The Gourmet Capital of Latin America

Information on Relocating to Peru

• The capital city of Peru is Lima with about 8.27 million people. The political centre is also in Lima where the President resides. Peru is a Republic.

• Languages: Spanish and Quechua are the official languages. Aymará is spoken in some areas of the department of Puno. Many other dialects exist in the jungle regions. English is spoken in major tourist areas. The TV programs are in Spanish. Cable and Satellite TV are available.

• Population: The population is about 29.8 million people - 54% are Indian, 32% Mestizo (mixed European and Indian descent), 12% Spanish descent, 2% Black, Asian minority.

• Expat areas: Most popular areas in Lima are the following districts: Miraflores, San Isidro, Camacho, La Planicie, La Molina, Chacarilla, Los Incas Golf Club, Monterrico and Surco. San Isidro is an older, stately municipality with mainly traditional-style properties along with some modern houses.

• Housing: Rented apartments are available in most areas like San Isidro, Miraflores, Barranco and Surco while houses are mainly found in the area of La Molina. It is very difficult to find furnished houses while apartments are more common. Few homes have central heating and/or air conditioners. Rents vary considerably within the same district and so newcomers should take their time searching and view a comprehensive selection of properties before making a decision. Newcomers use to rent their homes, instead of buying, but both options are available.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from US$ 1,000 to US$ 5,000 for an apartment and us$ 3000 to US$ 7000 for a house. The local currency is New Sol (S/.).

• Schools: We have the American, the German, the French and the International school. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Public buses are the usual mode of transport over long distances. They are cheap, frequent and relatively comfortable, at least on major routes. When traveling between towns, have your passport with you as it will need to be shown at police checkpoints. Armed robberies on night buses are not unheard of in Peru, so travel on a day bus (or fly) if you have the option. Trucks often double as buses in remote areas. The fare is usually standardized according to the distance, but agree on the fare in advance. Local buses are slow, cheap and crowded; when you want to get off just yell out. Taxi fares need to be haggled over; there are no metered cabs.

• Bank: The banks are open Monday-Friday 9.00 am - 6.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm (may vary during the summer).

• Shopping: Hours vary significantly, but the standard is Monday-Saturday from 11.00 am - 10.00 pm.

• Climate: Peru has wet and dry seasons, although on the desert strip spanning the whole coastline it is always dry. Lima suffers a bizarre weather condition prevailing from April to November called garúa: a damp, cold mist that obliterates the sun and sours everyone's mood. August is the worst month for this, with temperatures around 13°C (55°F) - 17°C (63°F). The rest of the year, Lima enjoys sunshine and moderate temperatures of 21°C (70°F) - 26°C (79°F).

• Culture: There are many good bars, pubs, discos and casinos in the major towns and tourist resorts. Peñas always serve snacks and some serve full meals. Here one can enjoy criolla or folk music, especially at weekends. Nightlife in Lima and Cusco has a wide array of choices. Most discos, peñas, pubs and karaokes are open until 3.00 or 4.00 in the morning.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year’s Day; March/April-Maundy Thursday (half day), Good Friday (dates vary); May 1st-Labour Day; June 29th-St Peter’s and St Paul’s Day; July 28-29th-Independence Day Celebrations; August 30th-St Rosa of Lima Day; October 8th-Angamos Battle; November 1st-All Saints’ Day; December 8th-Immaculate Conception; December 24th-Christmas Eve (half day); December 25th-Christmas.