'Retire in Peru' Retirement

Retire in Peru

Walter (201.240.32.244) -

I have been here in Peru for one year now and have concluded that my visit here was one of my few better decisions. I will most likely retire here as I have found the country delightful, the people friendly and warm and the opportunities limitless. Personally I am interested in Aggriculture and economic development to the benefit of the poor and disadvantaged children here. I find the pace here much slower and less stressful than up in the US. Much cheeper to live here as $1.00 will purchase app. $5.00 of value. Yes, I certainly would recommend Peru as your place under the Sun. Let me know if I can be of assistance to you with your questions.

• Your Peruvian Connection

Reply #1 cheryl houston (200.121.84.167) -

I too have relocated and retired in Peru. I am originally from Houston, Texas. I worked as a correctional officer in Texas Prisons. So my pay for retirement is modest. I find that my money goes so much farther, rent is only $170.00US a month, electricity $40.00US a months and food is minimal. Now...if I could only master Spanish. But the US$ speaks for me.

Reply #2 Nate (1) from Portland, Oregon (Contact Member) -

I have some friends here in Portland who are from Lima. They have me nearly convinced that Peru is the place for me to retire. For one thing, my Social Security won't be enough to live on here in Portland without my retaining my job and constantly juggling between that and my S.S. income. I like my job, but what is retirement about, if not to RETIRE? I realize that if I lived in Lima, I could not only truly retire, but could live a much nicer lifestyle because my dollars will go so much farther, and still be able to afford some travel. I am an artist and woodcarver. I have always walked the tightrope between trying to earn a living and finding enough time to satisfy my creative needs. I am beginning to feel that the answer to that balancing act would be to live in a country with a lower cost of living, like Peru, and am fascinated with its many cultures, both past and present. Now, added to that balancing act is the need to separate reality from fantasy.

I would love to hear from any retired Americans living in Lima or elsewhere in Peru who would be willing to share their experiences, advice, and insight with a Portland Gringo who is still wavering, still seeking facts, and who is starting to think seriously about a first visit next May or June to sort of look things over, and explore a little bit. My Peruvian friends here think this is a good idea, and I have one friend in Lima who has offered a place to stay when I make such a visit. If I find that I would like to spend more time there, another trip of perhaps 3 months will follow. For me this is a huge step, and I don't want to leap into the unknown blindfolded, so I am planning very cautiously, a step at a time.

I guess what I really need is to hear from others who have actually made that step and are retired and living in Peru. What were your first reactions? Did you have any problems adjusting to new climate, new culture, new language (I don't speak Spanish -- YET), foreign environment, culture shock? If so, how did you handle it? Does the dollar really stretch as far as people tell me it does? I've seen the apartment ads online, showing apartments renting for $300.00 a month and less that would cost between $800.00 and $900.00 here in Portland. So what is your story? I'd love to hear from anyone who is willing to share their story of living in Peru on a smallish Social Security income. Anyone willing to exchange e-mails is more than welcome to e-mail me at pdxnate@isp.com -- I always have room for more friends, and who knows -- I might be your neighbor in the months to come!

Best wishes from Portland, Oregon!

Nate

Reply #3 Bubba from deep in your mind (Contact Member) -

First you have a place to stay with some locals to check out the place. You couldn't ask for more. The "with local" is the important part.

With apartments I think you will find that US$300 would be an expensive place for the majority of the locals. I think you will also find that the internet shows off the expensive rentals.

That however doesn't mean you'd enjoy the neighborhood or the apartment you could find for US$50.

That is why you need to get on that plane and start experiencing lima and looking for apartments for real.

• New Peru Forum

Reply #4 Don (5) from Tampa, Florida (Contact Member) -

Greetings to Cheryl and Walter!! Cheryl, congrats on taking the step...Walter too!! Would love to call you and discuss the ups and downs of living in Peru. Was hoping that $1500-$2000 per month, all inclusive might do it for a retired couple. Whadda' y'all think?

Don in Tampa

Reply #5 mr. and mrs evans (71.54.235.9) -

we have purchased a beach front property in northern peru, we will move in july to build a stilt home, i am peruvian/american. and i just cant live here anymore (florida s.w), everything has gone up in U.S. and properties lost their values. we just cant waist our live savings on overpriced items. you are more than welcome to come and visit, perhaps become our neighbors one day!

Reply #6 dan (71.201.140.205) -

Please tell me. I want to marry beautiful Peruvian woman. I want to have a kid or two and be happy. I have military retire pay for 2500.00 us dollars a month thats what I get. Can anyone help me and tell me if My dream of living and making it in Peru with the love of my ;life would be possible. do Peruvian women like American men thank you so much Dan

Reply #7 David Goodman (24.80.205.37) -

I would like to know how much to retire in Peru it would take to live comfortable middle class life. I have a US Military Pension and currantly live in Vancouver, Canada, and am tired of the rainy climate. Please feel free to offer info. Thanks

Reply #8 JAMES (205.188.117.202) -

I would like to have as many people as possible send me their opinions in regard to my questions.

