpoint on day 2 |
| Isla Incahuasi entry | About 30 Bs | Paid at the island on day 1, mainly in the dry season |
| Polques Hot Springs | About 6 Bs | Paid at the pools on day 3 |
| Toilets | 20–40 Bs total | 1–5 Bs per use at village stops |
| Hot shower at refugio | 10–20 Bs | Only if available |
| Snacks and drinks | 50–100 Bs | Village shops sell water, snacks and beer |
| Tips for driver and cook | 50–100 Bs per person | For the full tour, shared between them |
| Buffer for extras | 50–100 Bs | For sleeping bag rental, souvenirs or surprises |
| Typical total | About 370–550 Bs | Plus the tour balance if you’re paying it in cash |
If you’re paying for your tour in cash, add the full tour price on top. In 2026, a standard 3-day shared tour typically costs somewhere around $150–$300, so confirm the boliviano price with your operator.
Our Salar de Uyuni info guide explains what’s usually included in tours, and our what to pack for Uyuni list covers why cash belongs near the top of your checklist.
Cash Budgets by Trip Type
Different tours need different amounts of cash. Use this as a starting point, then adjust for your own spending habits.
| Trip type | Cash fees on the route | Suggested cash to carry (excluding tour price) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day tour from Uyuni | Isla Incahuasi entry, toilets, snacks | About 100–200 Bs | Travelers short on time |
| 3-day loop back to Uyuni | Reserve fee, Incahuasi, Polques, toilets, tips, snacks | About 370–550 Bs | Most first-time visitors |
| 3-day tour ending in San Pedro de Atacama | Same as the loop, plus final-morning extras | About 350–500 Bs, spent before the border | Travelers continuing to Chile |
| 4-day tour from Tupiza | Reserve fee, Incahuasi, more toilets and snacks, extra tips | About 450–650 Bs | Travelers arriving from Argentina |
If you’re traveling with a partner, don’t pool all your cash in one bag. If that bag gets lost or left in a jeep, you both lose access to money in a place with no ATMs.
Exchanging Money: La Paz vs Uyuni
Where you exchange money makes a real difference in 2026.
In La Paz, licensed exchange houses in the city center are easier to find, and you can compare rates between several offices before committing. Banks and ATMs are more reliable, and there’s more competition, which usually means better rates.
In Uyuni, options are limited. A few businesses and agencies may exchange dollars, but rates tend to be less favorable and availability is less reliable. You also have less time to shop around, especially if you’re arriving on an early bus and leaving on a late-morning tour.
The practical plan: Exchange or withdraw most of what you need for Uyuni before leaving La Paz, Sucre or Potosí. Keep a smaller reserve of US dollars as your backup, and only use Uyuni’s ATMs or exchange options to top up.
Paying for Your Tour
Tour operators accept different payment methods, and the method can affect the price.
- Online booking: Usually paid by card, often in dollars. Check whether park fees are included.
- Agency in La Paz: May accept card, cash or both. Ask whether a card surcharge applies.
- Walk-in in Uyuni: Often cash-only or cash-preferred. This is where empty ATMs cause the most problems.
Always get a written receipt and a list of inclusions, whichever way you pay.
Budgeting Around the Transport Leg
Remember to budget for getting to and from Uyuni, too. Overnight buses from La Paz and flights both need planning, and fuel shortages in 2026 have reduced bus availability. See our guide to La Paz to Uyuni for current options.
Leaving Bolivia: What to Do With Leftover Bolivianos
Bolivianos are hard to exchange outside Bolivia. If you’re crossing into Chile or Argentina, spend or exchange most of your bolivianos before you leave.
- Going to Chile: Keep only a small amount of bolivianos for the final morning. San Pedro de Atacama has ATMs and exchange houses for Chilean pesos. Read our guide to San Pedro de Atacama Uyuni tours for the crossing.
- Going to Argentina: Exchange in Tupiza or Villazón before crossing. Our Salta to Uyuni guide covers that route.
Common Money Mistakes in Uyuni
- Arriving with no cash and relying on Uyuni ATMs.
- Budgeting with the old 6.96 rate or outdated dollar conversions.
- Carrying only large notes that nobody on the route can break.
- Bringing damaged US dollars that exchange houses refuse.
- Forgetting park fees because they weren’t included in the tour price.
- Accepting ATM conversion into your home currency.
- Keeping all your money in one place. Split cash between your daypack, main bag and a money belt.
FAQ
Are there ATMs in Uyuni?
Yes, Uyuni has a handful of ATMs near the town center, but they are unreliable. They can run out of cash, reject foreign cards or have low withdrawal limits. There are no ATMs on the tour route, so withdraw most of your money in La Paz or another big city before arriving.
What is the exchange rate in Bolivia in 2026?
Since Bolivia moved to a floating exchange rate on 26 June 2026, the boliviano has traded at roughly 11–13 Bs per US dollar. The official rate was around 11.90 Bs on 22 September 2026. The rate changes daily, so check the Banco Central de Bolivia or your bank before you travel.
Can I pay by card in Uyuni?
Sometimes. Some hotels, tour agencies and restaurants accept cards, often with a surcharge. But park fees, toilets, small shops and tips are cash-only, and there are no card machines on the tour route. Treat cards as a backup, not your main payment method.
How much cash should I bring for a Uyuni tour?
For a 3-day tour, budget around 370–550 Bs in cash for fees, tips, snacks and extras, plus the tour balance if you’re paying in cash. Bring small notes, and add a buffer in case of unexpected costs or route changes.
Should I bring US dollars to Uyuni?
Yes, as a backup. Crisp, undamaged US dollars can be exchanged in La Paz and sometimes in Uyuni, and some agencies accept them for tour payments. Don’t rely on dollars on the tour route itself, where bolivianos are what you’ll need.
Limitations
Bolivia’s exchange rate has been changing daily since June 2026, so every conversion in this guide is approximate. ATM availability, withdrawal limits, bank fees and card acceptance vary by machine, bank and season. Park fees, tour prices and transport costs may change following the removal of the diesel subsidy in September 2026. Digital payment options for foreigners are evolving. Check the current rate, confirm prices in bolivianos with your operator, and always carry more cash than you think you’ll need.
