Is the internet fast enough for remote work in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has good internet infrastructure with average speeds of 39 Mbps. This is well-suited for video calls, file uploads, and general remote work. Many cafes and coworking spaces offer reliable WiFi for digital nomads.

Is there a digital nomad community in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a active digital nomad community with a Nomad Score of 64/100. You'll find regular meetups, coworking spaces, and expat-friendly venues where you can connect with other remote workers. Facebook groups and Slack communities are active for this destination.

Is Santa Cruz safe for digital nomads?

Santa Cruz is generally considered safe for digital nomads and travelers. Like any city, it's recommended to take normal precautions, especially in tourist areas. The local community is generally welcoming to remote workers.

What is the best time to visit Santa Cruz as a digital nomad?

The climate in Santa Cruz, Bolivia varies throughout the year. Most digital nomads prefer visiting during the shoulder seasons for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Spring and autumn typically offer the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices. Check our detailed climate section for monthly weather data and recommendations.

How long can I stay in Santa Cruz as a digital nomad?

Visa requirements for Bolivia depend on your nationality. Many digital nomads stay on tourist visas (typically 30-90 days), while some countries offer specific digital nomad visas for longer stays. Check the latest visa requirements for Bolivia before planning your trip, as regulations may have changed recently.

Santa Cruz Nomad Guide: Cost & Internet 2026

Planning to work remotely from Santa Cruz, Bolivia? This in-depth guide covers neighborhoods, coworking spaces, cost of living, and local culture, with monthly cost of living around $4,980 and average internet speeds of 39 Mbps. Everything you need to know about living and working in Santa Cruz as a digital nomad.

🌍 Overview

As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Santa Cruz, Bolivia, my home for several months. This vibrant city has a unique charm that draws remote workers in with its warm climate, stunning natural surroundings, and affordable cost of living. With a Nomad Score of 64/100, Santa Cruz is an attractive destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. The city’s laid-back vibe, coupled with its rich cultural heritage, makes it an ideal spot for digital nomads seeking a balanced lifestyle. As a Santa Cruz digital nomad, I can attest that the city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to settle in and feel at home.

🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads

When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Santa Cruz, digital nomads have a range of options to suit their lifestyle and budget. Here are three neighborhoods that are particularly popular among remote workers:

Equipetrol: This upscale neighborhood is located in the north of the city and offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers. Rent prices in Equipetrol are relatively high, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 14,000 BOB (approximately $2,000 USD) per month.
Urubó: This trendy neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife and is a popular spot for young professionals and digital nomads. Urubó is home to a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants, and is within walking distance to several coworking spaces. Rent prices in Urubó are slightly lower than in Equipetrol, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 10,000 BOB (approximately $1,400 USD) per month.
La Paz Avenue: This neighborhood is located in the heart of the city and is a hub for business and commerce. La Paz Avenue is home to several coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for digital nomads who want to be in the thick of things. Rent prices in La Paz Avenue are relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 8,000 BOB (approximately $1,100 USD) per month.

Cost of Living Breakdown

The cost of living in Santa Cruz is relatively low compared to other major cities in South America. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a digital nomad in Santa Cruz:

Rent: 8,000-14,000 BOB (approximately $1,100-$2,000 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
Food: 50-100 BOB (approximately $7-$14 USD) per meal for a mid-range restaurant, 20-50 BOB (approximately $3-$7 USD) per meal for a local eatery
Transportation: 5-10 BOB (approximately $0.70-$1.40 USD) per ride for a taxi, 10-20 BOB (approximately $1.40-$2.80 USD) per day for a bus pass
Coworking: 500-1,000 BOB (approximately $70-$140 USD) per month for a desk at a coworking space

Overall, the cost of living in Santa Cruz is around 20-30% lower than in other major cities in South America, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads on a budget. As a Santa Cruz digital nomad, I can attest that the cost of living in the city is one of its major draws.

Internet & Coworking

Santa Cruz has a relatively fast internet speed of 41 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and work online. There are several coworking spaces throughout the city, including:

Hub Santa Cruz: Located in the heart of the city, Hub Santa Cruz offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a community events space. Prices start at around 500 BOB (approximately $70 USD) per month for a desk.
Coworking Santa Cruz: This coworking space is located in the Equipetrol neighborhood and offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a communal kitchen. Prices start at around 800 BOB (approximately $110 USD) per month for a desk.
La Oficina: This coworking space is located in the La Paz Avenue neighborhood and offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a communal kitchen. Prices start at around 1,000 BOB (approximately $140 USD) per month for a desk.

In addition to coworking spaces, there are several cafes throughout the city that offer reliable internet and a comfortable working environment. Some popular spots include Cafe del Sol, La Casa de la Abuela, and El Jardin.

Digital Nomad Community

Santa Cruz has a growing digital nomad community, with several meetups and events taking place throughout the year. Some popular groups include:

Santa Cruz Digital Nomads: This Facebook group has over 1,000 members and is a great place to connect with other remote workers in the city.
Nomads in Santa Cruz: This meetup group organizes regular events, including coworking sessions, networking events, and social gatherings.
Remote Workers in Santa Cruz: This group is specifically for remote workers and digital nomads, and offers a range of resources and support for those living and working in the city.

As a Santa Cruz digital nomad, I’ve found the community to be welcoming and supportive, with many opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

Culture & Lifestyle

Santa Cruz has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. The city is known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations, including the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción and the Feria de Santa Cruz. The local cuisine is a fusion of traditional Bolivian dishes, including salteñas, humitas, and papás a la Huancaina.

In terms of lifestyle, Santa Cruz is a relatively laid-back city, with a strong emphasis on family and community. Sundays are typically reserved for family time, and many businesses and restaurants are closed. The city also has a thriving nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.

For those looking to meet new people, there are several social clubs and groups in the city, including Santa Cruz Social Club and Expats in Santa Cruz. Dating in Santa Cruz can be a bit challenging, but there are several online platforms and apps that can help connect you with like-minded individuals.

Visa Information

As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to enter Bolivia. The most common type of visa is the Tourist Visa, which is valid for up to 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. There is no specific digital nomad visa available in Bolivia, but the Temporary Resident Visa can be used for remote work purposes.

To apply for a visa, you’ll need to provide several documents, including a valid passport, proof of income, and health insurance. The application process can take several weeks, so it’s best to plan ahead and apply well in advance of your trip.

💡 Practical Tips

Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when living and working in Santa Cruz:

SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at several mobile phone stores throughout the city. Prices start at around 50 BOB (approximately $7 USD) per month for a basic plan.
Transportation: Taxis are widely available, but be sure to agree on a price before you start your journey. Bus fares are around 5-10 BOB (approximately $0.70-$1.40 USD) per ride.
Safety: Santa Cruz is generally a safe city, but petty crime can be a problem. Be sure to take precautions, such as carrying a money belt and avoiding walking alone at night.
Weather: Santa Cruz has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September.