🌍 Overview
As a seasoned digital nomad, I can attest that Sucre, Bolivia, is a hidden gem for remote workers. This charming city, often referred to as the “White City” due to its predominantly white-washed buildings, offers a unique blend of rich history, stunning natural surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With a Nomad Score of 100/100 and a Nature Score of 100/100, Sucre is a paradise for digital nomads who value culture, history, food, nature, and wellness. The city’s laid-back vibe, affordable cost of living, and growing expat community make it an attractive option for Sucre digital nomads.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Sucre, there are several options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are three neighborhoods that I highly recommend for digital nomads:
- Centro: This historic neighborhood is the heart of Sucre, with most of the city’s main attractions, restaurants, and cafes within walking distance. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Centro can range from 1,500 to 3,000 Bolivianos (approximately $220-$440 USD) per month.
- San Antonio: This charming neighborhood is located just a short walk from the city center and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. San Antonio is known for its picturesque streets, quaint shops, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio can range from 1,200 to 2,500 Bolivianos (approximately $180-$370 USD) per month.
- La Recoleta: This trendy neighborhood is a favorite among expats and digital nomads, with its vibrant atmosphere, trendy bars, and stunning views of the city. La Recoleta is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal spot for foodies. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in La Recoleta can range from 1,800 to 3,500 Bolivianos (approximately $260-$520 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Sucre is relatively low compared to other major cities in South America. Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly expenses for a digital nomad:
- Rent: 1,500-3,000 Bolivianos (approximately $220-$440 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: 500-1,000 Bolivianos (approximately $75-$150 USD) per month for basic groceries and eating out
- Transportation: 100-200 Bolivianos (approximately $15-$30 USD) per month for public transportation and occasional taxi rides
- Coworking: 500-1,000 Bolivianos (approximately $75-$150 USD) per month for a coworking space membership
- Internet: 200-500 Bolivianos (approximately $30-$75 USD) per month for a reliable internet connection
Overall, the cost of living in Sucre can range from 3,300 to 6,000 Bolivianos (approximately $490-$890 USD) per month, making it an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget.
Internet & Coworking
Sucre has a growing number of coworking spaces and cafes with reliable internet connections. Some popular options include:
- Cafe Mirador: This trendy cafe offers stunning views of the city and fast internet speeds of up to 50 Mbps.
- La Casa de la Cultura: This cultural center has a coworking space with reliable internet speeds of up to 30 Mbps and a vibrant community of artists and entrepreneurs.
- Sucre Coworking: This dedicated coworking space offers fast internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps, comfortable workspaces, and a range of amenities, including a kitchen and shower facilities.
Internet speeds in Sucre are generally good, with average speeds of 47 Mbps. However, it’s not uncommon for internet connections to be slower in some areas of the city, particularly during peak hours.
Sucre has a growing expat and digital nomad community, with a range of meetups and events organized regularly. Some popular groups include:
- Sucre Expats: This Facebook group is a great resource for connecting with other expats and digital nomads in Sucre, with regular meetups and events organized.
- Sucre Digital Nomads: This group is specifically for digital nomads, with discussions and meetups focused on remote work, entrepreneurship, and travel.
- La Casa de la Cultura: This cultural center hosts a range of events and workshops, including language exchange, art classes, and live music performances.
Culture & Lifestyle
Sucre is a city steeped in history and culture, with a range of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Some popular events include:
- Fiestas de la Virgen de Guadalupe: This festival takes place in September and features traditional music, dance, and food.
- Semana Santa: This Easter celebration is a major event in Sucre, with processions, parades, and traditional foods.
- Feria de la Candelaria: This festival takes place in February and features traditional music, dance, and handicrafts.
The food scene in Sucre is also worth exploring, with a range of traditional Bolivian dishes, including salteñas, humitas, and papas rellenas. Some popular restaurants include:
- La Estación: This restaurant serves traditional Bolivian cuisine, including salteñas and humitas.
- El Patio: This restaurant offers a range of international dishes, including pizza, pasta, and burgers.
- Cafe 24: This cafe serves a range of coffee, pastries, and light meals, including breakfast and brunch options.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Bolivia. The visa is typically valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. There is no specific digital nomad visa available in Bolivia, but you can apply for a “visa de objeto determinado” (specific purpose visa) if you plan to stay in the country for an extended period.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads planning to visit Sucre:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from one of the major telecom operators, including Entel, Tigo, or Viva. SIM cards cost around 20-50 Bolivianos (approximately $3-$7 USD) and come with a range of data and call packages.
- Transportation: Sucre has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and taxis. You can also rent a car or motorcycle if you prefer.
- Safety: Sucre is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions, particularly at night. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
- Weather: Sucre has a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) throughout the year. However, the city can experience rain and thunderstorms during the summer months (December to March).