What You Need to Know Before Coming to Peru

Peru is an incredible country to visit, so in order to make sure your trip is as pleasurable as possible, here are some insider tips about what to pack, what to leave at home and what to expect once you’re here.

EVER PRECIOUS WATER

Firstly, you mustn’t drink the water here; stay on the safe side and buy bottled water wherever you go. When you drink the refresco that comes with your menu or order a jugo from a cafe, it will be made with boiled water which is generally not a big issue. All the same, you should always keep some stomach medicine on hand because you will inevitably get a small, or big, bout of Peruvian belly at some point. Water scarcity is also a huge issue and a daily struggle for many Peruvians, so be considerate of this and conserve water as much as you can, particularly in provincial areas or outlying parts of Lima where water is only delivered every few days. If you’re in a small town be sure to ask what the situation is and if hot water is very important to you, confirm that your hostel or hotel definitely has it. Particularly in parts of Peru with a warmer climate, the majority of houses and hostels do not have hot water as it’s not considered a necessity. However saying that, you can also be caught off-guard with hot water in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa so to avoid any problems check the water temperature when you first inspect the room.

LEAVE THE BLING AT HOME

Peru, like many South American countries, has a huge disparity between the wealthy and the poor and unfortunately this means higher levels of petty crime. As a general rule it is best not to bring anything with you that you would be too upset to lose of possession of, such as expensive electronics or accessories. It is also a good to idea to dress and act respectfully in order to avoid drawing unwanted attention to yourself, so leave the gold jewelry and expensive clothes at home. 

TOILET ETIQUETTE

Many establishments don’t provide toilet paper and well equipped public toilets are the exception and not the rule in Peru. So be sure to take toilet paper anywhere and everywhere you go, the best thing is to keep a roll handy in your daypack or handbag. If you’re having difficulty finding a public toilet you can always ask in a restaurant or a bar if you can use their bathroom and for S/1 they will allow you to. Once you make it to a bathroom you may notice a sign advising you not to flush your toilet paper down the toilet, and to put it in the rubbish bin provided. This is the case not only in Peru but across South America, in all toilets, public and private. And last but not least, if you’re finicky about hygiene, carry antibacterial gel with you because soap is even rarer than toilet paper is.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Small ailments generally don’t require a trip to a doctor in this corner of the world; you can head to your local pharmacy or botica (an informal pharmacy, at times run out of the front of someone’s house) as a lot of prescription medicine is sold over the counter here. Outside of Lima it’s difficult to find beauty and personal care items (including vitamin supplements), so be sure to stock up on your favorite brands before you get on the plane.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY

The national currency is soles and although some places may accept dollars, it is not to be assumed that this is the case everywhere so you are best to change your money. Contrary to what some expat forums may state, unless you are in the far north of Peru and close to the Ecuadorian border, the majority of people don’t accept dollars and if they do you will be given a low rate.  It’s also important to be aware of fake currency, both in dollars and soles, so it’s a good idea to learn how to check if a bill is the real deal. Make an effort to pay with smaller bills and change your money in a casa de cambio as oppose to on the street. Outside of major cities many places only accept cash and there will be limited access to ATMs, particularly in small provincial towns, so plan your cash flow in advance.

Peru will undoubtedly amaze and inspire you and to make the most of your stay, be well prepared and do a little research about Peru before you come. It’s also highly recommended to try to arrive with at least some basic Spanish, as it will help to facilitate your everyday transactions and make the experience even richer by allowing you to communicate with locals.

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About the author: Ellie Ryan is an Aussie expat working and living in Peru. She is the Founder of TEFL Zorritos, a TEFL training institute which trains people to become English language teachers and places them in positions in Peru and abroad. She is also the Founder of TEFL Zorritos English Institute, the first ever English institute in the small northern town of Zorritos. This article was originally published on the Living in Peru website as part of her Expat Ellie blog series. 

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Giving Birth in Peru

One of our most popular recent articles was Anastasia’s story of being pregnant in Peru. We will now continue her story as she takes us through her experience of giving birth in Peru.

