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FAQ: Live in Peru

I would like to live in Peru and/or find a job. How?

If you are looking for a temporary job it is possible to find one quite easily, without money being the main objective. On the other hand, if you are looking for a normally paid and stable job, you must know that unemployment is a big problem in the country so it is necessary to fulfill some conditions:

  • Have specific and solid knowledge in a domain
  • Speak Spanish and English well (a third language is an additional asset).

In both cases (temporary or stable job), you must have the right to work and to be paid. For that, the conditions are:

  • Be in the country as a resident and not as a tourist.
  • Apply for a resident card in the country, long and difficult. Then ask for a "Carnet de extranjería" at the Migration Department. Count $ 50.00
  • Have a permanent address; this is not easy because often you are asked for a salary proof (!).
  • Know residents able to guarantee you.
  • Not have a "record" in the Interpol. Big criminals on the run should refrain from doing it.

As a tourist, any person is entitled to a stay duration of 3 months in the country maximum. It is necessary to be resident thereafter or pay a penalty for each additional month. As a resident, you then have right to a one year residence permit, renewable automatically afterwards. After 5 years, the final residence is reached. The passport is valid for the first 3 months of stay but after this time, one needs the famous “blue booklet” (Resident Card). It is the identity card for the foreigners.

You don't need an international driver's license because the national (yours) is enough.

It is not mandatory but if you wish you can register at your embassy or consulate (about $10).

Where to learn Spanish?

I think the best way to learn Spanish is to live in a big city in Peru after having study grammar basis. Villages or border areas often misspell the words. You can also have private tutoring when arrived (about $ 15 per hour).

If you decide to learn Spanish before getting in Peru, know that in Latin America they speak a different Spanish from Spain. The accent is different and verb conjugation uses different persons for plural "you" (nosotros estamos, ustedes estan, ellos estan).

You can also contact specialized language centers, for example in Lima:

  • Berlitz, av Santa Cruz 236, San Isidro - Lima 27 (440-7681)
  • Best Spanish, San Borja - Lima (476-3216 et 224-7980)
  • EFL Institute, av Aviación 2747, San Broja - Lima (225-1331)
  • Centro de Idiomas de la Universidad del Pacífico, av Prescott 333, San Isidro - Lima (421-2969) - idiomas@up.edu.pe

How are foreigners perceived on a day-to-day basis?

In general, foreigners are very well perceived in Peru. For a long time, they contributed to humanitarian works. Moreover, the advanced technology (telephone, space, etc), the expertise, the rigor and the precision are also seen as foreign specialties. The art of cooking (restaurants, coffees, food industry) is also famous, just like the mining sectors and offshore.

In a general way, the individual itself is more famous than what it brings. The average Peruvian thinks that the majority of foreigners are highly graduate and intelligent (sic).

What are the salaries in Peru?

The minimum wage, perceived by the majority of the workers, is $200 per month. A secretary makes $400 and an engineer $1.000.

Where to live in Lima and for how much?

Peru is a poor country and thus has inevitably all the prices, especially in a city of 10 million inhabitants. In fact, all depends on the zone (district and neighborhood). For example, in the district of Molina (very correct zone without being smart) you can find a correct 3 rooms apartment for $150 per month. In San Isidro or Miraflores (smart districts) a studio for $300 or $400. In Callao or downtown (poor zones) a large villa for $200. In every case, residential leases are in general at least for 1 year, renewable year by year, monthly rents are payable in advance, with a 2 months guarantee most of the time (what adds up 3 months of rent to settle).

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