Supermarkets in Peru

The traditional way of shopping for fresh fruits, veggies, meat and groceries in Lima is going to the local mercado (market). However, in the last 10 years the capital of Peru was plastered with many modern big supermarkets and hypermarkets, so many people changed their behavior and more and more Limeños use this efficient way of shopping. While prices might be a little higher in supermarkets than on the market around the corner, the variety of local and imported products is quite good, and especially for imported goods improved steadily in the last years.

Most supermarkets offer next to a wide range of breads, fruits and veggies, meat, poultry, fish, baby supplies, animal stuff, frozen foods and other groceries, also household supplies, clothes, stationary and toys. Nothing compared to an American Wallmart or Target, but for many a good way to do their weekly shopping or just to get a glass of their favorite peanut butter, an imported cheese, chocolate or sweets from back home or a good bottle of wine. While there might be still a few food items from your home country missing, the variety of local products easily can compensate for that.

All big supermarkets accept cash payments in Soles or Dollar. Visa Credit Cards are also a common method of payment (as foreigner take your Passport or Carne with you, as a national your DNI). Some supermarkets even offer online shopping, including the service of bringing your purchases to your doorstep. The five big supermarket chains in Peru are open Monday to Sunday and almost all public holidays, while the actual opening hours vary from location to location. Most open between 08.00 am and 09.00 am and close at around 10.00 pm.