Electronics

1. Tilifunu

   Phone

   Usage

   Spanish teléfono adapted to Aymara sounds

2. Celular

   Mobile phone

   Usage

   The usual word for a mobile; coverage fails in many altiplano villages

3. Kargadur

   Charger

   Usage

   From Spanish cargador. "Teléfono cargador utji?" = do you have a charger?

4. Cable

   Charging cable

   Usage

   Use it when you need just the cable; cheap in the El Alto markets

5. Batería

   Battery

   Usage

   "Batería tukuñi" = my battery is nearly dead; the highland cold drains them fast

6. Pila

   Battery (dry cell)

   Usage

   For torches and headlamps; the cold shortens their life, so carry spares

7. Enchufe

   Power outlet

   Usage

   Bolivia's mains voltage differs by area — La Paz has long run lower than most of the country. Ask your host to confirm the voltage before plugging in

8. Adaptador

   Plug adapter

   Usage

   Sockets usually take both type A and type C. Even when the shape fits, check your device handles the local voltage

9. Luz

   Electricity / light

   Usage

   Outages are routine in villages; keep a torch beside you at night

10. Internet

    Usage

    "Internet kawkipis utji?" = where can I get online?

11. Wi-Fi

    Usage

    "Wi-Fi señal utjiti?" = is there a Wi-Fi signal?

12. Contraseña

    Password

    Usage

    "Contraseña imasa?" = what is the password?

13. Señal

    Signal / reception

    Usage

    "Señal janiw utjkiti" = there is no signal

14. Chip

    SIM card

    Usage

    The word for a SIM in Bolivia too; you need your passport to buy one

15. Laptop

    Usage

    Used as-is from English; better not to have it out on your lap on a long coach ride

16. Cámara

    Camera

    Usage

    Always ask before photographing people or their animals. "Foto apthasiñ atipktaxa?" = may I take a photo?

17. Linterna

    Flashlight

    Usage

    Altiplano villages have no street lighting and go pitch dark; a headlamp is the practical choice

18. Estufa

    Heater

    Usage

    Altiplano nights drop below freezing and many rooms have no heating, so ask before you take one

19. Radio

    Usage

    Aymara-language stations broadcast from La Paz and El Alto and remain a main news source in villages

20. Televisor

    Television

    Usage

    Use it to ask whether a room has one

Browse all TravelPhrases languages