The Necessary Steps Before Making The Big Move To Lima
Good news – there’s never been a better time to move to Lima. Crime remains low and quality of life is rising. Plus, according to city comparison tool Numbeo, Lima cost of living index is 41.61 – less than that of New York, and comparable to iconic budget living cities in Thailand and Cambodia.
Just because somewhere is affordable shouldn’t mean you become lax on planning, though. Financial insecurity and the results of poor planning can mean anything from routinely paying too much for taxis to losing the roof over your head. Plan properly, and make your expat adventure to Lima a fruitful one.
Establish your cash flow
When the cost of living is low it can be easy to overspend. Consular assistance is limited when it comes to obtaining funds, with the US State Department offering funds transfer advice and not much else. Research your profession before moving abroad. Is your job in short supply? What’s the unemployment rate like? You should ensure you move with savings and a clean slate, including assessing old debts and dealing with any outstanding balances. It is more difficult to manage your affairs from abroad. Establish how much money you have, how much you owe, and how to obtain more, before deciding on a final plan.
Learning the lay of the land
It goes without saying that laws are different from country to country. Whilst many countries operate on the same principle, there are key differences in how that is actually implemented. According to Lexology, tenants will be expected to complete emergency repairs in Peru, for example, which differs from many other western approaches. Disputes can be slow with housing, too, and Global Property Guide cites examples of the court systems being slowed. Read up on your law, learn about regulators, and make sure you don’t get scammed or caught in a poor situation.
Learning the language and social customs
Moving to a different country will take some adjustment. Laws, social norms and most obviously the language are different. Don’t underestimate this – people are friendly, but day to day smooth living requires a degree of knowledge and the willingness to immerse yourself in the culture. The quality of popular map applications might not be accurate, and local knowledge can be key to getting around and being comfortable in the city. Do your research at home, learn the language, and make sure you’re building your sense of Peruvian identity before you make the move.
Lima is a wonderful global city and full of culture, life, and vibrant entertainment. It’s an obvious destination for expats and a great, budget place to establish a new life. However, it shouldn’t be underestimated in terms of how different the culture is.
