La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 07/22/13
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?
Yes.
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?
From Miami it takes 6-7 hours. Longer to get back to Miami -- and it's usually a day flight.
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.)?
Embassy spouse.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most live in nice, large houses with high walls. A lot of people live in Achumani.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Incredibly cheap! Quality produce at the markets. It is very easy to eat healthy. American goods are more expensive and hard to find.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Dog food, toilet paper....I ordered food from Amazon often, which was wonderful. We didn't do a consumables shipment and were able to find most things.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Burger King and Subway....I found myself missing McDonald's, even though I've never been one to eat there often...there are a few good places to eat.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Occasionally ants, but the lack of insects is pretty awesome!
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch, DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very affordable. Ours became a part of our family. She took care of the dogs, ran our errands, paid our bills, cooked and cleaned everything. We paid a bit more, but usually only about $250-$350 a month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are two in the embassy community. A lot of people have memberships at area gyms and seem content.
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?
Never had any problems. I usually use cash and use the same ATMs.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is a community church where they speak English.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Multivision has English/Spanish channels, Direct TV comes from Puerto Rico, the newspapers are in Spanish.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
I picked up a lot over the 2 years -- very little English is spoken.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The roads/sidewalks are very bumpy and hard to navigate. There aren't any accommodations made for people with physical disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The embassy recommends to only use Radio Taxis...they are very affordable (about $1 in Zona Sur, $2 to the embassy).
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?
Definitely an SUV. If you bring your own, it needs to be less than 3 years old. You can get it hardened to help deter thieves and you can sell it for about what you bought it for. A lot of people have Jeeps or Nissans and haven't had any problems with parts.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Very slow and expensive in comparison to everything else here.
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)?
Vets come to your house and are aware of American standards.
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?
At the embassy it's professional; in public it's casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I have felt safe most of the time. There are reports of occasional express kidnappings -- without any violence -- and cars are targets.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
It is very common to lose 15-30 pounds in your first 6 months due to the altitude and the questionable food. High blood pressure is common. When you do get sick with a cold or flu, it will last 3 times longer. The words "Bolivian Belly" are used on a daily basis.
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?
The rainy season can get old, but the rest of the year is pretty nice. It is normal to experience all 4 seasons in one day. Layers are the key -- and don't expect summer weather. Fall and Spring are beautiful with cool nights and sunny, warm days.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
ACS has been improving over the years. The administration is currently very strong and there will be more American teachers in this coming year. I don't really have experience with the other schools, but there are a few.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
ACS has an Elementary Special Education teacher. In middle school they make accommodations for students with special needs - and there is an English Language Support class in Elementary and Secondary.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
ACS has a sports program for Secondary and an after-school program for Elementary, but they are not up to American standards and competition lacks.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Shrinking.
2. Morale among expats:
Seems to have changed over the year. During our first year, morale was high and the community was close.
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?
A lot of socializing at homes, a few really good restaurants, some clubs uptown that people enjoy. There are more high-end restaurants and bars opening.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
As a young couple without children, we found our fun within the embassy community. During our first year it was more of a dog community, but more families have moved in now. There isn't a lot to do for children and the playground equipment at the parks isn't ideal.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not a large community.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I've noticed.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to Chile and Peru.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Hiking, rock-climbing, sight-seeing. The Death Road, the Yungas...you can get in your car and take scenic, adventurous trips easily. But there aren't maps or GPS, so you have to find your way and be adventurous -- and prepared!
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Alpaca, Bolivianitas.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Beautiful scenery, lots of culture, easy to save money, the climate is "fall year-round".
11. Can you save money?
Yes, but travel is expensive from La Paz.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
summer clothes and swimsuits, unless traveling.
3. But don't forget your:
sunscreen, adventurous attitude and layers!
