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Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Arequipa is the second-largest city in Peru, known for its rich history and stunning colonial architecture. It is situated in the southern part of the country, surrounded by volcanic mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PEN (Peruvian Sol) ≈ 0.26 USD. Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink; it's advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, Type A/C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar, Claro, and Bitel provide good mobile coverage with affordable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International bank services are provided by banks like BCP (Banco de Crédito del Perú) and Scotiabank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, Airbnb, and long-term rentals in districts like Yanahuara and Centro Histórico. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly common in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com have numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Solar are popular budget options starting around 30 PEN per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Centro Histórico is ideal for its proximity to sights like the Plaza de Armas. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Neighborhoods like San Lázaro and Yanahuara offer a mix of local culture and modern amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WorkA - A popular coworking space that offers flexible plans and good internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Lomas - Known for its quiet environment and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check Meetups on platforms like Facebook and local expat groups for regular networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Arequipa Expat Community on Facebook is a great place to find social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Beat and Cabify are reliable ride-hailing apps in Arequipa. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops in the city center offer bicycle rentals and tours. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa de la Punta is approximately 1.5 hours from Arequipa. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines operates domestic flights from Arequipa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and Copa Airlines offer international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Arequipa is well-connected via the Pan-American Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Arequipa has a central transport hub for buses, mainly near Plaza de Armas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are inexpensive, with fares starting at about 1 PEN. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly to cities like Cusco and Puno. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Goyeneche is one of the main healthcare facilities in Arequipa. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en Arequipa offers various classes for all skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gimnasio Megatlon is a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | LavaRopa services provide efficient laundry services in the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is popular for food delivery in Arequipa. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rocoto Relleno is a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Zocca Vegetarian offers a range of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulce Peru offers delicious local sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado San Camilo is excellent for local food shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | PlazaVea and MercadoLibre are popular online stores for various purchases. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi and Glovo also provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The entre Calle San Francisco and Calle Puente Bolognesi is vibrant for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Arequipeña offers tours and tastings of their local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El Bar de La Plaza offers a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Plaza de Armas serve delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta e Vino serves authentic Italian cuisine popular with locals and tourists. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, and the Church of the Company of Jesus are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Arequipa Museum of Contemporary Art is noteworthy for local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Monastery of Santa Catalina is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Arequipa provides beautiful architecture and history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de Arequipa in August celebrates the city's anniversary with festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic district of Yanahuara is rich in architecture and views. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Arequipa hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado San Camilo for local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Listen to local bands at venues like Café Tostaduría. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the vibrant street art in the Yanahuara district. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops at Arequipa Cooking offer classes for traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Casa Vargas is known for showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The iconic Sillar buildings throughout the city reflect its architectural history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Arequipa is known as the White City due to its volcanic stone architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Colca Canyon is a stunning natural site, famous for its depth and Andean condors. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve provides a habitat for wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling routes around the countryside are popular, especially towards the volcanoes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Sachaca offers panoramic views of Arequipa. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Laguna de Salinas is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check local parks like Parque Selva Alegre for bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and SERPOST provide local and international shipping options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Servicio Técnico de Electrónica is a reliable tech repair option. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Círculo de Arequipa hosts table tennis among other sports. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish language courses for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Mario Vargas Llosa provides quiet study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Arequipa offers events and classes for the community. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | NetGame is popular among locals for online gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Arequipa offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 29.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 6.8% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax resident basis for income earned inside and outside Peru. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations for foreign subsidiary taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are usually 0.2% - 1% depending on the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from the NEXUS tax agreement providing options for tax residency. |