Help Those Affected by the Devastating Floods in Peru

Image source

Since December 2016, rains have been beating down on Peru resulting in the worst flooding in 30 years. Mostly recently, catastrophic floods have hit northern Peru leaving hundreds of thousands affected. Piura River has flooded in banks. Having lived in Piura, I know how much rain can affect this desert. Nearly 100 people have died and 700,000 have been left homeless in 12 of the 25 regions. Thousands of kilometers of roads and crops have been swept away. Archeological sites have been affected as well which will in turn affect tourism.

Many organisations are raising money for Peru Flood Relief. Peruvian embassies and consulates are also helping out. Below you can find some places that are accepting donations.

• Children's Hunger Fund
• Convoy of Hope
• Direct Relief 
• Embassy of Peru in Washington, D.C.
• Global Giving
• PADF
• Red Cross

You can also read more about the flooding at the following sites.

• BBC
• Los Angeles Times
• NBC News
• Reuters

 

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Ley de Retorno: How the Peruvian Government is Trying to Get Peruvians to Come Back to Peru

One of my most popular posts of all time is how to get Peruvian citizenship. I thought this post might benefits Peruvians like me who have left. (I got citizenship in early 2009 and left in early 2010. I haven't been back since.) I saw a poster about the Ley de Retorno when I went to the embassy a bit ago here in Seoul. Since so many Peruvians have gone abroad and not come back, their human capital is diminishing. They're trying to do something to entice people to come back.

The complete name of the law is Ley de Reinsercion Economica y Social para el Migrante Retornado and is number 30001 and there are monetary and social benefits. For the monetary benefits there are no taxes on cars up to $30k, household goods up to $30k, instruments, machines, equipment, and capital assets up to $150k when you repatriate to Peru. For the social benefits, they will help you find loans, jobs, with certification, and assistance with psychological and social integration.

In order to qualify for the monetary benefits you must be a Peruvian who has lived abroad for at least 4 years. If you have to leave the foreign country due to immigration issues then they lower it to 2 years. For the social benefits you must be a Peruvian who has lived abroad for at least 3 years. If you have to leave the foreign country due to immigration issues then they lower it to 2 years.

You can find out more about this law on RREE, Ley de Retorno, Facebook, or leyderetorno@rree.gob.pe

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Reader Request: Alternatives to Teaching English in Peru

From livingthai.org

Updated: 16 June 2014

While many people who come to Peru end up teaching English, there are lots of other things that you can do.

Many foreigners have set up businesses overseas. There are foreign owned language schools, bookstores, bars, and everything in between. Below are ways you can make money off line. Business Ideas dot net also has a lot of ideas. If you're going to offer products and services you usually have two choices: sell other people's stuff (and get a commission or buy wholesale and sell resale) or sell your own stuff. 

Remember that speaking Spanish will help you greatly if you're trying to start a business in Peru, whether big or small. You'll be treated differently than if you speak English all the time, it'll help you assimilate to the culture, and you'll be able to communicate easier.

Some do it legally and others work under the table. Some countries make it super easy to start a business, others have a high investment requirement and lots of paperwork, which is why people work under the table. Chances of getting caught are often slim though. If you're looking to make money online, check out the article I wrote about making money online.


Art: Sell what you create or teach classes. Check out what Anajali does.

Babysitting Service: Charge a monthly fee, annual fee, and / or a booking fee in addition to an hourly fee.

Baby Stuff: People are always having babies!

Bake: People love homemade goodies.

Bar: There's no doubt that English teachers like to drink. If you're going to set up a bar, you'll have to go the legal route though. Look at what Old Pub and Wolfhound have done. 

Beauty: Hairstyles, makeup, and more

Bookstore: There's always a demand for English books. Look at what Confederate Bookstore and What the Book have done.

Childbirth Educator: People are always having babies and you can help them learn about the options available to them. Look at what Tender Embrace Birthing does.

Children's Classes: Music, dance, crafts, are all great activities for kids.

Clothing: You can cater to kids or adults.

Cook: People always miss food. If you can cook you could try catering or even shipping ready to made meals. Look at what 6th Floor Cafe does.

Cooking classes: Teach people how to make the local dishes. Look at O'ngo.

Course Book Writer / Materials Writer: You can try to approach big name publishers (like Longman, Oxford, Cambridge, or MacMillan), local publishers, or chains.

