La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 07/20/12
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?
Fifth expat experience.
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, 3 hours to Miami, 7 hours overnight flight to La Paz.
3. How long have you lived here?
One year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Embassy
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Great and spacious, about 20-40 minutes commute.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Imported products are expensive. Local products are inexpensive. It is a consumables post; take advantage of the 2500 pounds.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We went shopping for everything we wanted as part of our consumables allowance. Buy anything you need from paper products, medicines, food etc.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Burger King, some chicken places, and plenty of good beef and Trucha fish from the lake.
5. 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?
Inexpensive.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The embassy has a small gym and there are a few others throughout the city.
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 embassy offers cashier service and ATM; there are also plenty through the city. Like always, be vigilant.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Direct TV from Puerto Rico.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You should have some Spanish. Especially if you leave the main part of La Paz.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Plenty. This is an old city with stones everywhere.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are inexpensive. These are old cars without seat belts.
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?
4X4. There are price restrictions depending on title. Check before you buy with GSO. You will be able to sell your car easily before departure.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, not too fast, but enough to stream.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The embassy provides Blackberries to all employees, ENTEL for spouses.
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?
I don't think so, there are hundreds of dogs in the streets.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
People are always taking dogs from the streets.
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?
It is cold, so jackets and sweaters.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really. Just stay away of the local demonstrations towards the local government.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical is BAD, for everything you go to Miami. High altitude so high blood pressure is an issue.
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.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Usually on the colder side. No snow but always cold in the 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?
Plenty and inexpensive. US$350 a month for two kids, 9 AM - 1 PM.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
At the ACS school.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium.
2. Morale among expats:
Not bad, but everyone gets sick due to the altitude and health issues related to that. It is a 25% post because of the altitude.
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 house, few restaurants, great movie theater.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Not much to do really. You make your own entertainment.
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?
None affecting visitors.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Machu Picchu, ATV through the high mountains, great Argentina beef, relax city, Chile trips.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
ATV rides, trips to Chile and Peru. Flights to Argentina (expensive).
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Alpaca clothing.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Inexpensive, hiking opportunities at high altitudes, good housing, low crime.
11. Can you save money?
YES
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No, because of health issues and the lack of entertainment for small children.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
summer gear.
3. But don't forget your:
Sun screen. The high altitude sun is a killer. Cold weather gear.
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:
See the embassy website for the post movie. Post Management went to a great length to make sure only the good was shown and nothing realistic about what you will see on the streets.
