So, I needed a Bolivian ID card, also called a “Cedula de Extranjero,” which is like a foreigner’s ID card. It’s one of the things you gotta have if you wanna live there. I got my one-year temporary residency visa sorted, and then I had to hustle to get this ID card within 25 days.
First things first, I had to make sure I had that residency visa. That’s step one. Apparently, you usually get this visa through the Bolivian consulate or embassy wherever you’re from. I already had mine from back home, so I was good on that front. This whole thing is regulated under something called the “Single Registry of Personal Identification” – sounds official, right?
- Get Residency Visa: This is the very first step. Had to have this to even think about the ID.
- Apply for ID Card: After getting the residency, I applied for the ID card. You gotta do this within 25 days of getting your residency, so no time to waste.
- Wait and Get the ID: After applying, it was just a waiting game. Then finally, I got the card.
Now, my ID card looks a bit different from the ones the locals have, which is expected. It’s all good, though. I was told I’d have to use this throughout my entire stay in Bolivia, so I better keep it safe.
I also heard something about professional titles from abroad. I guess if you have any qualifications from outside Bolivia, there might be another process for that, but I didn’t have to deal with it, thankfully.
Oh, and about driving – you need a valid Bolivian driver’s license first before you can get an International Driving Permit (IDP). I already got my Bolivian license, so I applied for the IDP. That was another whole process in itself, but let’s not get into that now.
Anyways, getting this ID was a bit of a journey, but I got through it. If any of you are planning to move to Bolivia, make sure you get all your documents in order. It’ll save you a lot of headaches later. Trust me, I’ve been there!
Final Thoughts
All in all, it wasn’t too bad. Just a lot of steps and waiting. But hey, I got my Bolivian ID card, and that’s what matters. Now I can officially say I’m a resident here. Pretty cool, huh? If you guys have any questions, drop them in the comments. I’ll do my best to help out based on my experience.
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