Crafts: You could sell items you've made or teach people how to make things.

Dance: Teach dance classes.

Doula: Doulas have been proven to help women in labour. More and more families are hiring them.

Ebook: Write an ebook, You can even set up an affiliate scheme.

Editing / Proof-reading: Although getting a position at Oxford or Cambridge University Press might be difficult there are plenty of local publishers that would welcome a native speaker to help them out.

EFL / ESL Examiner: IELTS or Cambridge examiner. Recruitment information packs for applicants can be downloaded from the British Council and the Cambridge website.

Exam Writer: Someone's got to write the exam questions, so it might as well be you. Cambridge, IELTS, Michigan, and TOEFL are the big exams, so try contacting them for more info.

Facebook: Creating fan pages or writing content for them is possible if you're good with words.

Food: Sell items that expats want, like cereal, cheese, or chocolate. Look at what High Street Market and Fat Bag do. You could also export local foods like Afex Peru does.

Foreign exchanges: Help foreign students who come over to study. Check out what CCCAsia does.

Foreign goods: Although iherb is pretty reasonable, you could sell other items, cosmetics, clothes, shoes, etc.

Group classes: They could be in your home or you could rent out a small office.

Homestays: People who host students in their homes can be paid pretty well. You will probably also have to cook for them and may have to do their laundry.

Hostel: Open up a hostel. Look at Hostel Trail in Ecuador.

Interior Decorating: From giving advice about major revamps to the little details.


Language Institute: You could open up an English institute or better yet, open up one that teaches the local language to foreigners. Look at what El SOL does.

Magazine: Start an English magazine.

Newspaper: Start an English newspaper.

Organise classes: Find a teacher and a venue and organise a class. Charge people a registration fee for your services. Some people have organised CPR and first aid classes and charged $20 for the registration fee which is in addition to the teacher's and venue's fees.

Photographer: Many people want a professional photographer to capture moments such as an engagement, wedding, birth, or their children.

Private Students: Try to find a niche, whether it be teaching kids, Business English, exam prep, etc. Look here to find out how to teach private students

Property, see rental income.

Recruit Teachers: Check the local laws and immigration requirements. Your best bet might be setting up a business back in your home country. You'll have to establish contacts and might have to make guarantees (recruiters often promise to replace a teacher for free if they leave within six months). Most recruiters can earn up to one month of the teacher's salary for each teacher they place.

Rental Income: Houses in other countries may be cheaper than at home.Put the full downpayment on a property, keep it mortgaged, and use an agent to manage it. Buy a couple properties since it's better to have 4 properties with the tax advantages and rise in value than tying all your capital up in one property that just generates rent with no expenses to offset the income. Dmocha from Dave's ESL Cafe says that you may be able to get tax breaks for property as far as interest, improvements, and agent's fees go. Look at what Apartment Club Peru does.

Sell stuff: Buy low, sell high.

Sports: You can teach classes, such as yoga.

Subbing: Contact schools and ask to be put on their sub list.

Teacher: Teach other subjects like martial arts, visual arts, drama, sports, yoga, meditation, photography, childbirth education, or school subjects. The possibilities are limitless.

Teacher Training: If you've got the quals and experience try contacting intensive TEFL course providers. Some may have weekend courses or may need trainers during the breaks. Check out what Kagan Korea does.

Toiletries: Natural soaps, butters, and oils are in high demand.

Tour Guide: Being an English tour guide is a good way to earn extra money during the high season. You can give tours when you have time. You can have set prices or do free tours with donations like Guided Bucharest.

Translating: Contact local businesses and offer your services or put an advert up on Craigslist. Here's a list of where to advertise your translation services.

Traveling with students: Organise trips for students. They can be daytrips to local places or even longer trips overseas. If you get enough students together, you could take them back to your home country for a vacation where they could study and learn about the culture first-hand.

Workshops: Lots of publishers offer training sessions so contact publishers and ask if they can put you on their list.

Writer: Write a book or article, online or in print.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Reader Request: Think Carefully Before Marrying a Peruvian

Updated 4 October 2017

Got your attention, didn't I? I was thinking about making "Think Carefully Before Getting Married" the title, but since my blog is about Peru, I figured I'd tweak it a bit. I'm not saying that you shouldn't marry a Peruvian, but what I'm saying is that marrying a foreigner can be more difficult than marrying someone from the same country or culture. Also, dating someone is vastly different than marriage. Americans marrying Americans have usually been brought up similarly and can relate to many of the same things. Americans marrying Brits might have some difficulties, but their background is often the same. However, Americans marrying Peruvians often have many difficulties that they encounter. My marriage ended after nearly 8 years. Here's what I had to do to get a divorce in Peru.

