La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 08/07/11
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
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?
Washington DC. 7-8 hours to/from Miami.
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.)?
Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mostly single family homes (multi-level) and apartments. Top floor is better for noise control because there is no sound insulation.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Non-imported grocery items and staples are cheap. Expect to pay several times more for imported goods from the U.S. and Europe.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Toilet paper, liquid detergent and fabric softeners, brown sugar, chocolate chips, spices and sauce mixes.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Burger King is the only US chain.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Very little availability. Some larger newer groceries have a small selection and there are one or small specialty stores.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Very few in La Paz. Any insect you could imagine in the Amazon.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Best domestic help so far.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, there are a few modern gyms, country clubs, and yoga and martial arts.
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?
Avoid using them or carrying them around due to the growing rate of express kidnapping.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Digital cable and Direct TV, children's and some educational programming is only in Spanish.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You must speak Spanish.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Very hilly with cobblestone roads and evenly paved sidewalks (when there are sidewalks).
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Radio taxis only due to safety and security. But they are very reasonable.
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?
High ground clearance for the potholes and flooding, enough engine power to make it up the hills. Not too tall or wide because roads are narrow and garages are tight +both commercial and residential).
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Expensive but available, speeds not true.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
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)?
Poor, as is the availability of good pet food.
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?
Perhaps for significantly less money.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Varied, layers are a must in La Paz.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
La Paz is medium for crime, mostly pick pocketing , snatch and grab. But a high rate of vehicle break in and theft of parts. Santa Cruz has a high rate of crime.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Altitude is a huge problem, La Paz is not recommended if you have asthma, high blood pressure or during pregnancy. Food and water borne illnesses are very common. The altitude can also effect normal digestion.
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?
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very dry and moderate to cold temperature in La Paz. With a rainy season that results in flooding and mud slides. Winter days are sunny and almost cloudless. You can be burned very quickly in the sun and the temperature can vary 10 or more degrees between the sun and shade
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Getting smaller all the time.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Movie theaters, bowling alleys, and lots of restaurants are available. Single family homes have built in gills so BBQs are popular.
3. Morale among expats:
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
A good city for families because the cost of living is cheap and houses are quite large. There are also a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs for single, but Spanish will be helpful.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Don't know. Probably not.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling from the top of the Andes down through the clouds to the rainforest in only a few hours.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Great for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. The valley of the moon is close by and a very unique hike.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Textiles
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The cost of living is low, so that provides greater opportunity to travel and explore Bolivia. You can enjoy nice meals and great South American wines for a fraction of what it would cost in the U.S.
11. Can you save money?
Yes
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:
Pets with special needs or that are older. Plasma tv and U.S. electronic clocks.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunblock, a good hat and polarized sunglasses. A warm comforter. Your favorite moisturizers and lip balm. Your Kindle because you won't find English reading materials.
