Lima Airport Shopping: What To Buy Before Your Flight

what to buy at lima airport

Lima Airport, also known as Jorge Chávez International Airport, is a major hub in Latin America for international flights. Although small compared to other international airports, there are a variety of shops and services available. From lockers and luggage storage to chocolate and book shops, train tickets and shuttle services, there are plenty of things to buy at Lima Airport.

Characteristics Values
Location Lima, Peru
Airport Code LIM
Alternative Name Jorge Chávez International Airport
Size Small compared to other international airports
Facilities Showers, spa, book and magazine store, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, lockers, luggage storage, ATMs, money exchange booths, SIM card shops
Transport Shuttle services, Airport Express Lima bus, taxis, Uber

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Chocolate

If you're looking to buy chocolate at Lima Airport, there are high-end chocolate stores selling 100% cacao premium chocolate. However, it is worth noting that buying chocolate at the airport is reportedly very expensive, and you may want to consider purchasing chocolate elsewhere before arriving at the airport.

One recommended store is Republica Del Cacao, which sells gourmet chocolates with original flavours such as pepper, Maras salt, and rose petals. If you have time before your flight, you may want to visit Choco Museo in the centre of Lima, in either Barranco, Miraflores, or San Isidro, which sells a wide range of Peruvian chocolate.

Lima Airport, also known as Jorge Chávez International Airport, is a major hub in Latin America for international flights to Peru. However, it is a relatively small airport compared to other international airports. Many visitors find themselves spending a significant amount of time at the airport, waiting for their domestic flight from Lima to Cusco, the closest city to Machu Picchu.

If you have several hours between flights, you can store your luggage at the airport and explore Lima. Fertur can arrange a city tour or a visit to the nearby Larco Museum, which stays open until 10 pm.

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Train tickets

If you're looking to purchase train tickets at Lima Airport, Peru Rail is one of the two companies in Peru that sell train tickets to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. You can find their office on the second floor, past airport security in the domestic departures area. It's worth noting that there aren't any trains departing from Lima, and if you prefer, you can also buy your ticket to Machu Picchu in the Cusco office. Most tour operators from Cusco include train tickets in their packages.

Lima Airport, also known as the Jorge Chávez International Airport, is a major hub in Latin America for international flights to Peru, despite being a relatively small airport compared to other international airports. Many visitors spend a significant amount of time at the airport, waiting for their domestic flight to Cusco, the closest city to Machu Picchu.

The public transportation system in Lima is reported to be poor, so travellers are advised to avoid it. However, there are various transfer services available from the airport to the city centre, including sedans, minivans, minibusses, and shuttle services. These can be booked directly at the airport or online, and prices generally start from $15-20 USD.

For a cheaper option, you can take a Combi (a small minivan) to the city centre for around €0.50 (PEN 2). However, Combis are often cramped and lack space for luggage. They don't operate on a fixed schedule or route, and tourists are advised to avoid them due to the risk of scams and unsafe areas.

The Airport Express Lima bus is another option, with tickets starting at $4 USD. It's considered safer and cheaper than a taxi, with no baggage limit, and offers free Wi-Fi, USB charging, and a toilet on board. You can buy tickets online or directly from the bus, although there have been reports of issues with online bookings.

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SIM cards

If you're looking to buy a SIM card at Lima Airport, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, it's worth noting that SIM cards in Peru are relatively cheap. However, as of August 2023, SIM cards are not available for purchase at the airport. Previously, there were three SIM card shops at the airport, but this is subject to change. Here are the options that were previously available:

Claro Shop at Arrivals

The Claro shop is located between luggage belt 1 and 2, just before the exit of the baggage collection hall near the customs check exit. This shop accepts credit cards and soles, the local Peruvian currency. It is open 24 hours, and there are ATMs and money exchange services nearby. However, it is important to note that this shop is known to sell SIM cards at a higher price.

Claro Shop at Departures

To reach this shop, you would need to take the escalator from the Arrival Hall to the second floor and walk to the departure hall. However, as of January 2025, this shop is temporarily closed.

Peru Sim Store in the Arrival Hall

This store is located in the Arrival Hall, next to the official airport bus and taxi companies. The prices here are considered a scam by some, with deals such as 14 GB data + unlimited calls and social media for 1 week for $59 USD. They accept Peruvian Soles at an exchange rate of $1 USD = 3.7 Soles.

While these options are convenient, it is recommended to purchase an eSIM or a prepaid SIM card in the city centre of Lima to find better deals and avoid overpriced tourist SIM cards at the airport. For example, GigSky offers an eSIM with unlimited data for 7 days for $21.59 USD.

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Luggage storage

Lima Airport, also known as Jorge Chávez International Airport, is Latin America's best airport. It is a major hub in Latin America, yet it is a tiny airport compared to other international airports. It is the only airport in Peru that receives international flights.

Lima Airport has a luggage storage counter that offers 24-hour service. The cost of storing one bag for a week is about $80 USD. The luggage storage is located in the international arrivals area of the airport. (Note: The facility was relocated from the domestic arrivals terminal to the international arrivals area.) It costs S/.6.50 (Peruvian Soles) per hour per piece.

If you are looking for a cheaper option, you can use the Bounce app or website, which offers luggage storage options near the airport from $3.20 per day. They partner with local businesses that have secure spaces to store luggage for travellers.

Another option is to ask your hotel in Lima if they can store your luggage. Most hotels in Peru are accustomed to keeping travellers' luggage for a few days.

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Money exchange

There are two main currency exchange options in the baggage hall: Interbank and World Xchange. Interbank, a major national bank in Peru, is the first option you will see when you enter the baggage carousel hall. It offers better rates than World Xchange, a black booth further down towards the exit of the baggage carousel hall. Both options are also available in the arrivals hall and the main airport terminal.

If you are staying in Lima, you may find better rates than at the airport. In the tourist-friendly area of Miraflores, banks will have the correct exchange rates and English-speaking workers. If you want to exchange a less popular global currency, banks are likely your best option. ATMs in banks usually give reasonable exchange rates when you use a debit card, although you may be charged a fixed amount of soles for this transaction. Many major banks in Peru, such as Interbank, have established branches in the main supermarkets.

If you want to avoid exchanging money at the airport altogether, consider reserving a hotel in Lima that offers a free airport pick-up. You can then sort out any money issues once you have settled in.

Frequently asked questions

Lima Airport has a host of shops and services to buy from. There are several souvenir shops, bookstores, and high-end chocolate stores. You can also buy train tickets to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca at the airport with Peru Rail.

Prices at the airport are generally more expensive than outside. SIM cards, for example, are extremely overpriced at the airport. It is recommended to buy an eSIM or get a SIM card in the city centre instead.

Lima Airport offers luggage storage and lockers for a fee. There are also showers available at the spa on the second floor for $10.

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