If I am 49 years old, and my net worth is approximately

$1.2 million, can I retire and live comfortably for the rest of my life in Lima Peru?

Can you drink the water?

Can you live there without a car? I don't even know how to drive.

Will there be a problem being allowed to live there 12 months a year by the Peruvian government.

Thanks,

James

Reply #9 JAMES (205.188.117.202) -

I also wanted to ask some other questions.

What about health care in Peru? Is healthcare of good quality?

How much does health insurance cost?

What about banking in Lima? Are there major banks there?

Are there any Ameican banks there?

Do they have good gyms to work out at in Lima?

Thanks,

James

Reply #10 Dalilah LACAYO (152.16.174.112) -

I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT RETIRING IN PERU

Reply #11 Terry mullins (190.43.56.133) -

My name is Terry, I am a missionary hear in Lima. I can help you if you want to know more about living in Peru. I work for Peru Hope in Lima. I have lived here well over a year and my Spanish is limited, but I do ok with a little help from friends. So just write if you are if you have questions.

Terry

Reply #12 Rick (70.176.2.16) -

How about visa's for staying in the country to retire? I'm from USA.

Reply #13 Rebeca (76.25.96.164) -

I am peruvian, of course that you can find a beautiful peruvian woman. And with $2500 is enough to live, save, and enjoy life here in Peru. Peruvian women LOVE american men. Any questions feel free to email me.

• Reply #6 dan (71.201.140.205) -

Reply #14 Rebeca (76.25.96.164) -

I am living in the US, married to an american US citizen. Can anyone tell me your experience living in Lima? Has been easy for you guys to live in Lima? My husband wants to know what life is from the american people living there. I will really appreciate your answers. Thank you so much guys.

Reply #15 Dan Wallace (99.172.151.181) -

I am a American Man, Engaged to a Peruvian Woman from Lima. I want to retire soon, and live in Peru with her. I found the people to be very nice, but Lima is a bit crowded, and smoggy. Can anyone tell me what would be the best towns to retire in, that are safe, clean, and the rent is reasonable? Right now I can only draw a small union pension, but in two years, I will collect my social security also. I do not want to wait until then, because of the bad economic climate in Chicago. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dan

Reply #16 Rob (13) from Miami (Contact Member) -

So this is the deal. I am Peruvian/American I guess you could say. Born in Peru, raised here in Miami. Im 27 and earn about $19.50...If I decided to move to Peru..will I be able to live ok? or well? or better than good?...I guess I want to know what a person that gets about $2500 (after taxes) a month can do there in respect to living..ofcourse I still owe some credit cards here and loans which i'd pay onine but with that in mind...what do you all see with these numbers?..I have all my cousins, aunts and uncles there and love vacationing there and I'm getting tired of the Miami scene...thanks!!!

Reply #17 Ysa (206.116.58.157) -

Hola to everyone. This is to JAMES, yes with that money you can live the rest of your life. Just be sure where you keep it.

Yes, Peru has very good banks. Health care is excellent, get a medical insurance at the Clinica Americana or British clinic, is about $ 200.00 per month. Otherwise, just get a good family Dr and whatever happens go to a good clinic maybe Stella Maris, or any other according to your budget.

At the begining you may not drink the water, but, your system will get use in about three months and you will be fine.

Yes, you can live without a car, don't take taxis all the time, it can get expensive and at night dangerous, take "micros" it costs only ONE SOL. If you need a taxi, get a nice taxi man with references, se where he lives, meet his family and use him all the time. Never tell anyone how much money you have. You can buy a beautiful condo for only $50, 000.00 or $ 70, 000 in Miraflores close to the ocean, and you will have no need of taxis. There are a lots of Americans there meeting for coffeee and chats. It is fun. By the way, I am Peruvian living in the USA and Canada for over 25 years, I am planning to go back there. No need to worry if my pension will not be big enough to support me. Just to give you an idea you can eat a full meal for only $1.80 a Day. !It means that you can eat two full meals for only $ 4.00 a day. If you buy your own groceries will be even cheaper. Get a maid , she will do all the job including your groceries maybe for $120.00 a month. Again, get someone that recommends the maid. Never trust anyone. If you live in a condo, you can do your own cleaning and cooking right? I hope this helps. Get a memebership at the Club Las Terrazas, is facing the beach, you can meet people and socialize there.

Reply #18 Mary (67.183.61.166) -

I fell in love with Lima, especially the Miraflores. I cannot retire for several years and will be at the lower end of the social security payment. (Around $1, 200.)

My plan is to make a 1-3 month trip (rent an apartment) to scope out the city. Then, when I retire, rent for one year while I rent out my condo here and make my final decision. I have a few questions:

Are Americans welcomed there? Are there many already living in the city?

I will have a cat to bring with me. How does that work?

I would love to be able to lead English speaking tours through the city or a site. My spanish is almost nil now, but I'll be learning in the meantime. Are there opportunities for a 60ish year old woman to do some work with tourists down there?

Also, when I do my short stay, I want to come down in the worst weather. If I still love the city after that, I know I'll be back. Which are the worst months in Lima?

Thanks.

Reply #19 robert e. hall (75.56.56.111) -

hi,

i am very interested in retiring in peru. but lost as to where an american single man of 49 might start to look. i will be honest and say that i am starting over in life with a divorce behind me from a love of 16 yrs.

i would like to meet a kind hearted & lovely local woman if possible please and start life over. would like to rent first then see what's out there to potentially buy. what is the health care like? reliable, safe, cost efficient? do the doctors and nurses speak/understand english? is there an area that has alot of english speaking residents? good grief, i could ask a thousand more....

if there are some web sites to research that you recommend, please pass them along.

thank you very much,

robert

Reply #20 fidel loyola herrera (190.233.222.91) -

Lima, capital of Peru, has 8 MM people. The city has a american influence (Burger King, Mc Donald, KFCH, etc.).. Globalization and The Free Trade Agreement with USA opens new opportunities for Americans in Lima.

I am a civil engineer from Peru, 55 years old, married. My wife is 44 years old. We have two children (4 and 7 years). I live in Surco (near Miraflores). I believe that an American retired with a retirement income of U.S. $ 1, 200 to 1, 500 may live in Lima as a middle-class citizen. Tourism in Lima has grown and there are opportunities to work as a tour guide for English-speaking visitors. It's a good idea. I agree to make a journey of appreciation to Lima. I offer you, free of charge, orientation, accommodation and food in my house for one month. This will would allow me to practice and improve my basic English necessary for my job.

Best regards

Reply #21 STAR (24.34.78.1) -

Hi Dan i am glad that you want to move to Peru.About peruvian women yes we like americans i am so happy with my husband we are 5 years together and living in Boston, Ma where we have our home.we love to have children.I am from Lima and my husband is from Ireland.feel free to write me to my email yubexa@

i will be happy to help you.

God bless America.

mi email is in hotmail

Reply #22 Lima Busy from Lima,Peru (Contact Member) -

Hi all.

I am a 55 year old American married to a Beautiful Peruana(28) and have a 4 year old son.

I retired in Peru (Lima)five years ago (formerly NYC) and have never looked back. Many changes have taken place (for the better) since I have moved here and the ability to live a block away from the Pacific Ocean, the food, the people and the weather make it an unbeatable combination for me.

Are there better places to live? absolutely !

Cheaper, Certainly!

Better Weather, depends where you are from?

You must have a good reason or strong connection to Peru to find Happiness here.

There is a big difference between living in Lima and living well in Lima.

Baseline would probably be $20, 000 a year.

Middle class $36, 0000.

Lima has unbelievable wealth and poverty in close proximity.

Housing is expensive, but taxes are cheap.

Cars and gas are expensive but taxi's are cheap.

Health insurance can be had for $200/mth, Doctors make house calls and a crown at the dentist is $120.00 and cleaning is $10-12 (and the dentist does it).

A Whopper combo is about $5 and a meal in a "working class" restaurant (Menu)is about $3.00.

Lima has many people from all around the world and most expats choose to live in Miraflores (oceanfront tourist area).

Wealthy Peruvians live in San Isidro (Embassy district)where Million Dollar Mansions abound.

Barranco (Bohemian district)very popular in the summer is filled with Backpackers, Musicians, Artists and young revelers!

I hope I have answered some questions here and will be happy to post more in the future.

Reply #23 Elaine (10) from Dublin, Ireland (Contact Member) -

wow, thanks for such a good overview! I'm not looking to retire (I'm only 23!) but I have been thinking about moving to Peru at some point (I'm currently living in Uruguay) and its good to hear what the different places are like.

Is Lima a dangerous city? and this bohemian place Barranco, is it very touristic with a big fluctuation in population or is it a good place for a young person to live?

Reply #24 fidel loyola herrera (190.234.197.213) -

Hi Elaine:

Lima is a city with quiet places and dangerous places. Miraflores, San Isidro, Surco, La Molina, San Borja, are safe places. Barranco has places to rest and inspiration. It's bohemian. Is visited on weekends by young people seeking entertainment. Good food, good music. Good luck in your future visit.

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