Love is blind (deaf, dumb, and stupid) and everyone knows that, but it doesn't stop us from jumping in. Try to learn Spanish. The Rosetta Stone is amazing and you can learn at your own pace. Don't forget to read up on Peruvian culture, it will help you understand more about Peru and its people, including your in-laws.

Online love
With the internet, more and more people are marrying people they met online. While it's good in one way since the focus is getting to know each other mentally rather than physically, I also think it's really romanticised and people get married too quickly.

A bit of help please
I get countless emails from foreigners, mainly from the US and the UK, but other countries as well, such as Canada, Germany, etc, asking me what docs they need to marry their Peruvian sweetheart. I wrote the post how to get married in Peru in order to help people out. I also get lots of emails asking me how to divorce a Peruvian because things didn't go according to plan, they felt like they had been used for visas or money, or cheating occurred.

Pedal to the metal
More often than not these couples have known each other for less than 2 years. Sometimes the foreigner wants to live in Peru and sometimes they ask me about visa info to go back home. More often than not when the foreigner wants to live in Peru, it's "forever".

I'm going to live in Peru forever
I can't help but smile and shake when I see that a foreigner wants to live in Peru forever. It's got nothing to do with Peru itself, but living in a foreign country forever is the hard part to understand. Many times these people have only spent a week or so in Peru on vacation and have never lived outside their own country. They don't speak Spanish and their plan is to teach English. While I myself am an English teacher and blog about it at TEFL Tips, I will admit that it's not easy. Especially in Peru. Older people have a tougher time than younger people. They're leaving their careers, benefits, and decent salaries behind.

• Jobs: Teaching English doesn't pay that well and there are minimal benefits. You often have split schedules and have to cater to people who don't want to study, yet think that you hold the secret to teaching them English. There are other jobs available, but Peru isn't known for its high salaries. Expats get great packages, but if you're already in Peru when you're hired, you're often given a local contract which means you can kiss those high salaries, benefits, and perks out the door. If you want to work in a Peruvian company you'll probably have to learn Spanish and you're going to need a higher level of Spanish than being able to ask "how much is this?" and "where's the bathroom?"
• Cost of living: While many people are thinking, "but the cost of living in Peru is so much cheaper," I know that this is partly true. If you want to live like a local then the cost is cheaper, but other things are more expensive. We rent out our apartment in Surco. It's a walk-up on the 4th floor with rattly windows, no heat, no insulation, a minimal kitchen, two baths (but one's outside and doesn't work) and very poorly laid out. While it has 80 m2, it's unfurnished and has no parking space. We rent it for $400. That's a lot of money in Peru where the average salary is about $500 a month. Most English teachers are earning about $10 an hour (if that, which comes out to about $800 a month). Whereas in the US you'd pay about double that ($800), but have a much nicer place. In Peru a higher percentage of your income tends to go towards housing. Transport is cheap in Peru, if you want to take combis. I did for years and they took forever, stopped at green lights, went at red, were driven by maniacs with dirty fingernails, had people crouching down in mini-vans, fighting over fares, bribing police officers, making me angry and stressed out. Many expats drive or take taxis due to this. Electronics are much more expensive in Peru. The good news is that food and household help is pretty cheap. You can live pretty well in Peru. You will have to budget if you want to save or travel. If you're in Lima, here are a bunch of tips written by expats to help you out.
• Other concerns: If you're going to have kids, education is another concern. Public schools are appalling and private education usually starts around $10,000 a year. Some of the better schools run as much as $25,000.

Taking my Peruvian sweetheart back home
Just as you'd have problems living in a foreign country, your spouse-to-be will also run into problems. Many Peruvians miss their families much more than we miss ours. Getting things done can be harder. Peru is a country of flexibility. Laws are grey, not black and white. Emphasis is put on helping people out, doing favours, and bending the rules. Time is another issue as it is rigid abroad whereas in Peru you have "hora Peruana" and "hora Inglesa" and most Peruvians prefer the former.

