La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 08/21/09
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. Central America, Eastern Europe, Africa.
2. How long have you lived here?
1 year.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomat spouse.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
The official route is through Miami. Coming to La Paz is about 6.5 hours. Going back to Miami is about 9 hours (including layover in Santa Cruz).
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Typically everyone gets a house. There are some apartments. Most have smallish yards. Houses are generally big and comfortable.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Lots of American products are available. They are more expensive than local products and availability varies. You can find everything you need and most things you could want.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Cereal (primarily because of the cost), chocolate chips, crackers, generally taste-specific items.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Burger King and a chicken place. Both are okay.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO/DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Generally good quality, very available and inexpensive.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes.
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?
Some problems with ATMs, but the ones attached to banks are fine. I have used them the past year with no problems.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Not so much on the newspapers. TV cable and directv are available.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Spanish is quite useful as most folks don't use or speak english.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Difficult due to lack of infrastructure for physical disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are inexpensive and safe but generally lack 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?
Higher clearance is good even for city driving. 4-wheel-drive for outside of city if you do that kind of exploring. Parts can be found, but you can bring your own. They secure your vehicle locally to avoid theft of car parts.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, not too expensive. Quality of connection is spotty but improving.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
It's good to have one, and they aren't expensive.
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)?
Yes.
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?
It varies. There are some opportunities with the embassy, USAID, NGOs, the school. You need spanish for most of these, though.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business Casual to normal work attire. In public normal attire.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
The air is very clean but thin.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
The usual.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Moderate security concerns. Avoid protests.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care for us is through the embassy health unit. There are US-trained doctors and dentists who are generally OK. Serious medical issues are evacuated to Miami. The altitude can cause problems for some.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Beautiful climate. Winters can be cold. When the sun is out (which is often) the temperatures are wonderful.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The American School (ACS) is excellent. Wonderful teachers and administration. Active community life at the school and a broad range of after school activities for all ages.
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?
There are many options including 3 and 4 year-old pre-k programs at ACS, a Montessori school and some good private preschools. Nannies are cheap.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Lots of sports programs through the school. Also private clubs including golf and tennis.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large.
2. Morale among expats:
Generally good. Some folks have issues, but most enjoy the country and the community.
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?
As active as you want it to be. Some decent restaurants.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families.
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?
Not any more than you would expect anywhere else.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Lots of great day trips. Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku ruins, subtropic city of Coroico. Also lots of longer trips are within easy reach, including Amazon trips, mountain hikes, including following old Inca trails, the Uyuni salt flats, other cities, the list goes on and on.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Alpaca, wood products, silver, masks, clothing, leather products.
9. Can you save money?
Yes.
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:
Concerns. This is a great post.
3. But don't forget your:
clothes for a range of temperatures, and a camera for the incredible countryside.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Our family loves this place. There are challenges working here, but that keeps things interesting. The quality of life is high and the school is great. What more could you ask for?
