La Paz, Bolivia Report of what it's like to live there - 08/25/10
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.
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?
Florida, 10 hours.
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.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Nice homes about 15- to 20-minute commute time.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Cheap, $100/month for a couple.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nuts, cheddar cheese, TP, your favorite canned foods, and sports gear.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Only Burger King is available. There are other Mexican, Italian and Spanish restaurants available. Several to pick from.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None, at least in high altitude La Paz.
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?
$210 USD a month for a full-time maid, 40 hours a week. Very helpful.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, two major facilities. Its a major help here.
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?
Safe.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
All.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Internet, mostly for U.S. news.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Lots.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lots.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
None is safe except a radio-taxi that you call.
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?
Bring an SUV or a Jeep. They also sell fast here when you leave.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, but a bit slow. $40/ month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Use calling cards.
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)?
Good and cheap. The vet care here is about 30 years behind the U.S. Vets here are shocked to see any dog or cat older than 10 years old.
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?
Not really.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
At work it is suit and tie,and in public it is jeans and polos or sweats.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Only with roadblocks and demonstrations. Home break-ins in La Paz are very rare. Crimes, such as assault, rapes and armed robberies, are very rare in La Paz. They are more common in other cities like Santa Cruz.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is poor. If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, I recommend that you not come here. If you get pregnant here, you will be medically evacuated.
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?
Good, clear and sunny skies 95% of the year. The altitude will create most of your health issues -- including high blood pressure and lack of a decent night's sleep. Stomach problems are also common here. If you do come here, bring nose strips and take Probiotics to help withstand the bacteria. Also, bring good quality sunscreen.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is reversed from the U.S.The weather here is dry and mild.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
American Cooperative School.
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Big.
2. Morale among expats:
Very 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?
Possible if you look for it. For singles, there is a lot to do. The embassy community always has some activity going on that sometimes you have to decline in order to take a break.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is a good city for all. Single women may have more of a challenge.
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 not that I am aware of. The only prejudice is from the government of Bolivia towards anyone associated with the U.S. Embassy. Local embassy employees are constantly harrassed by the GOB.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The embassy community has a positive attitude, and morale is high.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Go swimming or play tennis at the German Club or the Tennis club. Go out to eat in a nice restaurant or take a road trip to Lake Titicaca.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Coca tea.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Save money.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, you can, after you pay off all your credit cards from your last assignment in the U.S.
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:
Nothing. You will need everything here.
3. But don't forget your:
Your sports equipment, including shoes and swimwear, goggles, tennis racket. Any other item you can buy at Sports Authority. Anything of quality will be hard to find and overpriced.
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:
6. Do you have any other comments?
The people here are very kind. They deserve better from their government. I will miss the Bolivians when I leave.
