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🇵🇪 Peru

Moving Guide

Moving to Peru is logistically straightforward for most Western nationalities - arrive visa-free, settle into a furnished apartment in Miraflores, then apply for long-term status. The key is getting the first 90 days right..

Data verified August 13, 2026

Up to 183 days

Visa-Free Tourist Entry

Most Western nationalities

PEN 10–25

SIM Card Cost

Claro/Movistar prepaid, airport kiosks

$3,000–6,000

Container Shipping (20ft, US)

Varies by origin port and season

$100–200/mo

Spanish Classes (Intensive)

Group classes; private from $10–20/hr

Required

Health Insurance (Day 1)

Private or international policy

Overview

Moving to Peru is logistically straightforward for most Western nationalities - arrive visa-free, settle into a furnished apartment in Miraflores, then apply for long-term status. The key is getting the first 90 days right.

Key Takeaways

  • Health insurance: arrange international health coverage before departure - SafetyWing ($45/mo), Cigna Global, or local Rímac/Pacífico policy
  • Airport arrival: Jorge Chávez (LIM) - get a local SIM at the airport (Claro or Movistar kiosks from PEN 10); use Uber or official airport taxi to accommodation
  • Luggage-only move: the most common strategy - buy furniture and appliances locally (very affordable in Lima)
  • SIM card: Claro has the best national coverage; Movistar and Entel are strong in cities; prepaid SIMs from PEN 10 ($2.70), monthly plans from PEN 40 ($11)
  • International schools: Newton College, Markham College, Franklin Roosevelt School - enroll 3–6 months in advance; $9,000–20,000/yr
1

Pre-Arrival Checklist

The most important preparation happens before you board the plane. Getting these items sorted in advance saves significant stress during the first weeks.

  • Health insurance: arrange international health coverage before departure - SafetyWing ($45/mo), Cigna Global, or local Rímac/Pacífico policy
  • Finances: activate a Wise card and/or Schwab debit card for fee-free ATM withdrawals - don't rely on your home bank card
  • Accommodation: book a furnished apartment for the first 4–6 weeks via Airbnb in Miraflores or Barranco - don't sign long-term leases sight unseen
  • Spanish basics: complete Duolingo Spanish through the first 3 sections - 'survival Spanish' makes arrival dramatically smoother
  • Medications: bring a 3-month supply of any prescription medications - some may not be available locally or require Peruvian prescription
  • Phone plan: check if your current provider has a Peru data plan, or plan to buy a local SIM on arrival at Lima airport
  • Research neighborhoods: spend time on Nomadlist, expat Facebook groups, and Reddit r/peru before deciding where to stay
2

The First 90 Days: Arriving & Settling In

The first three months are about exploration, building your local network, and laying the groundwork for long-term life - visa, banking, housing, and community.

  • Airport arrival: Jorge Chávez (LIM) - get a local SIM at the airport (Claro or Movistar kiosks from PEN 10); use Uber or official airport taxi to accommodation
  • Register with your country's embassy (US STEP program, UK FCDO) within the first week - important for emergency assistance
  • Try to set up Yape (BCP mobile wallet) for local payments - increasingly essential at shops, taxis, and restaurants
  • Join expat Facebook groups: 'Lima Expats', 'Peru Expat Forum', 'Digital Nomads Lima' - invaluable for real-time recommendations
  • Explore Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, and Surquillo before choosing where to rent long-term - spend time walking each district
  • Start Spanish classes in week 1 - language schools in Miraflores offer intensive programs with fast enrollment
  • Visit Migraciones to understand DN or Rentista visa requirements if planning a long-term stay
3

Shipping Your Belongings

Most expats move to Peru with luggage only or ship a small volume. Peru allows expat household goods import under specific visa conditions, but customs can be complex.

  • Luggage-only move: the most common strategy - buy furniture and appliances locally (very affordable in Lima)
  • Air freight: good for small volumes (<50kg) - DHL, FedEx offer door-to-door; budget $5–12/kg
  • LCL (less-than-container) sea freight: 1–3 CBM (a few boxes) - $1,000–2,500 from North America, $1,500–3,000 from Europe
  • Full 20ft container from US East Coast: $3,000–6,000 USD plus Peruvian import processing
  • Duty-free import: available under specific residency visa conditions - check with SUNAT (customs authority) for current rules
  • Peruvian customs (SUNAT Aduanas) can be complex - use an experienced customs broker (agente de aduanas) for any shipment
  • Buying locally: Saga Falabella, Ripley, and MercadoLibre Peru are the main retail/online options for furniture and electronics
4

Administrative Setup: SIM, Banking & Registration

Building your Peruvian administrative foundation - phone, bank access, and registration - takes 2–6 weeks depending on your visa status.

  • SIM card: Claro has the best national coverage; Movistar and Entel are strong in cities; prepaid SIMs from PEN 10 ($2.70), monthly plans from PEN 40 ($11)
  • Banking without Carné: limited - Yape (BCP wallet) sometimes works with passport; otherwise use Wise or Revolut until visa is approved
  • Carné de Extranjería: issued by Migraciones after visa approval - required for bank accounts, signing leases formally, and most administrative tasks
  • RUC: if you plan to work for Peruvian clients or register a business, you need a RUC (tax ID) from SUNAT - requires Carné
  • Health insurance: activate your policy within the first 2 weeks and ensure you have your membership card or digital access
  • Embassy registration: US STEP program (step.state.gov), UK FCDO registration - takes 15 minutes and provides emergency support
  • WhatsApp: set up with your Peruvian number immediately - all appointments, deliveries, landlords, and services run through WhatsApp
5

Moving with Family & Pets

Peru is family-friendly with good international schools in Lima and straightforward pet importation rules. Planning ahead for both makes the transition smoother.

  • International schools: Newton College, Markham College, Franklin Roosevelt School - enroll 3–6 months in advance; $9,000–20,000/yr
  • Pet import: dogs and cats require a health certificate from an accredited vet, rabies vaccination, and SENASA approval - no quarantine for most nationalities
  • SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria) is Peru's authority for animal imports - check current requirements before flying
  • Airlines: LATAM Peru allows pets in-cabin on many routes; most US carriers accept pet imports with advance documentation
  • Peruvian public schools: free, Spanish-medium - excellent for young children's language immersion; quality varies by district
  • Spouse/partner visa: partners of visa holders should apply for dependent visas simultaneously
  • Family-friendly neighborhoods: Miraflores, San Borja, and La Molina (Lima) - quieter, suburban, good schools nearby

Tools expats in Peru actually use

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Wise

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FAQs

Common Questions - Moving Guide in Peru

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