Lima, Peru
An Expat Talks about Retiring in Lima, Peru
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Lima
Why did you choose to retire abroad?
Wanted to live in an affordable large city on the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean
Are you retired abroad all year or part of the year?
I live here year round
Why did you choose the country you retired to?
I think the country chose me! I came here on Vacation, fell in love and would dread the 2-3 months I spent home in NYC before I could return again.
Did you ever live abroad before you retired abroad?
No
How long have you lived abroad since you retired abroad?
8 Years
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
How many countries (other than your home country) have you lived in as a retiree?
1
What have been the most challenging aspects of being retired abroad?
Language & Bureaucratic entanglements.
What have been the most rewarding aspects of being retired abroad?
The food,people,weather,culture and relaxed way of life.
What would you do differently if you were just starting the retire abroad process?
Come about 10 years earlier.
What is life like for a retiree in your city and its surroundings? (Is there an active expat community? Cultural Attractions? Recreation? Nightlife?)
We have a very active ex-pat community here. Besides all of the famous cultural sites here, we have amazing restaurants, good health clinics, movie theaters, grocery stores, Surfing beaches, parasailing and anything else I could want just a few minutes walk from my front door.
What residency documents or visas did you need to obtain to retire in your host country? How difficult was this process? (Please describe)
Fairly easy you need a pension or SSI of $1,000.00 a month for your self and $500.00 more for each dependent.
Did you buy a home or apartment, or rent one? Is this a difficult process? (Please describe)
I rented a house (Miraflores) for the first year from a gringo who actually took a USA check for the years rent. I also bought his car and sold it 6 years later for the same price.
I bought a Penthouse apartment overlooking the Pacific (for a song)on my tourist visa with only $500.00 deposit and a photocopy of my passport.
Financially, has living abroad in your host country met your expectations? Exceeded them?
Exceeded them by a mile! Like most of Latin America when the Financial crisis started in the USA and Europe, prices of land tripled.
Inflation has been low and and prices of most things are about a third of NYC. Lunch for 2 in a nice Cafe was $12 eight years ago and now is about $20.00 Our currency has appreciated from 3.6-1 to 2.7-1 over the same time frame.
What are the most important financial considerations for retiring to your host country?
Obviously, that you have a secure income and you have adequately budgeted your expenses (including travel). Are not dependent on medications that may not be available
How much can a retiree live on comfortably in your host country?
Minimum for 1 person would be about $2,000.00 per month
Do you have access to quality medical care? (Please describe - is it close? Expensive?)
I live 2 blocks from a famous clinic and pay about $85.00 a month for a family of 3. A major health policy with a multi-national insurer would probably be under $2,000 per year.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote
Describe available transportation where you live. Do you need a car? Is there access to safe public transportation?
No car necessary, taxi's and buses available if you must leave the area. Taxi's are normally a dollar to go anywhere in the immediate area and a 20 min drive would cost $3-$4
Is there high-speed internet access where you live?
Yes, It is all over in the cafes/restaurants/Mc Donalds/Starbucks etc. I have a 3G dongle which I can carry with me and use anywhere in the country.