How did my happy pregnancy end? In the most absolutely unpredictable way possible. The most important thing is that I was blessed with a healthy, cute baby as a result, nevertheless giving birth for the first time was not what I expected. It was much faster and much more stressful; I expected it to be a long challenge and it turned out to be a marathon, which consumed every part of my mind and body. The main point of advice I would have given myself six months ago would have been to start reading about what starts happening to your body and the baby in the last few days of pregnancy.

But on a practical note here are some things that you should organize carefully, taking into account that I had only been living in Peru for a year and a half prior to my pregnancy and I had poor Spanish and no medical insurance.

Firstly, look for hospitals that are closest to where you live, otherwise you’ll need to forget about trying to deliver during peak hour, due to Lima’s congested and chaotic traffic. To get stuck in your car in traffic during contractions is not a positive start to the experience. Many drivers do not respect ambulances and I was unpleasantly surprised to learn that it is not uncommon to keep women in hospital with false contractions in order to control the timing of the birth.

It is advisable to have an extra doctor just in case; my doctor was very unhappy that I went into labor late at night, my contractions were every five to seven minutes however I was still able to walk between each one. When I arrived at the hospital in San Isidro the obstetrician sent me home and asked me to come back at nine o’clock in the morning, being a more respectable hour.

Make sure you have someone, and preferably more than one person if possible, who can stay with you throughout the entire process. My bed was moved without even removing the drip from my hand, no one ever asked me if I was comfortable and I was left alone for quite a long time. Half of the work which you’d expect to be carried out by a nurse had to be taken care of by my husband, which also turned out to be the case post-delivery.

Try to maintain contact with a second doctor during labor in order to give you a second opinion. You will not be given much room to make your own decisions, however it may be something urgent in which a second opinion is incredibly valuable, for example deciding when to go to hospital. The sanitary and health care rules of the hospital will be far from your expectations; my husband and I were never asked about HIV, hepatitis or other infectious diseases. I was shocked that during the delivery, and right up until the umbilical cord was cut, that the attending staff entered the room dressed in their normal clothes. This was also the case post-delivery and when they had contact with my newborn baby. Allow me to remind you that this was in one of the wealthiest suburbs in Lima, in a hospital that claimed top quality and service standards.

You will need extra cash, food, water, drugs and clothes on hand, my doctor did not provide us with a list of things that we should’ve taken to the hospital. The hospital provides almost everything however there was never enough and it wasn’t very good quality. I ended up being hungry, thirsty and using my own painkillers and night dress. You are also charged for every single extra thing you ask the nurse for.

Push your doctor to discuss the contract and possible extra costs prior to delivery and be prepared to repeat your personal details ten times. I was lucky that I had my husband to deal with the non-stop bureaucracy, as contractions tend to make you less willing to constantly spell your name or explain your profession.

Last but certainly not least, be prepared to give your baby a name before it is even born. I was very surprised to be asked this a few hours before my daughter was born. Giving birth may be the hardest thing you’ve ever done in your life but just know that your baby is working just as hard as you are, in a rush to meet you!

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About the author: Ellie Ryan is an Aussie expat working and living in Peru. She is the Founder of TEFL Zorritos, a TEFL training institute which trains people to become English language teachers and places them in positions in Peru and abroad. She is also the Founder of TEFL Zorritos English Institute, the first ever English institute in the small northern town of Zorritos. This article was originally published on the Living in Peru website as part of her Expat Ellie blog series.  

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Teaching English in Nepal

Nepal is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and there are actually many TEFL opportunities in this beautiful country. Admittedly most of these positions are voluntary but paid work can be found in Kathmandu by the persistent and experienced. Don’t expect to make a large salary – not that you’ll need one given that living costs are so low – and remind yourself of the positive impact your hard work can have on the local Nepalese people.

Paid teaching jobs in Nepal are found primarily in Kathmandu and you can expect a salary of from $500 to $1,000 USD.  Realistically, expect your salary to be closer to the $500 USD amount.  Like most schools in Asia, teachers should have a degree, a TEFL certification and preferably two years of teaching experience.  Don't expect to find a job in Nepal by surfing the internet.  You need to be in Nepal and plan on doing some leg work and making connections if you hope to find a paid teaching position.  If you don't have a degree, a TEFL certificate and at least some experience then you are advised to not seek paid employment in Nepal.  You will be better served volunteering or working in another country until you have some experience.

