$PlaybookChiang Mai
Thailand
80 Mbps
5/10
9/10
6/10
Lima
Peru
South America's food capital — cliff-top Pacific views, world-class ceviche, and a surging startup scene
ModerateStart Playbook
Nomad Score
7.7/10
Cost Tier
Budget ($)
Internet
120 Mbps
Safety
6.5/10
Walkability
7/10
English-Friendly
6/10
About Lima
Lima's reputation has been rebuilt entirely around food — and deservedly so. Restaurants here regularly top Latin America's best lists, and the city's fusion of Peruvian, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish culinary traditions has produced something genuinely unique. For nomads, the calculus centers on two neighborhoods: Miraflores and Barranco. Miraflores is polished, cliff-top, walkable, and has most of the coworking infrastructure; Barranco is bohemian, artistic, and cheaper. The city is large, traffic is difficult, and Lima's notorious grey winter (known locally as garúa) persists June–October — but the food, the coworking scene, and the Pacific coast energy keep bringing people back.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in USD for a single digital nomad.
Rent (Studio)$550
Coworking$120
Groceries$250
Eating Out$300
Transport$40
Phone/SIM$15
Gym$30
Total Monthly$1,305
Visa & Stay
Visa-Free for US Citizens
Yes
Max Stay (Visa-Free)
183 days
Digital Nomad Visa
Not Available
Climate
Climate Type
arid
Best Months
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Avoid Months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Lima's garúa — a thick coastal fog — blankets the city from June to October, producing overcast skies, drizzle, and temperatures that feel colder than they are. The beaches are dead; the city feels oppressive.
Timezone
PET (UTC-5)
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Language
Spanish
Continent
South America
Topics & Vibes
foodcoworkingstartup sceneseaarthistorynightlife
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Frequently Asked Questions — Lima
Common questions from digital nomads researching Lima.
Is Lima good for digital nomads?
Yes — Lima scores 7.7/10 on GetSettld's nomad index, making it an very good choice for remote workers. South America's food capital — cliff-top Pacific views, world-class ceviche, and a surging startup scene. The city is rated "moderate" difficulty for new arrivals, with a 6/10 English-friendliness score and 6.5/10 for safety. Internet averages 120 Mbps. Overall, Lima's reputation has been rebuilt entirely around food — and deservedly so.
How much does it cost to live in Lima as a digital nomad?
A typical single digital nomad can expect to spend around $1,305/month in Lima. The budget breaks down as: studio apartment rent ~$550, coworking space ~$120, groceries ~$250, eating out ~$300, local transport ~$40, phone/SIM ~$15, and gym ~$30. Overall, Lima is a budget-friendly destination. Costs vary depending on neighbourhood, lifestyle, and whether you cook at home.
Do US citizens need a visa to work remotely in Lima?
US citizens can enter Peru visa-free for up to 183 days — no advance visa is required. There is currently no dedicated digital nomad visa for Peru, so most nomads work within the 183-day tourist allowance and rotate to another country to reset.
What is the internet like in Lima?
Internet speeds in Lima average around 120 Mbps, which is excellent — fast enough for video conferencing, large file uploads, and all standard remote work. Dedicated coworking spaces reliably deliver faster and more stable connections than cafes or short-term apartments. If you plan to work from home, confirm fibre availability before signing a lease — co-working memberships are a reliable fallback during slower periods.
Is Lima safe for digital nomads?
Lima has a safety rating of 6.5/10 on our scale — generally safe for nomads who stay informed and practice standard precautions — research neighbourhoods before booking and avoid displaying expensive equipment. As with any city, basic precautions apply: use ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked taxis, don't leave laptops unattended in cafes, and be aware of your surroundings in busy tourist areas.
What is the best time of year to visit Lima?
The best months to base yourself in Lima are December, January, February, March, April. The climate type is arid. We recommend avoiding June, July, August, September — lima's garúa — a thick coastal fog — blankets the city from June to October, producing overcast skies, drizzle, and temperatures that feel colder than they are. The beaches are dead; the city feels oppressive..
What currency is used in Lima and how should I handle money?
Lima uses the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Cards are widely accepted in cities. For the best rates when converting USD, use Wise or Revolut rather than airport exchange kiosks. Keep some PEN cash on hand for markets, transport, and smaller establishments.
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