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Living in Peru: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Peru | Expat Exchange
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Living in Peru

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 04, 2024

Summary: People describe life in Peru as vibrant, diverse, and full of culture. Expats love the friendly people, the delicious food, the stunning landscapes, and the low cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 to $1,500 per month, depending on lifestyle. The population of Peru is approximately 32 million people, and the largest cities are Lima (the capital), Arequipa, Trujillo, Chiclayo, and Piura. The cons of living in Peru include the high levels of poverty, the lack of infrastructure in some areas, the high levels of crime in some areas, and the difficulty of finding reliable internet access.

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What do I need to know about living in Peru?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Peru, they said:

"Expats should research the cost of living in Peru before retiring there, as it can vary greatly depending on the city and lifestyle. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local language, as English is not widely spoken in Peru. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Peru and consider purchasing private health insurance. It is also important to research the local laws and regulations, as well as the visa requirements for expats. Finally, expats should consider the cultural differences between their home country and Peru, and be prepared to adjust to a new way of life," commented one expat who made the move to Peru.

How do I meet people in Peru?

When we asked people living in Peru about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Peru often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, hiking clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending meetups and networking events," remarked one expat who made the move to Peru.

What is life like in Peru?

When we asked people living in Peru what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Living in Peru as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The country offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore a new place. Expats and digital nomads in Peru can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to taking in the vibrant nightlife of Lima. The cost of living in Peru is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury apartments to budget hostels. Expats and digital nomads in Peru can also benefit from the country's excellent healthcare system and reliable internet connection," wrote a member in Peru.

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Is there a lot of crime in Peru?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Crime is a problem in Peru, with reports of robberies, assaults, and other violent crimes occurring in both urban and rural areas. Drug trafficking and organized crime are also issues in Peru, with the country being a major transit point for illegal drugs. In addition, there have been reports of corruption and bribery in the government and police forces," said one expat in Peru.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Peru accepting of differences?

"Yes, Peru is a very diverse country. It is home to people of many different ethnicities, including indigenous peoples, mestizos, Europeans, Asians, and Afro-Peruvians. People in Peru are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of cultural exchange and integration," explained one expat living in Peru.

What are the schools in Peru like?

"This is a small school that is growing. The teacher to student ratio is 4 to 1. It is a Christian school that is taching our kids to get along with others. We love the school and would recommend it to anyone. The cost is cheaper than the other schools in town which is an added bonus," commented one expat when asked about International Christian School in Lima.

"The British School of Lima is one of the best international schools in Peru. It is a co-educational, non-denominational school that offers a British-style education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 13. The school is committed to providing a high-quality education that is tailored to the individual needs of each student. The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales, and the school also offers a range of extra-curricular activities. The Markham College is another excellent international school in Peru. It is a co-educational, non-denominational school that offers a British-style education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 13. The school is committed to providing a high-quality education that is tailored to the individual needs of each student. The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales, and the school also offers a range of extra-curricular activities. The Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt is a bilingual school in Peru that offers a bilingual education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 13. The school is committed to providing a high-quality education that is tailored to the individual needs of each student. The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of Peru and the United States, and the school also offers a range of extra-curricular activities," explained one expat in Peru with kids at .

Is the cost of living in Peru high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Peru, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Peru is generally considered to be quite affordable. Basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally quite inexpensive compared to other countries. Prices for luxury items such as electronics and imported goods can be more expensive, but overall the cost of living in Peru is quite reasonable," explained one expat living in Peru.

"The cost of living in Peru is generally quite affordable, with prices for basic goods and services being lower than in many other countries. However, the cost of living in the larger cities such as Lima and Cusco is higher than in the rest of the country. Rent for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Peru can range from $400 to $800 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from $600 to $1,200 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Peru can cost around $10 USD per person," remarked one expat living in Peru.

What type of recreational facilities are in Peru?

When we asked people living in Peru about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Peru, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and sports complexes. The country's long coastline provides plenty of opportunities for beach activities, such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. There are also many parks and gardens throughout the country, offering a peaceful and scenic environment for relaxation and recreation. For those looking for more active pursuits, Peru has a number of sports complexes, including soccer fields, tennis courts, and swimming pools. Additionally, Peru is home to a number of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters, providing plenty of entertainment options," said an expat in Peru.

What is the weather like in Peru?

"The weather in Peru is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from mild to hot depending on the season. In the coastal areas, temperatures are usually milder than in the highlands, where temperatures can drop significantly at night. The rainy season in Peru typically runs from December to March, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the northern and central regions," remarked one expat in Peru.

Are there good restaurants in Peru?

"One of Peru's most beloved restaurants is Central, located in Lima. Founded by Virgilio Martinez and Pia Leon, Central is a world-renowned restaurant that serves up innovative dishes that combine traditional Peruvian ingredients with modern techniques. The menu changes seasonally, but some of the most popular dishes include the ceviche, the beef heart anticucho, and the quinoa risotto. Central has been awarded two Michelin stars and is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world. Another popular restaurant in Peru is Astrid y Gaston, located in Lima. Founded by Gaston Acurio, Astrid y Gaston is a modern Peruvian restaurant that serves up traditional dishes with a modern twist. The menu features a variety of dishes, including ceviche, lomo saltado, and aji de gallina. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star and is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Peru. Finally, La Mar Cebicheria is a popular seafood restaurant located in Lima. Founded by Gaston Acurio, La Mar Cebicheria serves up traditional Peruvian seafood dishes with a modern twist. The menu features a variety of dishes, including ceviche, tiraditos, and causas. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star and is consistently ranked as one of the best seafood restaurants in Peru," said one expat living in Peru.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Peru?

"People living in Peru typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop at street vendors and small shops. Additionally, some people may shop online or order groceries to be delivered to their homes," remarked one expat in Peru.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Peru?

"In order to visit Peru, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable visa fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Peru, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable fee. They must also provide proof of sufficient financial resources, a criminal background check, and a medical certificate. Depending on the type of residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will receive a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," commented one expat who moved to Peru.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Peru?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Peru can be expensive, especially for those who do not have access to public health services. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, many medical treatments and medications are not covered by insurance, and the cost of these can be prohibitive for some people. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Peru can be expensive, and it is important to research the options available before making a decision," mentioned an expat living in Peru.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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