The Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) is the currency used in Bolivia, a country known for its rich culture. 

It plays a crucial role in the daily lives of Bolivians, helping them buy goods and services, save money, and conduct business. 

Knowing the Boliviano is essential for anyone traveling to Bolivia or looking to learn more about the country’s economy with its unique designs and denominations.

What is Bolivian Boliviano (BOB)

The Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) is the official currency of Bolivia. It is abbreviated as BOB and is often represented by the symbol “Bs.” The Boliviano is subdivided into 100 centavos.

The currency was introduced in 1987, replacing the previous currency, the Bolivian Peso. Bolivianos are issued in various denominations of banknotes and coins. 

The banknotes feature images of notable figures from Bolivian history and cultural landmarks, while the coins come in different sizes and values.

The Boliviano is used for all transactions within Bolivia, and visitors need to exchange their foreign currency for Bolivianos to facilitate purchases while in the country.

History of the Boliviano

The Boliviano was first introduced in 1864 to replace the Bolivian Scudo. The exchange rate was set at 1 Boliviano for every 0.5 Bolivian Scudi. 

Initially, the Boliviano was linked to the French Franc, with an exchange rate of 5 Francs for 1 Boliviano. 

In 1908, Bolivia decided to abandon this link and adopted the gold standard, setting the exchange rate at 12.5 Bolivianos for 1 British Pound.

In 1940, the Bolivian government started using multiple exchange rates between the Boliviano and the U.S. Dollar. By 1963, the Boliviano faced continued devaluation, leading the government to introduce a new currency called the Peso Boliviano. 

The Peso Boliviano began circulation at a rate of 1,000 Pesos for every 1 Boliviano. Due to ongoing inflation, Bolivia replaced the Peso Boliviano with the modern Boliviano in 1987, introducing it at approximately the same value as the U.S. Dollar, with 1 million new Bolivianos equaling 1 Peso Boliviano.

Can you use US dollars in Bolivian Boliviano (BOB)?

Yes, you can use US dollars in Bolivia, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. However, the official currency of Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB), and it is generally preferred for transactions. 

Many businesses, hotels, and restaurants in tourist areas may accept US dollars, but smaller shops and local markets usually only accept Bolivianos. It’s advisable to carry both currencies.

If you are using US dollars, be aware of the exchange rate. You can exchange dollars for Bolivianos at banks, currency exchange offices, or even some hotels. It’s a good idea to check the rates to ensure you get a fair deal.

When paying with US dollars, you may receive your change in Bolivianos. Ensure that you are familiar with the local currency, as it will be useful for most transactions.

While you may find places that accept US dollars, using Bolivianos is more common and sometimes more convenient, especially in rural areas or smaller towns.

How is Boliviano Represented

• Symbol: Bs.
• Code: BOB

When you see “Bs.” before a number, it means Bolivianos. For example, Bs. 10 means ten Bolivianos.

What is the Exchange Rate

The Boliviano can be exchanged for other currencies, but it’s most commonly compared to the US Dollar (USD). The exchange rate can change, so it’s best to check before exchanging money. 

As of now, 1 USD is 6.91 BOB. This means that if you have 1 US Dollar, you can get about 6.91 Bolivianos.

Banknotes of the Boliviano

The Boliviano has several different banknotes, each with unique colors and designs. 

10 BOB: This banknote is light blue and features a picture of Túpac Katari, a famous indigenous leader. It measures about 130 x 65 mm.

20 BOB: The 20 Boliviano bill is green and shows María Barzola, another important figure in Bolivian history. The size is similar to the 10 BOB note.

50 BOB: This banknote is purple and has an image of Evo Morales, the first indigenous president of Bolivia. It is about 145 x 65 mm.

100 BOB: The 100 Boliviano note is yellow and features Simón Bolívar, a key figure in Latin American history. The size is the same as the 50 BOB note.

200 BOB: This is the largest denomination and is red. It showcases the Wiphala, a symbol of indigenous people in Bolivia. This note measures around 155 x 66 mm.

Coins of the Boliviano

The Boliviano also has coins for everyday use. 

0.10 BOB (10 cents): A small coin made of nickel.

0.20 BOB (20 cents): Slightly larger than the 10-cent coin.

0.50 BOB (50 cents): A coin that is the same size as a US quarter.

1 BOB: A coin worth one Boliviano.

2 BOB: This coin is worth two Bolivianos.

5 BOB: A larger coin that is used for bigger purchases.

How much is 1 boliviano to naira?

The exchange rate for 1 Boliviano (BOB) is approximately 238.84 Nigerian Naira (NGN). This rate can fluctuate based on market conditions, so it’s always a good idea to check for the latest rates if you need to convert currency​

Conclusion

The Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) has a long and interesting history that shows how it has changed over time. 

Since it was first introduced in 1864, the Boliviano has faced many ups and downs due to inflation and changes in the economy. 

Knowing the Boliviano is important for anyone interested in Bolivia’s financial system and economy. 

As the country continues to grow and develop, the Boliviano will likely play a key role in its future.