Hindsight is 20/20
Flexibility seems to be the key in Peru and marriage is no exception. Many Peruvians have parejas rather than spouses and having children out of wedlock seems more excepted, which is odd since Peru is such a Catholic country. Despite this, divorce is also very common. The only legal marriage takes place at city hall; church weddings aren't legal.

Unfortunately, many divorced foreign wives that I know ended up divorcing due to their cheating Peruvian husband. While it may be more accepted in Peru or people turn a blind eye, that's usually the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Think before you leap
I'm not saying that you shouldn't marry a Peruvian. What I am saying is that I think many people get blinded by the fact that they're going to marry a foreigner. They tend to think less and move more quickly than if they were with someone of the same nationality. When really, the opposite should be true. If you're going to marry a foreigner, you need to think twice as hard as you would if you were marrying someone from the same country as you.

I know plenty of happily married Peruvian-foreign couples. I also know plenty of happily divorced (and bitterly divorced) Peruvian-foreign couples. Marriage is a decision that will affect you the rest of your life, so give it some thought and time before you jump in. 

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Visa/Permission to Sign Contracts in Peru

Updated 1 July 2017

***Be sure you ask at immigrations about your visa as rules and fees seem to change often.***

This visa is ONLY for those on a tourist or student visa.
Peru is a wonderful country with so many sites to see! Living here is quite the experience. If you've decided to sign a contract, you need to make sure that you can legally do so.

A permission to sign a contract visa is useful if you want to sign contracts, whether they be for work or to purchase things, such as vehicles or property. This visa is not a work visa! It just lets you legally sign contracts. You can find information at Migraciones. It's called "permiso para firmar contratos". Here's what you'll need.

• Form F007.
• Pay the fee for the form and do change your visa status at the Banco de la Nacion
• Your passport
• Your TAM / Andean Card (embarkment card). If lost it, you will have to replace it.

Make copies of everything so that they can stamp your copies. Leave the originals at the Mesa de Partes at Immigrations and come back when they tell you to. It usually takes a couple days. Here's a person's story on how easy it is to get the permission to sign a contract visa.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Housing and Classified Ads in Peru

Updated 10 December 2016

You might also be interested in reading the article, Can You Buy Property in Peru without a CE? 


Where to Live
Although many people end up in Lima, there are other cities that attract foreigners, such as Piura, Chiclayo, Trujillo, Arequipa, Iquitos, and Cusco. More info about these cities can be found at Popular Peruvian Cities to Live In.

As for Lima, it's a sprawling city and you're sure to find an area that you like. Check out Guia Calles for a layout of the city and its districts. If you're a social butterfly, try San Isidro, Jesus Maria, Miraflores and Barranco as they are close to culture centres and other get-togethers. If you have allergies or asthma, head out to the East where it's drier. Winter in Lima means overcast skies, but Chorillos and Barranco seem least affected by the winter fogs. Residential areas, think grass with fences, are to be found in La Molina, Monterrico, Camacho, and La Plancie.

What's Included
Some places might share a water bill and divide by the number of apartments. Same goes for outside lighting. If you have a security guard, gardener, or cleaner, you'll probably have to share the costs for that.

Garbage collection is free. Just one word of advice, don't use garbage cans, they'll probably get stolen. People just put their garbage in bags. Some apartment complexes might have a big bin for this. A few recycle, though it's not that common. Things like plastic bags, glass, and batteries can be recycled at Wong (a grocery store). Garbage pickers are abundant and informal recycling does take place this way. If you have a lot of things you want to get rid of, consider donating them. If yours doesn't include furniture, you can find places to shop at in the shopping section.

Staying for Free
Try a home-swap or Couch Surfing. There are also house sitting jobs out there. Take a look at Intervac and House Carers. Some tips on house sitting can be found at NuNomad.

Short-term Rental
Take a look at Apartment Club Peru or student housing.

Rental Prices
If you're planning to rent, keep in mind that you'll often have to pay at least two months rent at the beginning. And you'll usually sign a six month or one year rental agreement. If you have to break the rental contract, you should give written notice at least 30 days in advance. Make two copies, one for them, then have them sign and date the other one and keep it for your records. For house or apartment hunting, the best thing to do is to ask around and check in the local paper. Usually ads are posted on Saturdays and Sundays. Call quickly as housing gets taken very quickly. Online is a good place to start. Try the places below.

