Embedded Files
Arriving to La Paz
El Alto International Airport: This is the world's highest international airport; at 13,313 feet/4,058 meters above sea level, it's almost half as high as a jetliner's cruising altitude, and takeoffs take a bit longer due to the thin air.
Please note that you cannot be charged any fees upon arrival provided that you have the provisional visa. In the future, when you leave the airport you will have to pay an airport departure tax of $24 for international flights and Bs14 for domestic flights.
Most South American airlines (TAM, LAN, TACA, AVIANCA, etc.) serve El Alto Airport as well as the local airline, BOA. Most international flights will make a stop over in Santa Cruz to pick up or drop off passengers. American Airlines is currently the only U.S. carrier serving Bolivia, with one daily flight from Miami, however, there are other Latin American Airlines such as Taca, LAN and Avianca with daily flights from Washington D.C, Miami and Atlanta.
El Alto is approximately 13,000 feet above sea level, so you may feel light-headed, dizzy, or short of breath upon your arrival. Oxygen tanks are located at the airport for your use if necessary.
When you arrive to the customs counter you must present a valid passport and the provisional work visa. At that time you will receive a stamp in your passport and the customs officer will take your photo.
Upon collecting your bags and leaving the baggage area you will be required to place your bags through an x-ray scanner. The baggage officers may decide to open your baggage and check your baggage. They will also check your baggage tags to verify that it is your baggage.
Once you clear security an ACS representative will be waiting for you to transport you to your homes and apartments provided by the school. Most teachers live in Zona Sur (10,663 feet above sea level), an area located approximately 5 miles south from downtown La Paz. Zona Sur is approximately 35-50 minutes from El Alto International Airport, depending on traffic conditions.
Report abuse