Your Expat Community in Lima

The city offers expats a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and an affordable cost of living. While Spanish is essential for daily life, many expats find the community welcoming and helpful. Like any major city, however, it comes with problems such as traffic congestion and pollution, but with the right mindset and preparation, it can be a good place to live for those seeking a dynamic Latin American experience.

Choosing where to live depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. From lively coastal neighborhoods to quiet residential areas, here are some of the most popular districts among expats:

• Miraflores: One of Lima’s most popular districts for expats and tourists alike. It offers a safe, walkable environment with modern apartments, ocean views, parks, and easy access to restaurants, cafés, shops, and coworking spaces. It’s lively yet relaxed, which makes it ideal for both professionals and families.
• Barranco: Lima’s bohemian and artistic area. This seaside district is known for its colorful streets, galleries, street art, and nightlife. It’s more laid-back than Miraflores and appeals to creatives, young professionals, and anyone seeking a culturally rich atmosphere.
• San Isidro: Known as Lima’s financial district, San Isidro combines upscale residential areas with a strong business presence. It’s quieter than Miraflores but still very central, with great dining, shopping, and green spaces like El Olivar Park.
• Jesús María: Jesús María offers a more local, residential atmosphere while still being centrally located. It’s a more budget-friendly alternative to Miraflores or San Isidro, with good public services, local markets, and access to universities and hospitals. A practical choice for students and families.
• Santiago de Surco: Often simply called Surco, this district is more suburban and residential, with gated communities, schools, shopping centers, and green areas. It’s popular among families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle, though it’s farther from the beach and city center.

Finding a place to live in Lima can take some time and planning, especially if you're unfamiliar with the city. Many rentals are still arranged offline through local contacts or neighborhood signs, but more listings are becoming available online. Popular platforms include Adondevivir, Urbania, and Doomos, where you can find apartments, shared housing, and long-term rentals.

Working with a local real estate agent (inmobiliaria) can make the process smoother, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. You can expect to provide documents like ID, proof of income, and sometimes a guarantor. Rental contracts are typically for 12 months, and it’s common to pay one month’s rent in advance plus one month’s security deposit. Before signing, always inspect the property in person, confirm the contract’s terms, and ensure you deal with a reputable landlord or agency to avoid scams.

For the most part, it is a safe city for foreigners. As with most big cities, there are safe areas and more risky areas in Lima. You should be aware of potential risks such as petty theft, particularly in crowded areas and at night. It is generally advised not to flash your valuables and to use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps.

Getting around Lima can feel chaotic at first, but there are several practical options depending on your comfort level and where you're headed.

• Metropolitano (BRT): This is Lima’s main rapid bus system, which runs through several districts. You’ll need a rechargeable Metropolitano card to use it.
• Lima Metro: There’s a single metro line operating in Lima, although it is expected to be expanded in the future. Trains run frequently, and it’s a reliable option to avoid heavy traffic.
• Standard buses & combis: Standard buses are large and follow set routes throughout the city; however, combis are smaller, and their routes and schedules are not easy to understand.
• Taxis & ride-sharing apps: Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are considered safer and cheaper options. When taking a traditional taxi, it is important to check that it is licensed and official.
• Walking and biking: In districts like Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, walking and cycling are pleasant options, especially along the coast. Infrastructure for bike lanes is improving but still limited across the city.

Peru’s healthcare system offers public and private services, with coverage depending on your employment status and income. It is divided into five entities:

• MINSA (Ministry of Health): Covers around 60% of the population, mainly lower-income and uninsured individuals.
• EsSalud (Seguro Social de Salud): Covers about 30% of the population; it is mandatory for self-employed and salaried workers, as well as retirees.
• Sanidad de las Fuerzas Armadas: Serves members of the armed forces.
• Sanidad de la Policía Nacional: Serves members of the national police.
• Private sector: Covers about 10% of the population. All residents of Peru, including foreigners, are eligible for public healthcare. Employers automatically register expats working for Peruvian companies with EsSalud. Due to the generally lower standards of public healthcare facilities, many expats choose to purchase private medical insurance to receive higher-quality care and quicker access to services.

In short, yes. Most expats in Lima find the locals friendly and welcoming. People are usually warm, polite, and happy to help if you’re new in town. They might not always start a conversation right away, especially if there’s a language barrier, but they’re rarely unfriendly. If you try to speak a little Spanish and show interest in the culture, you’ll likely get a positive response. Many expats say they feel comfortable walking around and don’t receive unwanted attention for being foreigners. Overall, locals tend to be open and accepting, especially if you meet them halfway.

You don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to live in Lima, but knowing the basics will make a huge difference. In areas like Miraflores or Barranco, you’ll find people who speak English and an expat community, which makes it easier to build a social circle without perfect Spanish. But once you step outside those neighborhoods, Spanish becomes essential for everyday tasks like renting an apartment, going to a bank, visiting a doctor, or shopping at local markets. Plus, without Spanish, you might end up paying “foreigner prices” at markets or in taxis. While you can get by without it at first, learning some Spanish will make your life in Lima much smoother and more enjoyable.

The city has a mix of social locals and a growing expat community. Language exchange meetups, dance classes, or joining a gym or local sports group can be easy ways to meet people organically. Pubs and cafés often host weekly trivia nights or live music, which are perfect for mingling. For expats looking for an instant connection, at InterNations we bring people from all over the world together through regular events and interest-based groups. Whether you're new in town or just eager to meet others, we make it easier to build a social circle and feel at home in Lima faster. We offer a variety of groups to join, as well as events for newcomers and settled expats. Additionally, online platforms like Meetup, Facebook groups (such as “Expats in Lima” or “Lima Social Club”), and even Instagram can help you find events, hikes, or casual gatherings happening around the city.

Lima is generally more affordable than many major cities worldwide, which makes it attractive to expats. However, prices can change based on your lifestyle and the neighborhood you choose. Here’s a quick overview of typical monthly expenses to help you budget: