There is just something about Lima. It might be its nightlife, its fusion cuisine, or its rich history and architecture, the Peruvian capital just has it all. So, if you are thinking of moving your virtual office down to the land of the Incas and prominent surf destination, we present this useful Lima digital nomad guide for you to start enjoying this amazing city.
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Is there a Peru digital nomad Visa?
There is no digital nomad visa per se for Peru. Most European and North and South American countries do not require any visa to visit, as long as you have a valid passport to travel. You can check Peru’s Consular Services site to double-check for eligibility, but if you come from the listed countries, you should be able to stay for 180 days (approximately, without any restrains). If you have a passport from a different country, you can check the list of Visa required locations here.
Is Lima good for digital nomads?
As mentioned above, visitors all around the world fall in love with Lima’s delightful gastronomy, rich heritage, and colorful and vibrant night scene. On the professional side, this city is a major transport hub with great international connections, as well as the political, economic, industrial, cultural, financial, and commercial center of the country. Anyone accustomed to cosmopolitan environments can profit from these advantages, especially digital nomads.
When it comes to moving around, Spanish is the main language of Peru. This means that very few Peruvians master the English language, and most of the rest are only able to maintain basic conversations, mostly those who work in international companies and/or are related to the tourism industry. However, Lima has a significant amount of ex-pats living there, so you might bump into familiar speakers.
All in all, having at least a decent basis of Spanish should help you fend off in Lima. But if you feel confident with that language or are in Peru to mix with the locals, you might even consider going for some Quechua lessons, the second most spoken indigenous language.
When is the best time to visit Lima as a digital nomad?
Region of subtropical weather, Lima is divided into wet and dry seasons. Even when discovered by Spanish conquistadors back in 1535, they found their fertile soil and cool climate a strategic place to cement this new city. Almost 500 years later, the cooler and dryer time of the year for digital nomads to come to visit is November to March, for you to enjoy Lima’s amazing beaches and avoid humidity.
This is not to say that you cannot land in Lima in other months. The weather range is 59°F to 81°F (15°C to 27°C), which means that you can enjoy a nice temperature almost at any moment. Lima is not particularly rainy, so this should not interrupt any of your plans here. Still, if you would rather avoid the damp sensation, focus on the holiday season/beginning of the year.
Is Lima safe?
As is usually the case with any big city in Latin America, while you should be able to walk freely, there are safety precautions you might want to consider to ensure a nice stay. For starters, as you would do anywhere else, mind your belongings, avoid going out with big amounts of cash, and try to keep your ID somewhere safe.
That being said, some of the safer areas in the city are Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro (we will expand this later on in the 'best neighborhoods to stay in' section). Although ranking in the top 10 safest cities in Latin America, it is important to know where you are wandering in Lima to avoid any inconvenient situations or potential theft.
Taking a cab in Lima can get tricky, as drivers are used to bargaining and setting the rate beforehand. If you are not confident about this, you can sort this out with these apps: Uber, Taxi Beat, and Cabify.
Is internet connectivity good in Lima?
In the past, Lima’s internet connectivity has not been the strongest in the region. The situation has improved significantly in the past years, especially after COVID-19. This goes to say, you should be able to stay connected wherever you are in the city
However, there is a catch to this, which is the quality of the connectivity. Mobile-wise, the average download speed is 16,31 MBPS and 10,58 MBPS for upload, and numbers for fixed broadband are 54,41 MBPS and 24,17 MBPS, respectively. This deems Peru below average among the cities of the region in general, according to Speed Test.
In a nutshell, you will be connected while staying in Lima, but don't expect really high-speed experiences, either on mobile or broadband.
What is the cost of living in Lima?
When discussing costs, Lima is not a particularly expensive city (compared to others in the region) if your original currency is USD. In other words, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 3,91 PEN (Sol Peruano) approximately, favoring those digital nomads that earn in dollars. Exchanging them should be easy, as you can do this either at hotels, banks, exchange offices, or on the street. Of course, paying by credit or debit card is an option, especially if you have Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Virtual or digital wallets are a growing trend in the Peruvian capital but note that not all places might have adopted this yet.
So, with this sorted, living in Lima is affordable. If you go with a budget of USD 930 per month, you should be able to have a nice life there, whereas, if you can stretch yourself to USD 1.650, you will surely enjoy yourself with lesser restraints.
If you were thinking of renting a nice place on Airbnb, a night in a studio apartment can go for about USD 53. Of course, for many of you, the digital nomad experience involves sharing, so the average rent price for a bed in shared facilities is USD 22.
Other important costs you might want to keep in mind are transport, food, and utilities. The average price for public transportation is less than USD 0.50, and you can take a bus to any local restaurant and spend as little as USD 4.50 for a decent meal. If you had a nice night out and you’d rather call an uber/taxi, a relatively short-medium distance may go from 2 to 7 USD. If the driver just dropped you in your apartment rental, you should probably be paying an average of 51 USD for gas, electricity, and heating, an expense that adds additional 18 USD if you throw in a fixed broadband connection to the mix.
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Lima as a digital nomad?
As we shared, the key to the best experience in Lima is knowing where to move. This Lima digital nomad guide will help you choose the best places in the city to stay.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Lima:
Miraflores
One of Lima’s wealthiest sections, Miraflores is the first choice for visitors to the Peruvian capital. Locals also frequent this beautiful place, filled with markets, entertainment, and cafes.
Essentially, Miraflores is a seafront and central location. Its closeness to the beach makes it a hub for extreme sports (like surfing and paragliding). Its cosmopolitan aura, with plenty of restaurants, theaters, and shops makes it a safe district, as people are constantly walking by. It is also a notable ex-pats hotspot.