Prices of apartments vary. They usually are unfurnished, which means they come with nothing, no stove, fridge, nor water heater. In Lima, expect to pay at least $150 for an small unfurnished room with bathroom. In Miraflores, prices are high; a room may start at $200 and a small unfurnished apartment will be at least $350. Furnished flats in Miraflores run about $500. In the provinces, prices will be slightly lower. If you’re not planning on staying a long time, it would probably be best to buy your furniture at the market or second-hand.

Buying Property: Prices
Some people are able to buy property without a mortgage, but if you need a mortgage, be prepared to pay interest between 8.6% to 11%. You'll have to have residency in Peru in order to get a mortgage from a Peruvian bank. If you want to get a mortgage or loan back home, do some research first. People have reported that banks often don't want to give mortgages or loans for overseas property. In order to increase your chances to get a mortgage in Peru (you have to be a resident or citizen), you should make monthly deposits for 12 months. Your mortgage will be based on those deposits.

Property prices vary a lot throughout Peru and even throughout Lima. In general, smaller towns will have lower prices. However, small towns that get lots of tourists, such as Mancora, will also have higher prices. Right now prices now are anywhere from $800m2 and up (really nice areas start at over $1000m2). The good news is that property is always a good investment and prices are relatively cheap compared to the rest of the world.

Tips for Buying Property
Before you sign for a house/apartment/land, always go to SUNARP (registros publicos) to check out its status. You can also do it online. You only pay a few soles. It's just in front of the Rebagliati hospital. Make sure there’s no mortage (hipoteca) on the property and the owner doesn’t have any legal problems. You’ll need a DNI, CE or the permission to sign a contract visa. Once you’re ready to buy, go to a notary and they will tell you everything that you need.

• You will have to sign a Minuta (which is a short document saying who’s selling and who’s buying) Make sure the notary legalizes the signatures.
• You will also have to sign an Escritura (which is the long legal document that explains everything).
• Go together to the Municipality and you each will get two copies of a PU (Public property taxes, ex. water, sidewalks, etc) and an HR (Private property taxes, your property) You will have to fill out these forms so that the property legally changes names. You will also have to pay a fee to transfer the names.
• Many people prefer a cheque de garantia (we got ours at BCP and they cost $20 each) We got two cheques, we gave the owner the first one after we signed the Minuta and the second one after we signed the Escritura. After you have bought your house you should take out insurance to protect it. Mapfre is pretty cheap and very reliable. Congrats! you now own property in Peru!

Building Your Own Place
If you want to build, keep in mind there's lots to think about, the electrical fittings and service, the plumbing fixtures and service, water service, doors, windows, protectors for doors and windows, the amount of cement for the floor, tiles for the floors, plastering and painting , kitchen cupboards, the kitchen sink, stove, bathroom things, water heater, etc. You will also be charged for bringing all the material and hiring a guard so nothing gets stolen.

Costs are usually around $250-$400 per square meter. Building permits and licenses are about $500 and drawing up the plans may cost about $8 per square meter. So a house of about 350 m2 with a pool, 4 bedrooms, would probably be around $135K, which is probably similar to the houses that are on the market. If you're looking for recommended construction workers, look at the Household Help section.

By building your own house, you can choose everything, but it can be a hassle to deal with government workers, construction workers, etc. If you do build your own, make sure you pay as you go. I'd be wary about paying up front. Pay when a job in done. So when the floor is down, you pay for the floor.

We've never built a house, but we have remodeled 2 flats. It's a long process and you have to deal with people never showing up and charging too much. If you decide to go ahead and do it, make sure you have lots of time and patience. Here are two threads that talk about it: Expat Peru and Living in Peru.


Classified Ads

• Adoos
• Anuncimas
• Casa de Playa
• Compra Venta
• Craig's List
• El Comercio
• Expat Peru's Rental Housing
• Ixpat
• LIP's Classified Section
• Lista Pop
• Mercado Libre
• Mundo Anuncio
• Nuestra Casa
• Oh Peru
• Olx
• Real Estate Peru
• St George's Quiz
• Vende Peru
• Via BCP

Realtors

• Apartment Club Peru
• Best Real Estate Planet
• CMI
• Gobal Property
• Group Casa Mundo
• JF Estate
• John Visser jkjv@yahoo.com
• Masterhouse
• Penthouse Peru
• Peru Real Estate
• Real Estate Total Peru
• Real Home
• Tu Corretaje

