La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 03/14/11
Personal Experiences from La Paz, Bolivia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, we lived in Buenos Aires Argentina for a year
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
North Carolina, with a travel time of about 12 hours, connecting in Miami Florida
3. How long have you lived here?
7 months
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government/military
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Houses for the expat community are generally nice. Most have a small yard, and most of the houses are older but are very pretty. Commute time varies, from 15 to 45 minutes to work, depending on the traffic.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There are good grocery stores here, but costs vary, depending what you need. Cleaning supplies are low to medium priced, but most just don't seem strong enough. Groceries are low to high priced. Many items are imported from surrounding places suchas Chile and Argentina, so they cost more. Fresh fruits and vegetables are cheap, and there are weekly local markets open in the neighborhoods to find just about anything you need.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Food items that can't be found here, shoestrings (yes shoestrings), some school supplies, household items such as towels, bathroom rugs, shower curtains, etc. Those are sold here, but very expensive. No Wal-Marts here!
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
The only American fast food is Burger King, and one Subway at the airport!But there are many good restaurants here of almost every nationality! Cost range from $3 to $25 per person depending on what you want to eat.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
I'm not sure about gluten-free products and meat substitutes here. Most everything is bought fresh, including meat, poultry and fruits and vegetables.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not many. The biggest complaint is the ants!They are in many people's houses, and nothing seems to work keeping them out for very long.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through the DPO at the U.S. Embassy
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
The embassy has a good program of finding domestic help. Cost is affordable, and most families seem to be happy with their employees.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, the German club, Los Sargentos, and then some other newer local gym clubs that have opened recently.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I don't use credit cards or carry them in my wallet, just to be safe. ATM cards are generally okay, they can be used at the grocery stores. ATM machines are available, but most people only use the ones where bank guards are standing nearby. Cash is still necessary in most places!
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, there are a few English-language churches in the area. There are mostly Catholic churches, but many other denominations here also.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There are no English-language newspapers here. They have local cable here, with many English-language channels. Cost is affordable but combined with the internet services here, the prices are medium to high. Many people here order Direct-TV.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Language is very important here. You can get by with the basics, but I feel that to really be able to get around in a taxi, go shopping etc. you should have a good understanding of the language.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Many difficulties, there is very little handicapped parking. Also, the sidewalks can be uneven or non-existent in some areas. I have not seen very many wheelchair ramps either.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Local buses and taxis are very affordable, but are not very safe. You must know the language and be a very aware person at all times. Taxis are generally okay if you know the company and check the owner stickers in window, or call ahead to the referred companies.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
SUVs are good, but smaller crossovers are even better because parking spaces are gold!Because of the rugged terrain outside the city, and even the rough roads in the city 4-wheel drives are a good choice if possible. Any type of car that requires special or expensive parts has difficulty getting repaired here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
There is high-speed internet access here. It is not as fast as in the U.S. but is sufficient for us. Cost is the same as the U.S. or more if you request faster internet service.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We have cell phones here, you can purchase a monthly plan, or just buy the minutes for your phone. Simple phones are better, i-phones tend to get stolen.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There seems to be quality pet care here, we have a very good veterinarian. Everyday items such as treats and toys are not very good quality and hard to find very many pet stores. It's better to bring your own treats and toys. There are however lots of stores with dog clothes!
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
I don't think there are many opportunities except for those looking for teaching jobs. If you have good Spanish speaking skills, you can even teach at the local colleges.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Depending on where you work at the embassy, casual dressy to suit and tie. In public, there are many types of dress, but it is better to dress casual but nice. People even dress nice to go to the yummy popular ice cream shop.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Crime is not too common here. Of course like any big city there is stealing but normally non-violent. Usually cars are broken into, the most common occurrence. It is very wise to park somewhere where guards are nearby!
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The biggest health concern here is the altitude. It can cause issues with breathing and restless sleepless nights. Also it is highly recommended not to drink the water here, only buy bottled or have a water distiller. Stomach problems abound here also, and avoid salads at the restaurants. The health unit at the Embassy is good, and there are a few hospitals recommended in the area. Dentists I am not sure about, I recommend that a person ask around to other families which dentist to use.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is pretty good, I think we would just like more of it at this altitude!There is some pollution from the older cars, taxis and buses, mainly at the busy times of day.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The climate is almost perfect. Sunny days are wonderful, warm without being too uncomfortable. Rainy season can be bothersome, but still nice. The nights get cold, but normally around 50 F, sometimes in the 40's. The only complaint would be the dryness from living so high up!
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
American Cooperative School is the international school here. There is a good mix of many nationalities as well as many Bolivian families that attend ACS. I have three children there, and they all seem to like it. It seems to be a good school, but they are having problems now keeping enrollment up, not as many families coming from outside Bolivia to join the school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
There seems to be some accomodations for special-needs kids, I have not looked closely at what ACS has to offer. I think there would be difficulties for handicapped children, as there are lots of stairs to many of the classrooms.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There are many preschool and daycares in La Paz. I have only had experience with ACS, which offers KG3 (3 year olds) and KG4 (4 year olds)classes as well as Elementary, Middle and High School.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
I believe so, but am not sure. My children are involved in sports at their school, ACS.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large
2. Morale among expats:
Generally good!
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There is plenty to do here, the embassy always has activities and functions.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think La Paz is a good city for everyone.it is a big city but not too big. The people here are friendly and helpful, and overall hard working.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I have not experienced any prejudices here, though there is some distance between the government here and the United States, which can be uncomfortable at times for those of us living here.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The major highlight so far in La Paz is seeing the beautiful mountains surrounding the city. I never get tired of viewing them at different times of the day and taking pictures!
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Drive to Valle de la Luna, play golf at the highest golf course in the world, go see Lake Titicaca, take lots of pictures of the beautiful mountains, birds, and people.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Beautiful alpaca sweaters, wraps, leather goods, silver and pewter crafted items. Even pretty local paintings and other artwork.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Advantages include saving money, cheaper prices on services such as sewing or repairing clothing, repairing furniture, hiring household help, etc.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, if you don't go out to buy all the pretty things at the local artisan markets!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Second car if you have one.
3. But don't forget your:
Everything else! Seasonal clothing is necessary, since you can wear a sweater, shorts and a suit all in one day!
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Bolivia in Focus by Robert J. Werner, Bolivia in Pictures: Francesca DiPiazza
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
It can be an adjustment regarding the altitude and missing American products (amazing how you can miss Kraft products!), but that is to be expected since you are visiting another country!The people are friendly and helpful, the scenery is beautiful, and it is an experience worth having!
