La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 05/26/11
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?
Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Bogota.
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?
Houston, TX. 13 hours aprox. Connections in Miami and Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I work for the Consular Section and my husband for the RSO office in the US Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Houses are big, spacious with big yards. People from the Embassy live in the same area called Zona Sur. The location is good, there is a new small mall andthree or four different grocery stores. Commute time to the Embassy 40 min.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Three or four different grocery stores and not expensive at all.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Detergent. Lots of it. Your favorite american snacks and if you have pets, pet food and medicines for fleas.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
American fast food only Burger King.3 to 7 dollars combos. There are a few very good restaurants and prices are not too high. The most expensive plate would be 20 dollars.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
No restaurants for vegetarians. The food is very basic and if you want fresh you can go to "plazas de mercado" little markets in the streets to buy fruits and vegetables.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Aunts if you live in a house. This place is way too high for insects...
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have APO in the embassy. Local mail companies are not reliable.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
120 dollars per month and they do everything.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. A few gyms in Zona Sur, not too expensive. 50 to 70 dollars per month.
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?
The are ATMs throughout the city but the use of credit cards is limited. It is better to carry cash with you but not a lot.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Not too much.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Cable for 300 dollars for 6 months. Direct TV is more expensive but you need to have the correct equipment.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Basic Spanish but if you want to have bolivian friends you need to speak the language.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot. Roads and side walks are in very poor condition. People don't respect the traffic signs and it is very disorganize.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We are not allowed to take public transportation. It is not safe.
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?
A very strong car. Sedans suffer a lot here. Roads are a mess and the best option is a 4x4 SUB like a Jeep.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
No high- speed Internet. The speed is low and it is probably the only service that is not cheap. 120 dollars per month and many times is down.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring your unlocked cell phone.
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. They only ask for the health certificate.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Vets are still learning, and there is no culture of "take care of your pet." there are thousands of stray dogs, and rabies is a major issue. The situation for dogs cats -- and in general all animals here -- will make your heart ache.
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?
Not at all.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Sporty. People are very humble here.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Once in a while there are protests that are not bigger than 300 people. Most of the time pacific. People tend to be a bit more violent in El Alto , a small town 45 minutes from La Paz. The only problem is when there are protests in El Alto there are roadblocks and the access to the airport is closed. To fly from La Paz you have to go to that airport.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
A lot of health concerns. You have to rinse the fruits and vegetables with clorox for 30 min to eliminate all the bacteria or viruses. Stomach problems are incredibly common and due to the altitude,it is very difficult to breath. This place is dangerous for people with high blood pressure or heart problems. Medical care is not the best. Poor.
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?
Very good. No contamination and no traffic jams. The air is clean and the sky is ALWAYS blue. The only problem is the river because it is extremely dirty and smells pretty bad. People throw trash and any kind of waste to the river.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Weather is very nice. During summer is rainy season and the temperature is not hotter that 60 degrees F. Winter is very dry, very few showers never thunderstorms but it is colder, 25 to 30 degrees F.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I don't have kids but I heard very good comments about the high standard of the American school. the German and the French school are also good options.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
The American school has United States standards so they try to have at least the basic accommodations for special-needs kids. Parents with kids have had excellent results.
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?
Again, I heard that all the parents are very happy with schools and daycare. It is not easy to find a reliable nanny though.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
In the school, yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
Good. It is cheap and you can save money.
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?
A few restaurants, night life is good, bolivians are very friendly.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is good for families and couples. It is a bit boring for singles because it is not a big city.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Gay or lesbians are not well accepted inside of the Bolivian culture but they are very humble and kind so they won't bother. I haven't heard any negative experience about it.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
This is a very "machista" society but they don't have major issues or prejudices.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Traveling throughout the country. Beautiful landscapes and sceneries. Lake Titicaca is completely out of breath. Yungas is in the middle of the jungle and the rivers are beautiful.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Alpaca coats and sweaters.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
This country is extremely cheap. If you don't travel too much out of the country (flights are expensive) you can save good money. Weather is nice. It is always sunny and not too cold or hot. There are a lot of places to visit and hotels are cheap too. I don't have kids but I heard from my friends that they are very happy with the American school.
11. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No. Poverty is right in front of you and people here don't want any kind of help. They like their lifestyle and don't want any kind of improvement.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
High heels and fancy or elegant car.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen!
