La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 02/09/12
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, fifth tour overseas.
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?
Florida, 8 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
8 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Goverment.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Large houses, usually very nice. Commute about 20 minutes if you leave before 7:30 AM.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Inexpensive; you can buy anything here.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Detergent, canned items that you like, warm clothing, heaters for the house, transformers for electrical items.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Few beferias with Argentinean food, Brazilian, wine restaurants. You have to be extremely careful where you eat in La Paz. Also do not drink the water.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Not sure.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Maids about US$200 a month full-time.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Few. The Embassy has a small gym and the Marine residence.
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 cash money at the Embassy, but machines are available around the city.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Not sure.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Direct TV Puerto Rico about US$60 a month.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Some will help.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not made for disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis and inexpensive. Housing area to the Embassu about US$3 for a 15-20 minute drive.
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?
Large SUV to enjoy the mountains.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Reliable and reasonable speed, nothing like the US or Europe.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local company ENTEL or Embassy will provide a phone to employees.
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)?
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?
No.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Same as any other Embassy, relax for casual evenings. Since it is usually cold people have leather jackets, etc.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Typical city, pickpockets.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Many, especially food related.
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?
Moderate to good
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Usually low 70's in the summer, low 30's in the winter.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Not sure.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not sure.
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?
Great and inexpensive, usually classes are in Spanish until the children are 3 year of age when they can go to the American School.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not sure.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small to Mid size.
2. Morale among expats:
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?
At your home or few local restaurants.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I will say couples, not much to do for for kids.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not sure.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Probably internal to the country, the government hates Americans but you can't feel the same sentiment from the locals.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
ATV rides at 17,000 feet high. Trps to Lake Titicaca, Oroico, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Travel to the mountains.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Leather and custom made clothing, traveling to Peru and Argentina.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Mountains, saving money, meat from Argentina.
11. Can you save money?
YES.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Not sure, the altitude was hard on me.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Warm.
3. But don't forget your:
Jackets and sweaters.
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?
If you have heart issues do not come; This is a high-altitude post at 12500 feet.