You will need to arrive in Nepal on a tourist visa and request that your employer arrange a work permit for you.  Although salaries are low compared to other Asian countries, the cost of food, transport and accommodations are very low in Nepal.  Typically salaries are paid on a monthly basis and your employer is responsible for paying any income tax that is owed.   

Nepal is a destination for teachers who want to make a contribution to the local Nepal people.  You can think of it as place to work on your spiritual rather than your job related skills.  Of course teaching the Nepal people who are gentle and kind by nature will be an experience you will never forget.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 10 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don't wait, make your reservation today!

Teaching English in Myanmar

Myanmar (Burma) is a fascinating place to be at the moment as the nation slowly opens up to the world. Because of this, there are a large number of opportunities (both voluntary and paid) for English teachers, but many are not advertised online. Myanmar has beautiful scenery and a fascinating culture. It is safe to live there as a foreigner as long as you do not openly discuss the politics of the country but bear in mind that power cuts are common and can be quite frustrating when planning class activities reliant on electricity. Flexibility and patience are important qualities that will be required.

Typical salaries start at about $1,000 USD per month and rise to over $2,000 USD per month for good international schools.  The majority of jobs are in the two major cities, Yangon (Rangoon) and Mandalay.  Schools will expect the standard qualification for Asia which are typically a degree, TEFL certification and 1-2 years of experience as a teacher.

You might want to consider doing some volunteer work in your spare time as it can be of huge benefit to local people.  Be careful about discussing local politics openly.  Make sure that your employer has agreed to pay the costs associated with the business visa before signing a contract.  The situation is such that most employees arrive in Myanmar on a tourist visa. This is then converted into a business visa. Having a business visa entails flying out to Thailand to renew it every 7 weeks (at the expense of your employer). Whether this is a good or not is a matter for you to decide.

Local food and transportation costs are low but accommodation is rather expensive. It is standard to pay for up to twelve months in advance so arrange accommodation as part of your employment contract if at all possible.  Employers are generally responsible for paying taxes and salaries are usually paid on a monthly basis.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 10 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don't wait, make your reservation today!

Teaching English in Mexico

Teachers are generally expected to live in the country for at least a year, and many choose to stay beyond that because Mexico is a truly beautiful place to live. Whether you're teaching in a major metropolitan area or a small rural city, you'll find the Mexican experience uniquely enlightening and enriching.

In order to teach English in Mexico, you must be certified in TEFL. These certifications qualify native English speakers to teach in a classroom setting.

You will be required to get a work permit in order to work in Mexico. It's vital to make sure your immigration papers are in order, because working illegally in Mexico leaves you open to deportation. Keep in mind that most Mexican work passes are good for only up to six months; at that point, you will most likely have to cross back into the US. Even entering the US for a matter of hours will reset your pass, and you'll be able to re-enter for another six months.

Application requirements in Mexico are sometimes inconsistent, and it's best to be over-prepared. Arrive with all possible paperwork in hand- bring your birth certificate, college transcripts, reference letters, and anything else you might possibly need. It's difficult to predict what you'll be asked for, and you'll want to spare yourself the expense and trouble of having to return home for something you didn't bring.

Those who plan to teach in Mexico should not plan on being hired before they arrive. Although in other countries you can often find a job before you head over, this is not common in Mexico. Your best bet is to research possible employment before you leave, and then get ready to interview once you arrive in Mexico.

Most English teachers in Mexico are employed by schools. English is taught from elementary school on up through college, and native English speakers are always in high demand as teachers. However, you do have other options. Some companies will hire English teachers to train their employees in English communication. There are also numerous private language institutions that hold English classes, which any citizen can attend.

Depending on what type of teaching you wish to do, you may want to centralize your job search around a particular area. Mexico City and other large metro areas are the easiest places to find English teaching jobs. This is also where you're most likely to find good pay, decent hours, and acceptable housing.

There is honestly no real shortcut when it comes to finding a teaching job in Mexico. So prepare yourself to do some legwork once you arrive.

