Peru Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Peru

Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to Peru. Famous for Machu Picchu, the Andes, the Amazon and one of the world’s most celebrated cuisines, Peru also has growing sectors in mining, tourism, logistics, agriculture and services. Immigration rules, visa categories and security conditions can change — always confirm details with official Peruvian and Canadian government sources.

Home To Home Relocations supports clients moving to Peru from Canada and worldwide, providing professional export packing, air and ocean freight, customs coordination and final delivery to major cities including Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Trujillo, Piura and Chiclayo.

1. Before You Move to Peru

1.1 Visa Types & Residency

Peru’s immigration system offers various categories depending on your purpose of stay. Common options include:

Tourist/Visitor Entry – for short stays, no local employment permitted
Resident Visas – for work, family reunification, investment, study and other long-term purposes
Temporary Visas – for specific activities or shorter periods
Work-related categories – linked to employment contracts or local hiring

Residence permits and foreign ID cards (Carné de Extranjería) are administered by the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones, Peru’s national immigration authority.

Tip: Many long-term visas begin with an application through a Peruvian consulate abroad. After arrival in Peru, you complete registration and obtain your residence card through Migraciones.

1.2 Working in Peru

Peru’s economy creates opportunities in sectors such as:

Mining and natural resources
Construction, engineering and infrastructure
Logistics, port operations and international trade
Agriculture, fisheries and food processing
Tourism, hospitality and adventure travel
Banking, finance and business services
Education and language teaching

1.3 Housing & Accommodation

Most newcomers settle in major cities, especially Lima. Popular expatriate-friendly areas include:

Lima: Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, Surco, La Molina
Arequipa: Yanahuara, Cayma
Cusco: Historic centre and residential suburbs
Trujillo & Piura: Growing business and coastal areas

Typical rental requirements:

One to two months’ rent as deposit
Proof of income or employment contract
Identification (passport and, if available, residence card)
Lease contracts usually written in Spanish

1.4 Banking & Finances

The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). To open a bank account, foreigners are often asked for:

Passport and immigration status documents
Peruvian tax identification (RUC or personal tax number, depending on the bank)
Proof of address in Peru

1.5 Healthcare & Insurance

Healthcare in Peru includes public and private options:

Public system (ESSALUD and Ministry of Health facilities) – basic coverage for qualifying workers and residents
Private clinics and hospitals – widely used in Lima and major cities
Private insurance – recommended for expatriates seeking broader coverage and shorter wait times

Important: Emergency and specialized care can be expensive in private facilities. Many newcomers arrange international or local private health insurance before arrival or during their first weeks in Peru.

1.6 Key Documents to Prepare Before Moving

Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival)
Visa approval or authorization letter (if required)
Birth and marriage certificates (apostilled)
Employment contracts and academic qualifications
Medical and vaccination records
International Driving Permit (optional but helpful)

2. Your First Weeks in Peru

2.1 At the Port of Entry

Most international arrivals enter through Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport or via land borders with neighbouring countries. Immigration officers will review your passport, visa (if applicable) and purpose of visit. Entry and exit are now recorded digitally when arriving by air.

2.2 Residence Card & Immigration Registration

If you are moving on a long-term basis, you will complete your residence process and apply for your Carné de Extranjería through Migraciones in Peru.

2.3 Everyday Setup

Purchase a local SIM card (Claro, Movistar, Entel, Bitel)
Open a bank account (if eligible) and set up online banking
Finalize long-term rental housing
Register for public or private healthcare
Identify nearby clinics, pharmacies and supermarkets
Enroll children in school (local, bilingual or international)

Tip: In Lima, many expatriates choose to live near their workplace or along main transit routes to avoid long commute times.

3. Peru at a Glance

3.1 Geography & Regions

Peru is geographically diverse, commonly divided into three main regions:

Coastal region (Costa): Lima, Trujillo, Piura and desert coastline
Highlands (Sierra): Andes mountains, Cusco, Arequipa, Puno
Rainforest (Selva): Amazon Basin, Iquitos, Madre de Dios

3.2 Politics & Economy

Peru is a presidential republic with an economy driven by:

Mining (copper, gold and other minerals)
Agriculture and fisheries
Tourism and hospitality
Manufacturing and food processing
Logistics, ports and international trade

3.3 Climate & Weather

Climate varies significantly by region and altitude:

Lima and the central coast – mild, humid, little rainfall
Highlands – cooler temperatures, dry and rainy seasons
Amazon – hot, humid and rainy year-round

4. Why Many Newcomers Choose Peru

Rich cultural heritage and world-famous historical sites
One of the world’s leading culinary destinations
Diverse landscapes for hiking, trekking and eco-tourism
Growing opportunities in mining, engineering, tourism and services
Lower cost of living compared to many Western countries

5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life

Costs vary widely between Lima, tourist centres and smaller cities. Lima’s upscale districts are the most expensive, while many regional cities are more affordable.

Typical monthly expenses include:

Rent or mortgage payments
Electricity, water, gas and internet
Groceries and dining (local markets can be very economical)
Transport (public transit, taxis or ride-sharing)
Private healthcare and insurance premiums
School fees for private or international schools

Tip: Many families combine supermarket shopping with purchasing fresh produce from local markets to manage costs while enjoying Peru’s high-quality fruits and vegetables.

6. Transportation & Getting Around

6.1 Public Transport

Lima and other cities offer a mix of formal and informal transport:

Bus and BRT systems (such as the Metropolitano in Lima)
Light rail/metro lines in Lima
Licensed taxis and ride-sharing services

6.2 Driving in Peru

Peru drives on the right-hand side. Traffic can be dense in Lima, and driving conditions vary by region. Foreign licences may be valid for a limited time; long-term residents often convert to a local licence.

6.3 Domestic & International Travel

Peru has extensive domestic air connections between Lima and other cities. Major airports include:

Lima – Jorge Chávez International Airport
Cusco – Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport
Arequipa – Rodríguez Ballón Airport
Piura, Trujillo, Iquitos and others serving regional hubs

7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit

7.1 Everyday Culture

Spanish is the main language; Quechua, Aymara and other Indigenous languages are also spoken.
Peruvian cuisine is globally renowned — ceviche, lomo saltado, causa, anticuchos and more.
Family life and social gatherings are central to the culture.
Festivals combine Indigenous, Spanish and regional traditions.

7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions

Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley: Iconic Inca sites and trekking routes
Cusco: Historic capital of the Inca Empire
Lima: Coastal capital with world-class restaurants and museums
Arequipa: “White City” and Colca Canyon
Lake Titicaca (Puno): High-altitude lake and cultural communities
Amazon Basin: Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado for rainforest experiences

Peru Country GuideYour Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Peru