La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 01/07/10
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, Colombo Sri Lanka, Niamy Niger
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?
Buenos Aires Argentina or Mexico City. Connections to either one of these cities is not great. There is only one direct flight abroad from La Paz, to Lima
3. How long have you lived here?
5 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Husband work with international cooperation agency
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We had a house in the southern residential area. Houses are huge but have no heating (most of the time) so you are always freezing
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Except for imported items very reasonable
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None, you can get everything. If you want -- Asian spices maybe..
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
No McDonald's (Yes!!) but there are good, cheap restaurants. it might not be such a cosmopolitan choice but there is good Bolivian, peruvian, Mexican, Swiss, French etc.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
not many
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
go to the post office!
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Readily available, good and cheap (about 150 USD) for full time.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, in the zona sur there are two or three good gyms. We went to the Club Aleman which was great. Indoor pool, tennis courts, gym. We did a lot of our weekend life there
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?
We used ATMs all the time as well as our credit cards.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Through cable you can get US TV
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to speak some Spanish.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Streets go up and down. Someon on a wheelchair would have a very difficult time. Sidewalks are in bad condition, buildings d not accomodate for people with disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are all over are quite safe and cheap. The minibuses can get crowded but I took them all the time and they were safe, reliable (although slow)
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?
There are a lot of 4 by 4 because of the steep climbs
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, it is not the greatest and I though a bit expensive for the type of service.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
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)?
Loads of great ones. The Veterinaria Alemana next to the Mercado de Achumani is very good.
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Fairly formal. Women wear these ridicolously high spiky boots. Could never understand...
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Healthy, but be prepared for the altitude. 3800meters
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Political instability brings protests, roadblocks. Petty crime but very few violent crime. I felt very safe in La Paz
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Both my girls were born here and it was completely fine. For more complicated things people who can afford it go to Chile or Buenos Aires
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Cold because you are high up. Rainy season and a cold but beautiful blue sky season
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
My kids were too young
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?
Great preschools. I highly recommend Paraiso which is Montessori system. Regina the owner speaks fluent English and is fantastic. Our daughter was very, very happy here.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
I believe so
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium sized but they blend a lot with the local community
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?
We went out a lot to restaurants and made very good Bolivian friends with whom we entertained, went to their houses and they came to ours.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think mainly for families
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There is a small gay community. As in all Latin America, they are there but not too visible.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, among Bolivians there is discrimination against indigenous populations. The darker the skin the more they will be discriminated.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Hiking, Valle de la Luna, Lake Titicaca. Going anywhere does take an effort. ROads are bad and distances long
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Recommendation take a look at the Artezzano line of clothes made from Alpaca. They are excellent quality and good price.
9. Can you save money?
Yes
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
oxygen tank(kidding)
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:
Movie: American Visa
6. Do you have any other comments?
Great place for families with small children.
