Moving To Peru From The UK
Moving to Peru
Whether you are moving to Lima, Cusco or Trujillo, Britannia Movers International has the expertise and the local knowledge to tailor the move to your individual needs.
Importing Personal Effects to PeruShipments of used household and personal effects are dutiable, usually at a rate of 20%, while household goods previously exported from Peru can be imported duty-free. Documents required for the importation of goods will be your passport, a detailed inventory, and a legalised copy of your work permit stamped by the Ministry of Labour, if you are not a Peruvian citizen. Your local Britannia member will provide you with detailed customs regulations, and any further information you need. |
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Peru Customs Prohibitions and RestrictionsIn general, it is in your interest not to import the following items:
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Transit Times to PeruSole use containers take on average 6-7 weeks, while crated consignments may take longer, on average 7-9 weeks, but this will also depend on your final destination in Peru. |
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Protecting Your Items for Transport to PeruAll groupage consignments will be barcoded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin. |
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Moving to Peru with PetsBritannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport. |
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Moving Motor Vehicles to PeruCars may be imported to Peru provided they are less than 5 years old. Duty on used vehicles is currently 72% and on new cars 45%. A certificate of inspection at origin is mandatory. |
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Peru Currency TransferWhen you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers:
More info on the IFX website. |
Moving to Peru with Britannia
Your Move to Peru with Britannia – Britannia offers you a door-to-door shipping service to Peru, and can either ship your effects by sole use container, or for smaller shipments in a wooden crate (LCL). In addition, we offer a door-to-door airfreight service to some destinations in Peru. Our agents in Lima will arrange customs clearance, and deliver and unpack the effects, including removal of debris on day of delivery.
Additional Removal Services – If you require additional removal services when moving to Peru, Britannia is authorised to provide comprehensive insurance, and arrange international storage or pet transport.
If you are interested in moving to Peru, you can request a removals quote, read about our international removals, and contact us for more information.
Living in Peru
Deeply rooted in Spanish and indigenous cultures, and further influenced by various American, European, and African customs, Peru offers a wide range of experiences. Whether you want to be captivated by the treasures of Inca culture, such as the Machu Picchu, admire Catholic churches or indigenous textiles, Peru is a fantastic destination, and a country that manages to fuse all these cultural influences with modern trends.
Peru is located in western South America, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and the Pacific Ocean. Peru was home to the Inca Empire in Pre-Colombian America until the Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century. Peru nowadays is a democratic republic, with a high human development index, and a developing market economy focusing mainly on agriculture, fishing, mining, and manufacturing.
Peru’s culture is vibrant and multifaceted, with traditions that date back centuries. Festivals and celebrations play a key role in Peruvian life, from the colourful Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) to the religious processions during Semana Santa. Music and dance, such as the marinera and huayno, reflect the fusion of indigenous and colonial influences, while Peruvian cuisine, featuring dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado, is renowned worldwide for its unique blend of flavours and ingredients.
Although Peru is an equatorial country, the influence of the Andes mountains results in climatic and geographic diversity, and Peru is not only home to tropical forests, and coastal deserts, but you will also find snow-capped mountains and volcanoes. Whether you are drawn to Peru for its stunning and diverse landscapes, to explore what remains of its indigenous culture, to enjoy a different lifestyle or for professional reasons, it is a country that will definitely offer exciting and fun experiences.
Peru Visas
Nationals of some countries, including the United Kingdom can visit Peru for up to 90 days without a visa. If you wish to take up paid employment or stay permanently, you will need to apply for a visa and a work permit.
To obtain a work visa, you’ll need a job offer from a Peruvian employer. They will act as the sponsor for your visa. They will need to submit your employment contract to Peru’s immigration office for approval before you can apply for your visa.
You’ll also need a residence visa. To obtain this, you’ll need to show proof of income or purpose, such as employment or family ties. Residence permits are typically issued for one year and then will need to be renewed annually. You’ll apply for your residence permit oncde you arrive I the country at your local immigration office (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones). You may also be required to undergo a medical examination and provide a police clearance certificate.
Working in Peru
Peru offers a variety of job opportunities for UK expats, particularly in sectors such as mining, tourism, education, and agriculture. The mining industry is one of the largest contributors to the Peruvian economy, and skilled professionals in engineering, geology, and technical fields are often in high demand. Education is another area with significant demand for English-speaking teachers, particularly in language schools and universities. Expats with expertise in business, finance, and IT may also find opportunities in Peru’s growing economy, especially in urban centres like Lima, the capital city and the country’s economic hub.
The working culture in Peru is formal and respectful, with a strong focus on building personal relationships in the workplace. Punctuality is valued, although the pace of work may feel more relaxed compared to the UK. Spanish is the dominant language in the workplace, and knowledge of the language is crucial for effective communication. However, English is increasingly spoken in international companies.
Cost of Living in Peru
Living and housing costs in Peru are substantially lower than in the UK and other Western European countries, so if you manage to find a relatively well-paid job, you should be able to live comfortably.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Peru is nearly 49% lower than in the UK, not including rent. Rent alone is 68% lower than in the UK. Salaries also reflect this difference, with the average monthly wage being 85% lower in Peru than in the UK. However, your earning potential will vary depending on your role and industry, and many UK expats enjoy a high quality of life in Peru.
You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Peru below. Prices are shown in Sol (S/) and converted to UK pounds alongside the price in the UK so you can see how costs match up.
Item | Price in Peru | Price in UK |
Milk (1l) | S/4.78 £1.04 |
S/5.66 £1.24 |
Loaf of white bread | S/8.45 £1.85 |
S/5.67 £1.24 |
Eggs (12) | S/9.46 £2.07 |
S/13.55 £2.96 |
Bananas (1kg) | S/3.43 £0.75 |
S/5.38 £1.18 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | S/18.73 £4.09 |
S/30.31 £6.62 |
Bottle of water (1.5l) | S/2.87 £0.63 |
S/5.10 £1.11 |
Pair of quality jeans | S/161.86 £35.35 |
S/298.05 £65.10 |
Chain store dress | S/111.67 £24.39 |
S/148.06 £32.34 |
Mid-range trainers | S/296.00 £64.65 |
S/342.75 £74.86 |
Cinema ticket | S/25.00 £5.46 |
S/45.78 £10.00 |
Fitness Club Fees (1 month) | S/114.18 £24.94 |
S/154.85 £33.82 |
Interesting Facts About Peru
- Machu Picchu is the most famous Inca site, and was only brought the international attention in 1911.
- Lake Titicaca, located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at an altitude of 3,812 metres above sea level.
- Voting is compulsory in Peru for all citizens aged 18 to 70, but members of the national police and the military may not vote in elections.
- Peru was the last Spanish colony in South America to gain independence.
- Peru is one of the top producers of lead, cooper, silver and zinc in the world.
- Peruvian textiles, made from alpaca and vicuña wool, are world-renowned for their quality and vibrant colours, showcasing ancient weaving traditions.
- The mysterious Nazca Lines are giant geoglyphs etched into the desert sands of southern Peru, depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes that can only be fully appreciated from the air.
- The Amazon River, the world’s largest river by volume, originates in the Peruvian Andes.
Choose Britannia for Your Peru Relocation
If you are thinking about moving to Peru and want to find out more about our international removal services or request a removals quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.