Latin American Addresses

• Alt. Altura: Near
• Atrás Atrás: Behind
• Av. Avenida: Avenue
• C Calle: Street
• CC Comercial Central: Shopping Centre
• Cdra. Cuadra: Block
• Cl Calle: Street
• Cls Calles: Streets
• Cnl Colonel: Colonel
• Edf. Edificio: Building
• En frente En frente: In front of
• Entre Entre: Between
• Esq Esquina: Corner
• Este Este: East
• Fco. Francisco: Francisco
• La espalda La espalda: Behind
• N Numero: Number
• Nº Numero: Number
• Norte Norte: North
• Of Oficina: Office
• Ofc Oficina: Office
• Oeste Oeste: West
• P Piso: Floor
• Plza Plaza: Square
• Pto Puerta: Door
• R Rua: Street (Portuguese)
• Sur Sur: South
• Urb Urbanizacion: District
• Torre Torre: Tower

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Lima on $500 a month

Updated 2 April 2014

People tend to believe that because Peru is not a first world country, things are very expensive. However, this is not true. One thing that makes Peru a developing country is the large divide between rich and poor. Housing, for example can be cheap, but you will get what you pay for. Learning about Peruvian culture will help you enormously as well. Do your research before you go. There's a lot of information online, such as Expat Peru and Expatriates in Peru (Facebook). Don't just take my word for it, look at what other expats have to say about living in Lima.
 
Housing
Your biggest expense by far will be housing. So if you can find a cheap place to live, that's half the battle. Furnished housing is by far more expensive than unfurnished housing. So if you're planning on staying for a bit, go for the latter option. In Lima, your best bets are San Luis, Surquillo, San Miguel, Jesus Maria, Lince, Barranco, Chorillos and some parts of Surco and San Borja.

We spent about five months in Miraflores, one of the top-end districts in Lima. I hated it. We constantly battled mold as it was near the ocean. When we lived in Surquillo, have a much bigger place and no mold. You'll probably spend about $100 to $200 on housing. Another plus about living in the districts above is that utilities are cheaper. We pay half of what we did in Miraflores.

Transport
Although many foreigners and some Peruvians will tell you that the combis, buses, aren't that safe, I think they're a lot safer than taking taxis and heaps safer than driving yourself around. Combis have routes they follow, unlike taxis which weave all around. Combis charge you a set rate, but you have to ask a taxi driver how much it costs beforehand. If you look foreign or don't speak Spanish, expect to be charged double. I enjoy taking combis, you tend to run into people you know, and you can people watch. Most combis charge one sol or 1.20 soles. A 45-minute combi ride to work is only one sol. If you're going for a short distance, you should only pay "una china", 50 cents, but be sure to ask before you get on the combi.


Groceries
There are lots of supermarkets, but prices tend to be higher than in other places. Eco is a cheaper supermarket. It carries the same things as more expensive supermarkets, a branch of the Wong supermarket. We go to Eco weekly and probably spend about 60 soles, whereas if we went to other supermarkets, we'd pay nearly 100 soles for the same things.

Another good place for grocery shopping is the market. Markets are all over the place. They allow you to get a glimpse of how Peruvians shop. You'll find fresh foods and veggies, even homemade sauces, such as aji.

Shopping
Markets are the best places to shop. Be sure sure to ask for a discount; you can usually get a couple of soles knocked off. In general the shops in the front charge more than those inside. A tip, if you're going to a market, make sure you wear old clothes, no jewelery and hide your money well.

Polvos Rosados is usually where tourists go, but if you cross the streets to Polvos de Higuereta, you'll find better quality, cheaper prices and a cleaner atmosphere. Next to Polvos Rosados is CC de los Altos, which is right on Ovalo Higuereta in Miraflores. There are lots of little kiosks.

El Hueco in Abancay in the center and El Mercado Central are huge markets. I've gone to both, and prefer to go with my husband rather than alone as it's in a bit of a rough neighbourhood. If you look foreign, I wouldn't recommend it unless your Spanish is super. You can find good bargains, though. People come from Chile and Ecuador just to go shopping. It's a sprawling market with blocks and blocks of shops.

A good place for furniture is Plaza Hogar in Av. Angamos in Surquillo. We just bought a dresser and closet there for about $200. Things are often made by hand (even sanded by hand), and you can choose from different woods and varnishes. Av. Angamos also has lots of stores that sell mattresses.