Teaching English in Mexico will not offer as much money or as many benefits as an ESL job in China or Korea. Those teaching English in Mexico can expect to earn $3,000 - $18,000 MXN per month.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 10 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don't wait, make your reservation today!

Teaching English in Laos

Laos is one of the most laid-back countries in which to teach, although it can be difficult for first-timers to find anything more than offers of part-time work paid by the hour. A small number of education centers will offer full-time contracts and pay for visa costs for teachers who are experienced in teaching in Asia. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer in more rural areas, but almost all paid positions are in the rather sleepy capital of Vientiane.  The EFL market is expanding slowly, but steadily, however it is almost impossible to find a job unless you are in country for a personal interview.  If you are looking for exciting night life or lots of entertainment, you will be disappointed in Laos.  Laos is for the really laid-back individual who likes a slow and easy pace.  Most of all, if you are going to live and work in Laos, you will need a lot of patience.  Things move slowly here and shouting or aggressive behaviour will not make things move any faster.

Salaries for teachers start at around $800 USD a month and top out at around $1,500 USD a month at a good international school.  However, don't expect to start a full time position immediately, typically it takes time and patience to eventually find full time work.  You will probably have to start part-time hourly work earning from $10 - 20 USD per hour.  Most paid jobs are found in the capital Vientiane.  If you are looking for volunteer work, there are opportunities country wide in Laos.

Hiring schools will usually want their teachers to have a Degree and TEFL certification.  

Most employers will arrange a visa for you. It is normal to enter on a tourist visa before applying for the work visa. Some employers will expect you to pay for your work visa (approximately 300 USD per year).

The cost of accommodation in Laos is low, but rising in Vientiane. Local food and transportation costs are very low.  Schools usually pay in US dollars. Employers are responsible for income tax.

One final word of advice if you are single you should be aware of strict laws in Laos regarding personal relationships between locals and foreigners.  You should always obey the laws in Laos.  The level of corruption is quite high and you could find yourself deported at the least or with a lengthy jail term for not obeying Laos laws.  Laos is definitely not a place where you want to be in prison.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 10 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don't wait, make your reservation today!

Teaching English in Japan

Well-known for being one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in, it can be expensive to make the move to Japan. However, teaching salaries are high – especially for those with experience or those on the JET program.

There are various different options to consider but it is inadvisable to arrive in Japan before you have secured a position. Eikaiwa (English conversation schools), such as AEON, ECC and Berlitz, are good for urban placements but offer lower salaries. Local elementary and high schools employ English ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) and most of these positions are found via recruitment agencies such as Interac. Finally, the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program has an excellent reputation and is by far the best option, salary-wise, unless you have the qualifications and experience required for the lucrative yet elusive positions in International Schools. Be aware that JET participants are often given placements in rural areas and are expected to be ‘cultural ambassadors’ for their country of origin. Interviews for ALT/JET positions are held in cities in Canada, USA, UK etc. The JET program even offers some positions to non-native English speakers.

Salaries in Japan start at around $2,000 USD per month and go as high as $5,000 USD per month at some of the better international schools.  Jobs are available nation-wide, with the cost of living and salaries slightly lower in rural areas.  You will need a degree and a TEFL certificate plus at least one year of experience to teach in Japan.  You need to plan ahead. Recruitment agencies have strict annual deadlines for applications. These deadlines vary according to your country of citizenship. Bear in mind that positions are limited and there is considerable competition for them.  Think carefully whether you would prefer to teach in an urban or rural area. When applying for teaching positions, make sure you emphasize your interest in the culture of Japan and mention any language skills you have already. Your resume should be meticulously detailed.  A degree is obligatory for those hoping to teach in Japan as you cannot get a work permit without one. Given that accommodation costs are so high, you will need some savings to help you through the initial period.

The cost of accommodation in Japan is very high and securing an apartment is expensive as you will have to pay agent fees and a large deposit. Medical costs can be astronomical so make sure health insurance is included in your contract or else arrange it yourself beforehand. Travelling in Japan is expensive but highly efficient.

Income tax is paid by your employer at the end of each month and you will be given a pay slip detailing relevant deductions.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 10 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don't wait, make your reservation today!