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Digital Nomad Guide to Peru | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Peru

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Peru is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Peru are Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Digital nomads like living in Peru because of its low cost of living, beautiful scenery, and vibrant culture. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $1,000 in Peru. The culture of Peru is a mix of Spanish, indigenous, and African influences. It is known for its vibrant festivals, colorful markets, and delicious cuisine. Peru is also home to many ancient ruins, such as Machu Picchu, and is a great destination for outdoor activities like hiking and surfing.

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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," said 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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Peru.

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Where should I live in Peru?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Peru is to use online resources such as websites and social media. Websites such as Craigslist, Expat.com, and EasyRoommate are great for finding rental properties in Peru. Additionally, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can be used to search for rental properties in Peru. Additionally, it is also possible to find a place to live in Peru by asking around in the local community. Many people in Peru are willing to rent out their homes or apartments to foreigners. Finally, it is also possible to find a place to live in Peru by using a real estate agent. Real estate agents can help you find the perfect place to live in Peru," explained one person living in Peru.

What do I need to know before moving to 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," said one expat who made the move to Peru.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Peru?

"Expats in Peru appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional festivals, music, art, and cuisine. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Peruvian people, who are known for their friendliness and willingness to help. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its majestic mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning beaches. Finally, expats enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Peru, with its lively bars, clubs, and restaurants," explained one expat living in Peru.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Peru?

"Expats in Peru often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's strong sense of national pride and cultural identity can be difficult for expats to navigate. Peru's complex bureaucracy and paperwork can also be a source of frustration for expats. Finally, the country's diverse geography and climate can be difficult to adjust to for those coming from other parts of the world," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Peru.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Peru for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Peru for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residency visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a temporary or permanent residency visa. You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a valid passport, and other documents, such as proof of financial stability, to apply for a residency visa. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of health insurance and a criminal background check," said one expat who made the move to Peru.

"Fairly easy you need a pension or SSI of $1,000.00 a month for your self and $500.00 more for each dependent," explained one foreigner living in Lima, Peru.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Peru?

We asked people in Peru if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Peru. It is considered rude to point with your finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English loudly in public. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding personal space and to avoid invading someone else's space. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and to avoid making jokes or comments that could be seen as offensive," said one person in Peru.

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What are healthcare services like in Peru?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Peru, they replied:

"So I recently got to use an ER room in Arequipa for my granddaughter, a skin specialist and internal medicine specialist as well as a hospital Lab and Radiology department. All private pay. ER room was for some stomach bacteria. Ran around 300 Soles. (less then 100) and included an IV and antibiotics. The ER room was not as modern, but care pretty good. Then in Lima, Doctors were excellent, although the dermatologists bedside manner could have been better. Visits were 400 Soles each. Hospital experience was good. Very modern. Labs ran me 800 Soles and we had results end of the next day. CT scan cost me 4000 Soles including contrast and we had results in 2 days," explained one person living in Peru.

"Healthcare services in Peru are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Peru generally use the public healthcare system, as it is more affordable than private healthcare. However, some expats opt to purchase private health insurance to access higher quality care," wrote one digital nomad living in Peru.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Peru?

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the affordability of living in Peru, as well as the country's rich culture and history. They also enjoy the variety of outdoor activities available, such as trekking, surfing, and mountain biking. Additionally, the country's diverse cuisine is a major draw for many expats and digital nomads. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and lack of reliable internet access to be challenging. Additionally, Peru's infrastructure can be lacking in some areas, making it difficult to get around," explained one expat living in Peru.

"I loved living in Arequipa, the 2nd largest city in Peru that no one had ever heard of. Yes, there is poverty aplenty, but I can count on 1 hand the number of people I saw drunk, sleeping on the street or begging. The cultural center of the city is the heart that has been beating for close to 500 years. New life flows in and out of AQP with tourists and then some of them stay to become local entrepreneurs. Open air mercados and bright shiny super grocery stores co-exist. Tiny little shops that sell plastics or unique local items. Across town to find blueberries. Down to San Camilo for fabric or notions. Over to Metro for Kraft mozzarella, Tottus has the creamy yogurt. Out for brunch on Sunday for french crepes or maybe a healthy brekkie with at Cafe Fiora. Lunch with friends at Tia Diario for the best ceviche ever! Along with a light Chilean Sauv Blanc. Internet and Dish media at home with the local news option. Every day 72F (22C) or close enough not to notice. Rainy days in December-February. Sit on the patio listening to the rain fall still warm enough but a cuppa is a welcome companion. Dog walks up on Chichani one of the three guardian volcanoes that surround AQP which sits at 8000 ft (2400m). We'd walk along the road dodging the occasional tourist SUV or combi carrying locals to Chivai. Birds circling and very luckily one July, a group of Giant Andean Hummingbirds chose to nest there. Think the size of a skinny robin. Unique to Peru, although the bird book for Peru has 50 pages of hummers and related species alone. Arequipa is a perfect starting point to seek out adventures of all kinds. Cusco-1 hr flight. This is the perfect way for guests to visit Machu Picchu. Arriving from Lima into Cusco is going from sea level to 14,000 ft (4300m) and altitude sickness. Our guests came to AQP 1st, spent a few days sight seeing, acclimating then on to Cusco, relaxed and ready to hike around Cusco then onto the lower Machu Picchu. Puno on Lake Titicaca and the truly amazing lenten celebration of Candelaria. While on the way there, guess what? In the tiny town of Lampa are two amazing exact copies of Michelangelo's Pieta. Colca Canyon, deep gorgeous and hotels with hot springs. Cotahuasi-deepest canyon in the Western Hemisphere. The beachtowns around Mejia, A Ancient petroglyphs in Toro Muerte. A 1 1/2 hr flight to Lima to try out world class gourmet cooking. The Nasca lines are best accessed from Lima. The Arequipa Hay Festival brings authors, thinkers, artists, film makers etc, to share their experience. My friend proudly displays her photo of Salman Rushdie and her. Art exhibitions are frequent along with poetry readings. The little Andean Museum is beginning to upgrade its collection and the experts advising them. Plays-Trust me the Peruvian version of Hamlet needed no translation. Then a lovely choice of late night restaurants to enjoy. And of course the world famous Arequipa Chile relleno made with the local hot chile Rocoto. On Sunday, adobo Arequipa style only truly enjoyed in one of the many picanterias. There is a private golf course, lots of bicycling trails, although with AQP traffic-caution. We have not ruled out retiring to AQP. But there are some down sides: dust. It is high and dry. Not frequent but power and water outages. TRAFFIC is a dance done best by locals and the not faint of heart. Road signs, as in most of South America, are optional. Corruption-it exists although we only saw it a few times. Street dogs, sad and too many Fireworks-the only time they are welcome and amazing is on Christmas and New Years Eve. The former being the more spectacular 360 degree view from our rooftop. The rest of the year, name a Saints day, name any day, you will hear fireworks being set off. Peruvian parties-many, not all, are extensions of when music was a live band of guitars and a singer. Now it is wall size speakers and amps, with the occasional talented singer. Our neighbor had a birthday party for his 4 year old. A high pitched woman's sing-song voice amplified with a mic and giant speakers went on for over 6 hours. Most parties are at night beginning around 9 or 10 and can go on til 4:00 or when the local association president gets tired of the phone calls and the police show up, the host decides he is tired of the drunken behavior or there is nothing left to drink," said one digital nomad in Arequipa.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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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Contribute to Peru Network Contribute
Help others in Peru by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Peru.

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