Bolivia situation guide
Why you ask before visiting
In Santa Cruz, apartments are found through Facebook Marketplace, Facebook groups, WhatsApp contacts, real-estate agencies (inmobiliarias), or direct owners (dueño directo). Listings are often incomplete, so it is normal (not rude) to ask by WhatsApp whether the expensas are included, whether luz/agua/internet are paid aparte, how much garantía is required, whether it is amoblado, whether pets are allowed, and whether the photos are recent. Confirming these before a visit saves a wasted trip across the city and avoids discovering extra costs after the conversation has already advanced. Keep the questions short and polite, a few clear questions, not a long interrogation.
Essential vocabulary
- zona: area / neighborhood Listings describe location by ‘zona’; you need the exact one before visiting.
- expensas: building / condo fees Often separate from rent, ask whether they’re included.
- garantía: deposit / guarantee Clarify the amount before you spend time on a visit.
- servicios: utilities Water, electricity, internet, confirm what’s included vs ‘aparte’.
- amoblado: furnished Changes the value a lot, always check before comparing prices.
- mascotas: pets Often restricted; ask early if you have one.
- visita: viewing / visit The goal of the message: agree when you can see it.
- contrato: contract Ask whether a written contract or receipt is possible.
- incluido: included The key word for confirming what the rent covers, ask “¿está incluido?”.
- recibo: receipt Ask whether you’ll get a receipt for the rent, useful as proof of payment and address.
- ubicación: location Beyond the zona, confirm the exact ubicación (street, landmarks) before traveling to a visit.
Bolivian Spanish terms
- expensas: monthly building fees Very common in apartment buildings in Santa Cruz; almost always asked about.
- luz y agua aparte: electricity and water not included ‘aparte’ is the everyday way to flag a separate cost, a hidden-cost warning.
- garantía de 1 mes: one-month deposit A common deposit size in Santa Cruz rentals; confirm whether it is one month or more.
- anticrético: Bolivian large-deposit housing arrangement A local concept where a big lump sum replaces monthly rent, good to recognize even if you want a classic rental.
- dueño directo: direct owner Renting from the owner can avoid an agency commission.
- inmobiliaria: real-estate agency May add a commission or a more formal process.
Useful phrases
- ¿En qué zona está exactamente?: Which area is it exactly in? Pin down a vague location before committing to a visit.
- ¿Las expensas están incluidas?: Are the building fees included? Check the real monthly cost.
- ¿La luz, el agua e internet están incluidos o se pagan aparte?: Are electricity, water and internet included or paid separately? Surface hidden utility costs.
- ¿Cuánto es la garantía?: How much is the deposit? Know the upfront amount.
- ¿Cuándo se puede visitar?: When can it be visited? Move toward scheduling the viewing.
- ¿Aceptan mascotas?: Are pets allowed? Ask early if you have a pet.
Learn this in the app
Rent an Apartment in Santa Cruz, Practical Spanish