Going Out
There are good freebie places in Lima, such as Parque Kennedy, the Plaza de Parmas, Parque de la Muralla, or the Cathedral of Lima (but only on Sundays during Mass). You can also walk along Larco and look at all the souvenirs that shops there sell.

If you're going into discos, go early as prices tend to be cheaper then. Movies usually have lower prices on Tuesdays. Many pizza joints have two-for-one deals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For restaurants, look for the smaller hole-in-the-wall places off the main streets. Not only do they usually have cheaper prices, but the food is better. Beaches are also free and great places to relax and people watch.

This article was featured in Boots N All.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Lawyers in Peru

Updated 8 August 2016

I do not personally endorse any of the lawyers or law firms below. It is your responsibility to carefully research each one. Here are some issues you need to think about to make sure you find a good lawyer. The following lawyers have been recommended by expats. The US embassy also has a list of recommended lawyers you might want to check out. The Facebook group, Expatriates in Peru also might be a good place to get recommendations for lawyers.

• Carmen Patricia Galdos Kajatt: 372-1916, 9985-5109, 9275-3253, cgaldosk2004@yahoo.com
• Cesar Picciotti: ccpicciotti@yahoo.com 
• Delgado Pacheco Law
• Dimas R. Maldonado G.: Calle Pablo Usandizada N. 669, Urb. Las Begonias, San Borja, 226-8737 or 9962-89665
• Divorcio Peru
• Dr. Guillermo Freund: 9791-8125, 9791-8123. Speaks English. He’s familiar with land purchase as a foreigner.
• Dr. José Talavera: 440-5408
• Martin Becerra: 442-1700, ebecerravega@speedy.com.pe
• Mi Divorcio en Peru
• Pan American Law Office SA
• Patricia Simmons: Said to be one of the best.  
• Quest Lawyer Brokers: they'll find you an affordable lawyer to help you. 
• Dra. Silvia (Lanatta) Chiappe: silvialanatta@yahoo.it 446-3382. Speaks Spanish, English, and Italian. She is familiar with property, trusts, inheritances, and divorce.
• Yori Abogados
• Yvonne Espinal Dolorier: 358-9080, espinaldolorier@yahoo.es Specialises in divorce.

Online Legal Advice About Peru

• Expat Peru
• Global Property Guide they have a section on lawyers.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

2014 Sample Prices for Peru

Updated 23 April 2014


Prices are much cheaper if you know where to shop. Although many people are told markets are dangerous, as long as you blend in, you’ll be fine. The book, Peru - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Culture & Customs makes for an interesting read if you're looking to find out the basics about life in Peru.

If you learn to be market-wise, you can save a lot of money and find the same quality goods that you can find in shops. You’ll find most of the prices in soles, however, more expensive goods are usually sold in dollars. You can also find cost of living info at this thread. Budgeting will help. Try looking at Lima on $500 a month.

Obviously prices vary a lot. In general, average prices were considered. For example, you can get a hair cut for 5 soles at a small shop. You can also end up paying over a 100 soles at a nice salon. Please take into consideration that prices can vary depending on where you go.



Appliances

• brand new table fan: S/.35
• brand new rice cooker: S/.25
• brand new microwave oven: $150
• brand new mini-fridge: from $250
• brand new DVD Player: from $200
• brand new PC / Compaq: from $1200
• used PC (in decent condition): from $500
• brand new notebook computer: from $1500
• brand new mobile phone: from S/.200
• used mobile phone in decent condition: from S/.100
• brand new 21" flat screen stereo TV: $450
• brand new CD home stereo: $300
• brand CD portable stereo: $20
• brand new washing machine: $300

Food and Drink

• small soft drink: S/.1 – 1.5
• 2 liter bottle of Coke: S/.3.5
• small can of coffee: S/.2.5
• litre of 100% fruit juice: S/.3
• litre of milk: S/.2-3
• bottled water for a water cooler: S/.15 – 30
• large bag of Lays potato chips: S/.3
• Nestle ice-cream: S/.2.5
• small yoghurt (150 grams): S/.1.5
• can of tuna in oil (185 grams): S/.3
• kilo of oranges: from S/.1
• kilo bag of rice: S/.2.5
• 100 gram pack of sandwich bologna: S/.2-4
• 15 grade-A eggs: S/.5
• loaf of French bread: S/.1 – 2
• nice bottle of wine: S/.20-100
• large bottle of beer: S/.3
• bottle of Bailey’s: S/.45

