La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 05/27/11
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?
Heidelberg Germany, Augsberg Germany, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Bogota, Colombia
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?
3. How long have you lived here?
1 year
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic (1st State) Assignment
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing consists of houses and apartments. Last report about some kind of unique feature with each place is spot on. I would add that there are positives and benefits for everyplace. You might be close to the 'action' but you put up with the noise. You might live in a big beautiful house but far away from everything and it sometimes hard to get a taxi. Most people love their housing here but there are a few people who can never seem to be satisfied.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Cheap and available. You have to pay health insurance and comply with Bolivian law. Its not too bad. The quality of help varies - interview well and have potential domestic employees checked out by the RSO.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I was thinking of a Westin Heavenly Bed – the bed GSO provide is rock solid hard and killing my back.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Burger King. McDonald's left years ago, but Arica, Chile is 7 hours away by car - its a beauiful drive and there is a McDonald's there! There are also a few good restaurants here but not too many. Still - you have a few options - so its not totally bad.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Organic? Don't know. Just make sure that your domestic helper washes your fruits and vegetables properly. The embassy has classes every so often to teach housekeepers how to disinfect food. Ask the health unit when you arrive for the next date.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants – no others – but lots of ants – all over the place.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Mostly DPO and personal pouch. Shipping is a little high.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
My domestic employee also helps with the kids. She also babysits for us when the wife and I go out.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes - Marine house, motorpool, and ACS (if you have a child attending).There are a few others that are a bit pricy - but the first three free options should have you covered.
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?
More places are accepting credit cards and ATMS work in many places. Use caution. The embassy has an ATM machine for employees and family members. My family and I use either the embassy ATM or ATM at the Mall (inside).
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes - there are but I don't go. I like sleep on Sundays.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
No - not really, but the internet works, we have cable at the embassy, and have directv at home with a few English channels.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to be good in Spanish. It will not be an enjoyable tour without it.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not impossible but the infrastructure mostly isn't set up for individuals with physical limitations. The high altitude exacerbates any problems with high blood pressure or heart problems. This is a serious consideration for this post. Even physically fit people are taken aback when they get here and their bodies have to adjust.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Radio taxies are safe. These are taxies that have a placard attached to the top of the car. Don't use taxies with just stickers on the windows and/or doors. Avoid trufies. Try to call a taxi ahead instead of hailing one from the street. Most stores and restaurants will gladly call you your own cab if you ask them to. Buses between major cities are OK – just use common sense. No train service in La Paz – too mountainous.
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?
I recommend an SUV. The government of Bolivia now has a rule that your car can't be older than three years old, but you should be able to sell it for what you paid for it when you are ready to leave if you want to.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
750K connection is about 110 dollars a month. Cheaper if you prepay. Slow for the money you pay but you can get faster internet speeds if you want to trade your paycheck out. My 750k while slow - still meets are needs for a family of five. Wireless connection at no additional charge.http://www.axsbolivia.com/
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The embassy provides most employees. Cheap prepaid options exist for family members.
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?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Don't know - I hear good.
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 really - good managment of EFM positions by management.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business Mon-Thurs. Casual Friday.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
La Paz is generally safe, but there are instances of crime; especially crimes against property. You have to secure your vehicle or it will be stripped in five minutes (no exaggeration). There are reports of express kidnappings. There are many demonstrations that can turn violent or can choke off the city. But mostly, it's better than most places in the world – including many U.S. cities.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The altitude is the worst. Takes awhile to get used to and you never fully get used to it. But we manage. If you have respiratory or heart problems, think twice about coming here. Mostly, many people feel drained, have some sleep issues, get sick twice as much and colds takes about three times to recover. There is also a lot of tummy trouble here with I suspect is the water. My boss is always saying that the 25% differentialisn't free – we do earn every penny. It is such a nice break to go lower and when you return to sea level, you feel like superman and you sleep like a baby (makes trips to Arica Chile so much fun – beach, sea level, and McDonalds!).One benefit is that you can lose weight without diet and exercise here as your body has to work twice as hard just to breathe. Relax!The health unit will issue an oxygen tank when you first arrive and they have oxygen even at the airport if you feel quezzy after you get off the airplane (The Airport is actually at an elevation higher than the city of La Paz).
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 - but thin at high altitude
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Southern Hemisphere – Winter Jun – Aug; Summer Dec- Feb; Winter is cold but very dry. Summer can also be cool as it is the rainy season.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Schools are really good. Excellent campus with lots of features including a swimming pool, gym, libraries, sports fields, etc. Lots of afterschool activities and great preschool program. Caring staff and administration.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
School can handle many special needs. Check out the websitewww.acslp.org Really accessible staff - send the superintendant an email - school is awesome with communication.
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?
Preschool at the ACS school is 240 dollars a month for PK3 (3 year olds) - a little more at PK4 (4 year olds) - but oh so worth it!I see my child getting the head start she needs. Worth every penny. Cheaper options elsewhere.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Plenty!
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small but they are here.
2. Morale among expats:
Pretty 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?
Sometimes - not too much unless you want to.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for everyone but especially families.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No reported problems or issues.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not really. Some folks don't like Americans, but most do!!
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Great school for my children, embassy housing, high morale at embassy.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Hiking, sightseeing, travel, cheap air travel to other nearby major cities and even cheaper bus travel, shopping, natural beauty
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Arts and crafts, lessons on anything and everything, massages, dinners out, movies, shopping, and traveling
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Culture, saving money, 25% differental, good weather mostly, nearby countries.
11. Can you save money?
Yes! You can save a lot of money!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I will need about a decade break - but yeah- I wouldn't be opposed to doing another tour. If government relations improve - for sure. Bolivian people really like Americans even if there are major disagreements between our governments.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Snow shovels
3. But don't forget your:
Cold weather clothes, warm weather clothes, humidifiers, blankets
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
This is a nice post with good management. It's just the right size of mission – not too small and not too big. You will save money here and 25% differential is worth living in the highest capital city in the world for two years!
