La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 06/22/13
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?
Germany.
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?
Flight from Miami to La Paz is 6 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
6 months...18 months left.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Military - U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is amazing here. There are some apartments for singles and couples with no kids. Standalone housing is the norm, and all are walled and protected. Most have great BBQ areas, yards, and space.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are very cheap. Most fruits and veggies are bought in the mercados rather than in the grocery stores. You will find them to be very cheap. American products can sometimes be found here, but they are very expensive. Utilize your consumables shipment.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Toilet Paper, paper towels, canned soups, cereals, peanut butter, dish soap, laundry soap....basically, any American item that you really like. You will not find it here -- or if you do, you will pay much more for it.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is one Burger King. Everything else is a national or local company. Eating out here can very often cause sickness. You must be very careful. La Paz is not a town to come to if you are hoping for great food experiences.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Some people have problems with ants, but we have not seen one since we got here. No other insect problems.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
It is easy to get great help. And cheap. Most people have full-time or live-in help for less than $350/month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The U.S. Embassy has a small gym with all you need.
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?
Be careful. Our credit card info was stolen from an ATM machine within 30 days of our arrival in country. We use cash for everything now. You are able to withdraw USD from the embassy cashier, and then you can exchange it on the economy for a better rate.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Not many. There is one english-speaking protestant church. Many catholic churches, though, but I'm not sure if any are in english.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
No newspapers in english. TV channels are in both. You can get cable or 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 must know it to some extent. Very few people speak english here.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Many. The city is very high and you are going uphill all the time. Cobblestones and dirt roads are common. Sidewalks are frequently broken and uneasy to walk on.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There are no trains, buses are iffy, and you must use radio taxis. Taxis are very cheap and easy to get.
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?
If you bring your own, an SUV is needed. You are able to buy one here from people who are leaving. Your car will not depreciate much here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet, yes....but not what we consider high speed. Not too expensive, but you will pay more for the faster speeds.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
It is easy to get one when you arrive.
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)?
There is a good vet that will come to your house.
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?
Casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Car-part thefts are very common. There are pickpockets in crowded areas.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The high altitude causes most people to be sick for a while after arriving. High blood pressure is an issue for some people who have never had the problem before living here, and it is due to the altitude. When you get a cold, it takes 3 times as long to recover from it. The embassy health unit does a great job, but as far as healthcare away from the embassy is concerned, you will probably have to go to Miami for anything serious.
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. The high altitude makes it very hard to breathe. Even after being here for months, you will be out of breath going uphill, upstairs, etc.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Cold all the time. Winter (May-Sept) is VERY dry but very cold in the morning and evening. The sun shines brightly all day long during this time, which helps to warm it up a bit. Summer is very wet and cloudy. Mudslides are very common, as are washed-out roads, bridges, etc.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Take your time when choosing. You do have options here. There is a German school, two International Schools (ACS and The Highlands- Christian School) and Montessori Schools. Lots of parents complain about ACS, but they send their kids there because it seems to be the easier thing to do. Most of the complaints involve the Middle School-High School. Just take your time and really visit the schools before enrolling.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not many, if any.
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?
Many throughout the town - and they are cheap.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not many. The schools have some, but they are not competitive. As kids get older, this can be an issue -- as they seem to grow much more when in competitive sports. Even most local sports teams do not compete against each other.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There are some miners here, but it is not really a large expat community. And it does not seem to be a close-knit community.
2. Morale among expats:
So - so.
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?
There is nothing to do here. Most entertaining will be done in your home. There is a movie theater. Kid's movies are ONLY shown in spanish. Others are in english, dubbed in spanish.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
If you want to save money, yes. If you want things to do, no. There is really nothing to do here, so you have to make your own fun. There is not much for kids at all.
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?
No.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling to neighboring countries..although it is very expensive
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
uhhh....still working on that one.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Alpaca.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Saving tons of money, everything except imported items is cheap. But travel is very expensive from La Paz.
11. Can you save money?
YES.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
expectations of a fun-filled, exciting, adventure.
3. But don't forget your:
board games and creativity.
