Peru

Work

Short-term business travelers can normally enter Peru on a tourist visa. Not all top-end hotels have fully equipped business centers and international direct dialing (IDD) telephones in guest rooms, so ask about these when making reservations. Better hotels will provide dual-voltage outlets and electricity converters upon request, while luxury hotels have concierge staff to arrange everything from taxis to translators. Smaller hotels and guesthouses often have capable front desk staff who can assist business travelers.

Officially, you will need a work visa to be employed in Peru. However, you might be able to get a part-time job teaching English in language schools, usually in Lima, without a work visa. This is illegal, however, and such jobs are increasingly difficult to get without a proper work visa. Occasionally, schools advertise for teachers in the newspapers, but more often, jobs are found by word of mouth. Schools expect you to be a native English speaker, and the pay is low. If you have teaching credentials, so much the better. Average pay is US$200 per week.

American and British schools in Lima sometimes hire teachers of math, biology and other subjects, but usually only if you apply in advance. They pay much better than the language schools, and might possibly be able to help you get a work visa if you want to stay. In Lima, the South American Explorers clubhouse and international cultural centers may have contacts with schools that are looking for teachers.

Most other jobs are obtained by word of mouth (eg bartenders, hostel staff, jungle guides), but the possibilities are limited.

Business hours

Hours are variable and liable to change. Be patient, as services can be slow. Some places may have posted hours and not adhere to them. Forget about getting anything done on a Sunday, when nearly everything is closed. A few 24-hour supermarkets have opened in Lima and other major cities. Taxi drivers often know where the late-night stores are.

Many shops and offices close for a lunch break (usually from 1pm until around 4pm), but some banks and post offices stay open. Typically, opening hours are as follows:

Banks 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, some open 9am-1pm Sat

Bars and clubs 5:30pm-midnight, some till 2am

Restaurants 10am-10pm, some closed 3-6pm

Shops 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, some open 9am-6pm Sat