Lima, Peru Report of what it's like to live there - 12/01/24
Personal Experiences from Lima, Peru
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I have extensive experience abroad, including as a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) in Europe and Asia.
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?
Multiple options to DC, usually via Miami or Atlanta
3. What years did you live here?
2021-2024
4. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Either urban apartments in Miraflores/San Isidro or suburban enclave houses in La Molina. Most social and work events happen in Miraflores/San Isidro, where most embassies are located. La Molina might as well be on a different planet. That said, it's preferred by some families, and the commute to the embassy is shorter (20-30 minutes from La Molina, 45-60+ minutes from Miraflores/San Isidro). Miraflores/San Isidro apartments are mostly walking distance from the beach, which is a huge perk for some people.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Affordable and readily accessible. Deliveries are easy with apps.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None, really.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything, if you live in the Miraflores/San Isidro area.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not really. Lima is the world's second largest desert, so insects are not a major problem.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO, about two to three weeks from the U.S.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very available and affordable. Cost is approx. $30-40/day for cooking/cleaning/laundry/errands.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Definitely. Great running/biking path along the Malecon (seaside cliffs).
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Available, but also lots of outdoor sports possible
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Spanish is definitely helpful, though probably not essential given how many tourists come to Peru. Most locals don't speak much English, though.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Uber and Cabify are recommended. Public transit not permitted by the embassy.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Cars are useful for weekend trips to the beaches outside Lima, Paracas, and further afield. Not necessary for living in the city unless you're living in La Molina, in which case a car is definitely necessary.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Some people get frustrated with installation difficulties, but mine was straightforward. Internet was fast and reliable.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I use Google Fi + a local work sim jointly in the same phone to have both U.S. and local numbers.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Lots of opportunities.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Suit and tie at the embassy. Temperatures are moderate which means this is not uncomfortable.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Petty theft is rampant and everyone has at least one phone stolen. However, violent crime is relatively rare, and kidnappings very rare. Political violence happens sporadically and can be serious, though expats are not targets.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Healthcare is quite good. Despite being a desert, humidity is high, which may cause issues for some people who have asthma. Mold is also common.
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?
Quite good with a steady sea breeze. However, there is high humidity and mold.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Can be difficult for vegetarians and vegans. Avocado is in lots of dishes, too.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
It is very overcast for at least half the year. I bought a lamp to help with that, and it seemed to work. At least it doesn't really rain, though.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Moderate year round, though cloudy for about half the year. It almost never rains. Never that cold and never that hot. You may need a warm coat for a few weeks per year. The sun is strong.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty large, and also easy to meet locals. Morale is high.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Four of the world's top restaurants are in Lima, so this is a paradise for foodies. Great bar scene, too. Mecca for surfers and watersports enthusiasts. Perfect spot for anyone looking to travel around the region. Tennis, biking, swimming, paragliding, and many other activities are also very popular.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for all of the above.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Quite easy! People are welcoming! There is a strong socioeconomic/classist divide, however, and the people you'll likely meet in the neighborhoods where we have housing are much more privileged than the average Peruvian.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Relatively good. Some discrimination persists, but overall the city is welcoming. There is a large pride parade every year.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Per above, the main division here is socio-economic, rather than racial or religious. There is also some discrimination against the indigenous people from the Andes, however.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Travel, surfing, and food!! And so many friends!
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Too many to count!
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes, it's a great place for souvenirs and art
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
You can surf before work! And it's a great hub for travel.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Political instability is a fact of life in Peru. And the traffic/commute is worse than you're even expecting; it's truly painful.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Umbrella
4. But don't forget your:
Appetite!
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
The Peru Reader, the Dancer Upstairs, Death in the Andes, the Chef's Table episode about Virgilio Martinez
