Where to stay?
- Miraflores — comfortable, walkable, parks by the sea.
- Barranco — art and bars, bohemian vibe.
- San Isidro — safe, offices, top restaurants.
Introduction
What to expect when you arrive, how to get your bearings, and the shortcuts to settle in within hours (not days). Coming from abroad? This is your fast-track guide to hit the ground running.
Essentials on arrival
Essentials on arrival
Getting to the city
- Lima traffic is terrible.
- Leaving the airport can be challenging.
- Avoid street taxis and combis.
- Use official services or ride-hailing apps.
Payments & connectivity
- Bring USD and make sure your card works internationally.
- Exchange a small amount of Soles at the airport.
- Change the rest at an exchange house (not on the street).
- Use an eSIM or roaming — don't buy a local SIM in Lima.
Landing checklist
- Connectivity: buy an eSIM or activate roaming.
- Cash: carry some soles; otherwise use ATMs from major banks.
- Airport → Miraflores/Barranco: 35–55 min off-peak; 60–90+ min rush hour.
- Get oriented: the malecón runs north–south; the expressway is the central axis.
- Stay safe: put your phone away at busy intersections.
Connectivity
Connectivity
Recommended carriers
- Claro — good coverage in central areas.
- Entel — stable alternative.
- Movistar — widely available, signal varies by district.
Where to buy an eSIM
- Mobimatter — eSIM marketplace.
- Holafly — you've probably seen their ads.
- Maya — less well-known but equally good.
Quick tips
- Enable data/roaming only if your plan allows it.
- When using an eSIM, save the QR code and activation code, and note your Peruvian number.
- Wi-Fi is available in cafés and malls. Use a VPN to protect your data.
Payments & currency
Payments & currency
Currency exchange
- Formal exchange houses (in commercial premises).
- Street changers (use with caution, small amounts only).
- Avoid exchanging large amounts in public.
Cards & ATMs
- Cards accepted at most establishments.
- Use ATMs at major banks to withdraw Soles.
- Low fees for international cards.
Recommended neighborhoods to stay
Recommended neighborhoods to stay
Miraflores
- A great choice for your first visit.
- Parks by the sea, bike lanes, and viewpoints for walking or cycling.
- Work-friendly cafés and restaurants for every budget.
- Safe by day and well connected; can be noisy near Kennedy/Larco on weekends.
Barranco
- Bohemian and walkable: street art, galleries, and music bars.
- Quick connection to Miraflores (10–15 min by taxi without traffic).
- Lively nightlife; some noise near the Bridge of Sighs/bar areas.
- Boutique guesthouses and a growing food scene.
San Isidro
- Residential, safe, and quiet.
- Large parks (El Olivar) and top restaurants; calm cafés for working.
- Less nightlife and longer distances on foot.
- Easy transfers to Miraflores (10–20 min by taxi off-peak).
Schedules & customs
Schedules & customs
Schedules & customs
- Lunch 1–3 pm; dinner 8–10 pm.
- Top restaurants require reservations.
- Tipping not mandatory; 10% is well received.
Weather & basic safety
- Mild climate with overcast skies in winter.
- Summer sun is strong (Dec–Mar).
- Keep your phone put away at busy intersections.
Safety first
Read the quick warnings before heading out to explore the neighborhoods.