Can I buy good quality towels and sheets in Bolivia?

by J
(Santa Cruz)

I am moving to Bolivia and am wondering about the cost and quality of decent towels and sheets in Bolivia. Can I get 400-600 thread count sheets in towels that are large?

Comments for
Can I buy good quality towels and sheets in Bolivia?

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 01, 2012
 Big thanks
by: Anonymous

This helps :) I discovered the cost of shipping things and the luggage restrictions :( I need to reconsider what I really need and what can be found locally. I will be sure to sign up for the meet ups.
Jun 30, 2012
 Sheets and towels
by: Anonymous

Cannon Percale, is a good brand of sheets, cost 200 bolivianos more or less.
Jun 30, 2012
 Clarification
by: Tara

There are many of these used clothing fairs everyday in all parts of the country. There are also stores that are open each day. I mentioned Cumavi because of its sheer size and the possibility to find what you are looking for.
Jun 30, 2012
 Sheets and Towels
by: Tara

The short answer is yes. But, I suppose it depends on what part of Bolivia you will be in. When we lived near Guayaramerin, we could cross the Mamore River and pick up decent quality sheets and towels in the Brazilian town of Guajara-Mirim.

If you are in one of the bigger cities (like La Paz, Santa Cruz, or Cochabamba) you will have no problem finding quality towels and sheets, it will all depend on how much you are willing to pay. US quality often times means US prices. In the city center of Santa Cruz, you can find just about anything you could possibly want...just about :)

If you feel like spending far less money and you don't have any problems with used items, you can visit the used clothing fairs that are quite common. Items in these fairs have been donated by people in other countries. In Santa Cruz, there is one such fair each Thursday. It is called Cumavi. There you will find hundreds of vendors selling used everything, towels and sheets included.

That said, if you live in a hot and humid area and you do not have access to a clothes dryer or air conditioning, you may begin opting for smaller, thinner towels. They dry more quickly and are not as likely to have a musty odor from being wet too long after using or washing.

Hope this information helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Jun 30, 2012
 Linen & Things
by: Teresa Brown de Peña

Hi! Yes, you can buy good quality sheets and large towels in Bolivia.

There are several options: peddlers, general variety stores, supermarkets, the street markets and department stores.

The street markets have the best prices, but it is cash only, NO DOLLARS, local money only, no returns and you have to find out the going price, by first knowing the price in the supermarkets and department stores, then ask several sellers and then haggle with the sellers. They don´t post any prices, except on some fruits, vegetables and meats.

If you are seeking to buy sheets and towels, avoid peddlers and general variety stores. The quality is very poor.

You must be careful because in Bolivia, they generally don´t accept ¨returns¨of anything, anywhere!

Customer satisfaction is not a priority, in the least.

Regarding Sheets:
I DO NOT recommend buying the sheets they offer in the supermarkets, general variety stores, nor from peddlers; the sheets are what I consider ¨seconds¨/irregular --- although they are not marked as such, as in the USA! Usually, they are too small for the mattress!

Regarding Large Towels:
They offer towels everywhere, in many sizes, including large ones. They are ok and supermarkets are convenient, however, their prices are at least 50% higher than the street market.

Overall, I strongly suggest buying sheets in department stores like, MultiCenter or American Home Center or IC Norte. Also the towels, because they have a better selection of colors.

PS: If you need to buy pillows, you can buy them in some markets. The best quality pillows are from Brazil.

When you come, be sure to attend an Ex Pat meet!
www.boliviabella.com/expats.html to sign up for the invitations.
See you there!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Travel Forum Home Page