Going out

• burger on a bun with everything from a street stall: S/.3-5
• ¼ chicken with fries and a salad: S/.3-8
• lunch in street cafe: S/.6–10
• lunch in a nicer restaurant: S/.15-30
• lunch set at McDonald's: from S/.7
• dinner in a quality restaurant: S/.35–75
• large pizza at Pizza Hut: S/.35-45
• pitcher of beer or sangria in a bar: S/.15–20
• ticket to a disco: S/.5-20
• ticket to a movie theater: S/.5–15 (Tuesdays have lower prices)
• 3 (pirated) DVDs: S/.10
• 1 month gym membership: S/.50-150
• 1 hour in an internet cafe: S/.1–2

Hotels / Hostels
Prices vary according to location.

• night in a 5 star hotel: from $80 (some are $300)
• night in a 4 star hotel: from $50
• night in a 3 star hotel: from $30
• night in a budget hotel: from S/.15

Renting a House / Apartment
These estimates are based on housing in Lima. Provinces are usually a little cheaper than the capital. A lot depends on the market and where exactly the house is. Touristy areas will be expensive as well.

In general, low end places are Callao, Pueblo Libre, Magdalena, La Victoria, San Luis. and Surquillo. Mid end places are Lince, Barranco, Chorrillos, Surco, San Borja. High end places are La Molina, Miraflores, and San Isidro. In general, places in the far north (like Comas), south (like San Juan de Miraflores) and east (San Juan de Lurigancho) may not be the safest places to live.

Prices vary inside districts as well. Something in Surquillo, but on the border of Miraflores will cost more than something in the middle of Surquillo. These many districts in Lima and they can be seen in this map.

Some people are able to buy property without a mortgage, but if you need a mortgage, be prepared to pay interest between 8.6% to 11%. You'll have to have residency in Peru in order to get a mortgage from a Peruvian bank. If you want to get a mortgage or loan back home, do some research first. People have reported that banks often don't want to give mortgages or loans for overseas property. Right now property prices now are anywhere from $800 per square meter and up (really nice areas start at over $1000 per square meter ). The good news is that property is always a good investment and prices are relatively cheap compared to the rest of the world.

• apartment security deposit: 1-2 month's rent
• electric bill (for a small apartment): S/.80-120
• internet (ADSL): S/.120–200
• cable: $10-35
• unfurnished 1 bedroom
• low: $100-200
• mid : $200-300
• high: $400-700
• furnished 1 bedroom
• low: $150-250
• mid : $250-400
• high: 500-1000
• unfurnished 2 bedrooms
• low: $200-300
• mid : $300-400
• high: $500-1500
• furnished 2 bedrooms
• low: $250-350
• mid : $350-450
• high: $500-2000

Shopping: Market prices - Shop prices

• new pair of trousers: S/.40-60
• new long-sleeved button-down shirt: S/.25-60
• leather pair of shoes: S/.40-75
• pair of earrings: S/.2-15
• knit sweater: S/.20-120
• watch: S/.50-200
• pair of socks: S/.1-5
• undergarments: S/. 5-35
• winter coat: S/.75-375
• tie: S/.15-35

Toiletries

• haircut: S/.10-25
• pack of five cigarettes: S/.1
• El Comercio Newspaper: S/.3.5 in Lima and S/.5 in Provinces
• 4-pack of Scott toilet paper: S/.2
• roll-on deodorant (25ml): from S/.3
• box of 10 sanitary napkins: from S/.3
• bottle of shampoo (400ml): from S/.8
• bottle of lotion (400ml): S/.10
• bar of soap: S/.2-5
• 4-pack of Gillette Mach 3 blades: S/.25
• 10-pack of Tylenol tablets (500mg): S/.5
• new pair of glasses with frames and eye-exam: from S/.200
• doctor / dentist visit: S/.50-100
• doctor / dentist visit with English speaking doctors $50-100

Transport

• short mototaxi ride: S/.1-2
• short taxi ride: from S/.5
• single fare journey on city bus: S/.0.5–1.2
• single bus ticket from Piura to Lima: S/.60-90
• single air ticket from Piura to Lima: $90

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement