Two Questions about La Paz Please

Hi everyone. Looking into Bolivian living and not sure about two things:

1. How much (and how easy would it be) to rent an apartment in La Paz with high speed internet?

2. What are the availability of used books? Be they from cafes, bookstores, or otherwise...or, just, how much are books? Not on Bolivia per say but rather a whole gamut of topics.

Thanks!
d

Oliver's (a pub) has a good library of used books in English.

books in english or Spanish?

Spanish - no problem to find pirated books in Spanish - just walk along the Prado - cost a couple bucks

Books in English please.

Ok Willem, thanks! Would these be books brought - taken out by backpackers?

Thanks!
d

books in English will be hard to find and expensive - there aren't that many people speaking English in La Paz -

Seems like you want to settle down at least for a while in La Paz, why not starting to read in Spanish - if you don't speak Spanish yet, it's time to get a hang of it soon - you will have a very hard time without it - - books are a great way to improve your vocabulary.....

Yes, Oliver buys, sells, exchanges and rents out books. Prices are high if you want to buy.

hi
Flat renting in La Paz is actually quite easy. A good place to start looking is in the news paper such as El Diario (also online www.eldiario.net). Often foreigners prefer to live in the Sopocachi area.
Internet is rarely offered included in the rent and depending on which quality of flat you rent, you can get a descent connexion (I pay 20$US/month for an ok connexion). If you live in a building, it is not rare that many flats share the same internet line, thus slowing it down for each individual user.
When looking for flats, keep in mind that prices here are very variable and high price is not necessarily a function of quality.
Any questions regarding flat renting in La Paz don't hesitate to ask
Good luck!
M

Thanks Keimbeggra for the suggestion. Although I've been studying Spanish for months I have not tried to read fiction. An interesting idea which, frankly, I might be forced to undertake!

And tunupa I appreciate the link. Unfortunately it is in Spanish so I will have to really concentrate. Still, the idea that renting a flat in La Paz is not too difficult is very comforting. Can I ask how much your rent is every month, or at least, what the average might be? I've heard of anywher from 150 to 300 US dollars. I just need a safe place with internet.

Thanks!
d

Hi d,
I live in the Los Jardines building, one of the best appartment towers of Sopocachi. Many foreigners live here as all appreciate the absolute security (24 security guards) and the location (just behind plaza avaroa). For a fantastic flat with a great view (bedroom, living, dining, kitchen, loundry place and bath) and all furnished I pay 330US per month. It is expensive for Bolivia but you get the comfort and lurxury otherwise horribly expensive in western countries. If you also compare with "so so" flats I've seen for 250US/month, the difference in quality justifies my living here.
Finding flats in buildings like mine can be a tad more difficult as the availability isn't the same as flats rentes in houses in the area. If you are already in La Paz, I'd be happy to give you a hand in finding what you're looking for.

Chao

Mat