Lima, Peru Report of what it's like to live there - 06/24/26
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 also lived in Asia for 5 years.
2. What years did you live here?
2024-2026.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. 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?
It is common not to have a house for two to four months. The commute is horrible if you live on the coast. We lived near the embassy so not bad. It can take ten minutes to go two miles on a good day or 20-25 minutes to go two miles on a bad day (this is very common). Housing is so spread out.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
The cost for western food is high, but you can get most things. Baking supplies are harder to find. You can't just go to any grocery store and get things. Household supplies more expensive. Better to buy online and ship via DPO.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Baking ingredients.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Peruvian, chicken, sandwiches, anything western (it tastes better than in America, better ingredients). We ordered in often because it was so cheap.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not where I lived.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO. takes about 2-4 weeks depending the item.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Super available and VERY inexpensive. I miss it.
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?
No. I got robbed in a "safe" area. Near the coast is safer for it and offers running/biking paths. Green space is slim and rare to have a good park for kids to run and play in the grass. We found three in the entire area that were "kid on grass" friendly.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
A ton of gyms, but I never used the local ones.
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, but you have fees for using them. Most grocery stores charge an extra fee on top of their 18% tax if you use an American credit card.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic and Mormon.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
98%. Unless you have lived overseas not knowing the language before, it may be difficult and overwhelming. Translation apps can work sometimes.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Affordable but crowded and sooo dirty. Ubers are super cheap.
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?
Take a car if you have kids or pets.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
The internet goes out a lot, but you deal with it. Took forever to install. The country, in general, moves slowly and doesn't care what you need.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I think getting a local number is a smart idea. Super cheap and can be put on personal phone if it is unlocked. I also kept my home number and could use both.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Vet service is EXCELLENT. Loved it!! No quarantine needed.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
I knew many who struggled to get jobs at the embassy. Lots of people were lonely due to a lack of work availability. Then again, there was a very long hiring freeze. I would not recommend this post for people who want to work and don't have a job available.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
None.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
People will rob you if you are not careful. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Cars won't stop for you. Pedestrians do not come first. Traffic laws aren't real laws in Peru. People do what they want, even if that means driving on a sidewalk where there are people. Cars don't stop at stop signs.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care, to me, is incredible. Loved the private hospitals, and insurance was always approved. I don't know anyone who wanted to have a baby there; some medevac children for surgery. I personally trust doctors in Lima more than in America.
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?
Horrible in my opinion! Mold growing type of humidity. Many had allergies and asthma issues from what I was told by others.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
I wouldn't move here if its a big deal for you.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Many talked about loneliness and just having a lack of joy. The atmosphere is kind of depressing in Lima. Travel a lot and you will be fine.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Super hot and then winter is damp cold like your bones can feel it due to the humidty and its super gloomy for about four months of the year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Schools to me are great! The locals are not so much at the school, but the actual schools are wonderful. Others have reported that the main English school is way behind academically, but I didn't think so. The half English/half Spanish school has better reports for kids and family connections. There is racism at the main English school towards those who are not white.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
They don't offer that.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, sooo many Nidos. Families love them and they are affordable.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Tons of activities are available to kids, but remember it's all in Spanish. Your kid will feel left out if they are grade school age and don't speak spanish.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
One of the biggest communities I have seen. In my opinion, morale is super low. Choose your friends wisely and it can take time.
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?
Drinking and eating. There is a book club in Miraflores.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I would say good for singles who like to travel, couples with no kids and couples with babies or toddlers. Live on the coast and take the commute to work. Lots of little kid spaces on the coast. Families with grade school through high school, many kids struggle and have gotten depressed, and have been pulled because of unfairness towards the expats. Not much to do locally either for grade school or teens. Teens in Peru drink with parents' approval. It's a party culture amongst the rich starting in high school.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
No. It doesn't seem that locals like expats. They will be your fake friends though.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I don't think so. There are LGBT co-workers but the community for it seems super small.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling outside of Lima to see other parts of Peru. Anytime we could leave Lima, it was great.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Food.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Cheap help and cheap services.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Its not the best for grade school through high school and little green space and so loud with traffic all the time.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
nothing. Take it all.
4. But don't forget your:
your favorite pillows and blankets.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
No.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Every tourist spot outside of Lima is incredible! It takes forever to get anywhere, but it's worth it if you like to explore outside Western norms. Lima you could do in two days and never come back and be good. Great place to travel, not a great place to live with kids.
