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Vehicle Ownership: Few teachers choose to purchase a vehicle as the public transportation system within the city and for travel purposes is cheap and readily available. However, if the open road calls you, having a car will make it easy to explore the beauty of Bolivia on your terms. The benefits of being able to travel to Lake Titicaca for the weekend, or drive the Salar de Uyuni, the many high peaks surrounding La Paz, or even explore other countries are clear upsides. But there can be downsides too:
Cars are very expensive. A 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser, for example, may cost around $8,000-$9,000 while a newer used car can be priced double (or more) the cost of the car in other countries. Upon purchase of the vehicle, you are also responsible for paying a 3% sales tax (based on the purchase amount that is listed in the books of the Mayor of La Paz).
Most teachers pay a “Tråmite de Transferencia” to take care of the vehicle transfer and other paperwork, as well as assisting with the driver’s license. You need to have a Bolivian driver’s license that you will show when driving through different checkpoints throughout Bolivia. The school will help arrange this for you, if desired, and can be obtained after your residency visa is secured.
Car insurance costs approximately $200-$300 per year. The Business Office at ACS is happy to provide guidance if you wish to purchase a vehicle and will help you work with an insurance broker. It is recommended that you obtain an International Driver's Permit before arrival in Bolivia, if you plan on purchasing a car.
Purchasing gasoline can also be more of a process here. Gas is subsidized by the government, so it is not expensive, but occasionally, Bolivia has difficulty securing gasoline imports, and the result can be gas stations without gas, or with long lines of drivers waiting to buy gas.
Language: Spanish is the main language of Bolivia. However there are other languages used in the country spoken by indigenous people in different regions, including Aymara and Quechua.
It is important to remember that most people in La Paz do not speak any English. Many school employees, such as custodians, guards, and cafeteria workers, speak little to no English. Any domestic help you employ will almost certainly only speak Spanish.
Spanish is not a difficult language to learn and any effort made by you to speak the language will be appreciated and encouraged by Bolivians. There are many bilingual staff members who can assist you during your time here and the opportunity to take classes or hire a private Spanish tutor is available. Purchasing a Spanish pocket phrase book is highly recommended if you do not know the language.
Clothing: The weather in La Paz has been described as “constant fall.” There are two seasons, the dry season from April to August, and the rainy season from September to March. The average daytime temperature is cool (50 F) in the dry season, and fairly warm (70 F) in the rainy season. Whatever the season, when the sun goes down or is hidden by the clouds, the temperature drops substantially. It is recommended that you purchase clothes before coming to Bolivia, as they can be quite expensive here.
Most useful here are spring/fall clothes for adults and children alike. A layered look is best, and you’ll quickly learn never to leave the house without a jacket or sweater! Shorts are not worn by men or women in La Paz, even when warm out, out of practicality (not culture). Sturdy walking shoes are best for navigating the cobblestone or dirt streets. Most of the time you will be walking up or downhill and the streets can sometimes be dirty, and a closed toe is best. Many women wear boots all year round. Sandals are not typically worn in La Paz. If you plan to travel to warmer climates in South America, bring one or two pairs. You should bring some summer clothing, as you will certainly want to travel to the semi-tropical areas of Bolivia. You definitely need a raincoat and umbrella for the rainy season. In winter, you will need a warm coat for evenings and sweaters or suit jackets for daytime. Excellent alpaca sweaters and ponchos are made locally.
Teacher attire for school is professional. Most female teachers wear nice slacks and a sweater or dress shirt. Skirts and dresses are worn occasionally and most teachers wear tights underneath. Male teachers dress in nice pants and a button-down or polo shirt – no tie is required. Again, wearing layers to school is vital. It can be quite chilly in classrooms in the morning and warm in the afternoon!
There is a swimming pool located on campus, which is kept at a constant temperature year round. Pool attire is as follows: swimming cap, goggles, appropriate bathing suit. You might also want to bring a pair of flip- flops for the showers that are available. The school has a small gym available on campus for teachers to use. Proper attire is also required for the use of the gym.
Weather: The sun is extremely strong at this altitude. Danger from sunburn cannot be overstated. Bring lots of powerful sunblock (SPF 50 or above); you’ll need it regardless of the season. Also, bring sunglasses. Wide brim hats and caps (especially for those with less “covering” on their heads) also give you protection from the sun’s rays and long-sleeved shirts are added insurance. During the dry season, residents use moisturizers and good chapstick in large quantities.
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