The housing options in this district are flexible. If you are a big spender, the luxurious apartments with sea-view will settle your needs. On the contrary, if you are on a budget, the area is filled with affordable hostels.
Barranco
If you are looking for a younger and cooler neighborhood, Barranco is your place to be. It is known for its intense nightlife, with many bars to enjoy the evening. A Bohemian and artsy district, the colonial look blends in perfectly with the more modern concept stores.
Artists look up to Barranco for its chic galleries. Surfers are also familiar with the place because of its amazing waves. And the delicious restaurants do the rest for visitors. For traditionalists, the historic church is a must. All in all, the place is laid-back, perfect for a peaceful lifestyle (while allowing for some partying at night).
Though a middle/high-class district, tourism has opened the door for more affordable accommodation.
San Isidro
The financial district, San Isidro is a high-class neighborhood. Visitors choose it for its clean and safe streets, and luxurious hotels and restaurants. The cuisine here is at its finest.
An upscale area, it is more frequented by workers and business people, rather than tourists. If you plan to stay here as a digital nomad, parks, dining options, and bikeways are good excuses to be in San Isidro.
However, being a wealthy location, staying in San Isidro is not cheap. You might want to keep that in mind if you need to be mindful of your expenses.
Callao
Conveniently near to the airport, Callao is a commercial district. A growing trend of housing construction makes it an interesting alternative for many locals to move in.
Gastronomy is also big in Callao. Its many malls not only offer stores to browse through but also restaurants to enjoy Peruvian cuisine at its best. You will find the perfect mix of local and international cuisine.
Callao’s modern look blends in nicely with the smaller old houses. Their colorful fronts make every stroll unforgettable. Callao combines the best of both worlds while still growing in popularity.
What are the best co-living places in Lima?
Are you in for some mixing with other digital nomads? Lima has a couple of options for you to dive in.
Best coliving places in Lima:
When it comes to coliving search, Coliving and Selina are always good places to start. The former does not have that many options yet, but what’s available comes at an affordable cost and multiple amenities for you to relax while getting some work done.
Selina, on the other hand, has a couple of alternatives within Miraflores. The price range is much more convenient. You can choose how many people you want to share with, or get some privacy in a beautiful room or apartment just for you.
We also know many of you prefer the most local options. Casa Lima Modo is the best way to go for that. They have experience in receiving digital nomads from all around the world, and they offer lofts, twin rooms, and camarotes. There is also corporate housing available, in case you want to use the place as an office. Just be sure to take your adapter for A, C / 220V / 60Hz to plug in your laptop.
What are Lima’s best coworking places for digital nomads?
Time to weave those local networks? Let’s view the best coworking places for digital nomads in Lima. There are many options, all tailored to your need.
Top 10 best coworking spaces in Lima:
Spaces is a great place to start. Right in the heart of San Isidro, this location has 100 private offices, 4 meeting rooms, and networking events. With different subscription methods, you can find a suitable price for your needs. WeWork is also in Lima, spawning offices in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Santiago de Surco. Apart from being a renowned international brand, they also offer private offices in case you need your own space. Be warned, they are very popular slots, so book in advance. Another big player, with multiple options for you to choose from, is Ubicua. Their benefits section is worth checking out, as they try to adapt to your needs.
Co-labora has been in the business for some time, and they are an interesting alternative. Aside from their nice workspaces, they have a useful range of courses and events for you to take on while staying in Lima. Liberal also bets on community, with a more laid-back style, offering contests and social events to meet your future collaborators. Communal has a similar approach, but they pride themselves on the big companies that choose them for their flexible working needs. Be sure to check the list of partners they have, as you might want to mix with them.
If you have the feeling that you need a more personalized alternative, Regus might be the place for you. You can contact them and speak with an agent, who can help you get the remote office you need. Partage does the same trick for you, offering personalized assessment as well as a pre-booked tour to inspect the place.
You can also bet for up-and-coming districts, like Magdalena Del Mar, where Idea Cowork is located. With a modern approach, they have a visitor pass for you to try the facilities for one day and see if they are what you are looking for. There are options with virtual tours, such as Worx, a lovely alternative in Miraflores.
What are Lima’s best working cafes for digital nomads?
Do you take your work with sugar? Let’s check out 6 lovely coffee places for you to work in with a nice cup of joe.
Top 6 best working cafes in Lima:
Colonia & Co is one of the most popular ones. Their snacks and Latte art are stunning, and they even let you in with your pet in case you need a furry friend by your side. Another highly-regarded option by digital nomads is Kulcafe. Its rustic ambiance and amazingly presented food make it a great place to work.
Puku Puku has a couple of locations distributed in Lima, with high-quality coffee. You can either order it at their online store or pay them a visit with your laptop. Caleta Dolsa is also a reputed coffee brewer company. Their Instagram reads “Brunch all day by the sea”, an offer we simply cannot refuse. And if we are talking about places where coffee is king, be sure to check out The Coffee Road. They have a couple of locations within Lima to taste its A-level product.
Digital nomads who choose a cafe to work in are focused on their well-being, and La Bodega Verde agrees. This green environment is ideal for those looking for a tranquil moment while getting some work done.
Closing thoughts on visiting Lima as a digital nomad
There you have it, a Lima digital nomad guide to dive into the Inca country’s capital city. If you love haute cuisine, places rich in history and architecture, and great nightlife, Lima is the place to be. Being the political, economic, industrial, cultural, financial, and commercial center, you will find everything you need. Don’t miss the chance of visiting this marvelous city, with the beautiful seaside, to enjoy a delicious ceviche, work, and have those surfing lessons you’ve been putting off.