Preparations

Preparing For Your Move

In this section, you will find some suggestions for what to bring to La Paz. Think carefully before packing and bringing valuables, antiques, or anything you cannot afford to lose. More and more articles are becoming available in La Paz, but imported goods are fairly expensive to purchase.

It is also a good idea to get in touch with newer teachers at ACS to discuss what their needs were in moving and get ideas for a larger packing list. Administration can assist you in contacting some of these teachers to ask questions or discuss concerns about your move.


Items that are difficult to find in La Paz:

  • U.S. stamps

  • Books in English

  • American food products (chocolate chips for baking, almond butter and almond milk, some chocolate and candy brands, coconut oil and coconut flour, gluten–free and vegan products)


Available in La Paz, but more expensive:

  • Bedding (Flannel sheets, down comforter etc.)

  • American food products (ex. Gatorade, Betty Crocker cake mix, peanut butter)

  • Area rugs/carpets

  • Children’s medicine (Children’s Advil, Tylenol, etc.)

  • Swimming goggles

  • Vitamins

  • Memory foam pillows

It is better to purchase in La Paz:

  • 220-volt appliances

  • All electrical A/V items (TVs, stereos, DVD players, etc.)

  • Furniture (you can have it made if you’d like!)

  • Dishes/Glassware (range of quality and price)\

  • Baking dishes/cookware

  • Utensils

  • Kitchen items and towels

  • PC software

  • DVDs (pirated copies of movies and TV shows)

  • CDs

Shopping in La Paz

It will take some time to acclimate yourself to shopping in La Paz. Local markets are spread throughout the city and are often time consuming, crowded adventures! It is customary to bargain in markets for most items, so it is helpful to have a Spanish-speaker accompany you if you aren’t comfortable with the language.

There are several American-style supermarkets in the southern (Zona Sur) area. In addition, neighborhood open-air markets (ferias) offer an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Many find it convenient to send their maids to the feria, as they can often “negotiate” more favorable prices.

We suggest that you limit your initial shopping list to the essentials when you arrive. Do not plan to immediately equip your family with all items that you would like to have in your home or apartment. A minimum of one month’s supply of essential toiletries is recommended.

Bring at least $500.00 in cash to change for your shopping in the first few weeks.