Overseas Faculty Manual - Transportation

Taxis are plentiful and provide an inexpensive way to get around Lima. In Lima taxis are not metered so what you will need to do is negotiate the fare with the driver before you get in the taxi. Asking for a reasonable fare is expected and appropriate. There are also a few private companies that provide radio dispatched cab services. The fares are higher; however, a taxi picking you up at your location at the pre-determined time is quite convenient, and also your personal security is more assured due to the better overall condition of these cabs and their ability to summon police if needed.

Molina Taxi 348-9888 or 348-6465
Movil 422-6890
Manuel 9588-0192
Salvadore 9913-1628
Gustavo 9800-9036

The school does offer yellow school bus transportation in the mornings and twice in the afternoons (3:30 and 5:15) on the routes determined for the students. This bus service is available to teachers and is offered free of charge for Overseas Hirers and their children.

Driving in Peru and in Lima particularly is stressful and dangerous. Peruvian drivers obey virtually no traffic laws, turn without signaling, run red lights, straddle lanes, turn left from far right lanes and right from far left lanes, cut drivers off, drive the wrong way on one-way streets, operate unsafe vehicles, vehicles without brake lights and vehicles without headlights turned on, or even without headlights. However, many staff members do buy cars. You may decide that you do not need a car. Be advised that most cars that are for sale in Lima are standard transmission. You should also know that some teachers do on occasion use comfortable tourist buses to travel to locations outside Lima.

If you’re thinking of buying a car, keep the following information in mind:

• Before buying, let the Housing/Relocation Assistant know so that she can give you important information about taxes, insurance, etc.
• Be sure the car is fully insured. Teachers have the option to get car insurance through the school’s insurance agent.
• Keep the following items in your car: fire extinguisher and reflector triangles.
• You can drive for your first month in Peru with a valid driver’s license from another country. After the first month, however, you need an International Drivers License or a Peruvian License. We strongly recommend that you obtain an International Drivers License before arriving in Peru. This license is valid for one year, and makes the process of getting a Peruvian License much easier.
• It is against the law in Peru to use a cell phone while driving.
• If you already own a car, be sure to have all the necessary documents required by Peruvian law whenever driving (your driver’s license, the insurance certificate (SOAT), and the registration card).
• In Peru you will find it necessary to balance driving aggressively and defensively!