Most reputable Lima aesthetic clinics — including Elyzea — have English-speaking staff. But knowing a few Spanish phrases makes the trip smoother and shows respect.
This guide covers essential phrases for the appointment, the treatment, and the recovery. If you only learn three, learn the basic courtesy phrases.
At the consultation
- ¿Habla inglés? — Do you speak English?
- Estoy aquí para una consulta. — I'm here for a consultation.
- Mi cita es a las dos. — My appointment is at 2:00.
- Soy alérgico/a a [X]. — I'm allergic to [X].
- Tomo [medicación]. — I take [medication].
- No tomo ninguna medicación. — I don't take any medication.
- ¿Pueden explicarme el tratamiento? — Can you explain the treatment?
Discussing the treatment
- ¿Cuántas sesiones necesito? — How many sessions do I need?
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost?
- ¿Hay efectos secundarios? — Are there side effects?
- ¿Cuál es la recuperación? — What is the recovery?
- Quiero pensarlo. — I want to think about it.
- ¿Qué incluye el precio? — What's included in the price?
- ¿Qué marca de [producto] usan? — What brand of [product] do you use?
During treatment
- Me duele. — It hurts.
- Un poco más despacio, por favor. — A little slower, please.
- Estoy bien. — I'm fine.
- Necesito un descanso. — I need a break.
- ¿Cuánto tiempo más? — How much longer?
Post-treatment & recovery
- ¿Cuándo puedo volar? — When can I fly?
- ¿Cuándo puedo hacer ejercicio? — When can I exercise?
- ¿Qué crema debo usar? — What cream should I use?
- ¿Y el sol? — And the sun?
- ¿Y el alcohol? — And alcohol?
- ¿Cuándo veré los resultados? — When will I see results?
Restaurants and recovery food
- ¿Tienen sopa? — Do you have soup?
- Sin picante, por favor. — No spice, please.
- Una limonada, por favor. — A lemonade, please.
- ¿Es esto suave? — Is this soft?
- Sin sal, por favor. — Without salt, please.
Emergencies
- Necesito ayuda. — I need help.
- Llame al doctor. — Call the doctor.
- ¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana? — Where's the nearest pharmacy?
- Estoy sangrando. — I'm bleeding.
- Tengo una reacción alérgica. — I have an allergic reaction.
Numbers and money
- Numbers 1-10: uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez
- cien — 100
- mil — 1,000
- ¿Aceptan tarjetas? — Do you accept cards?
- Pago en efectivo. — I'll pay cash.
- ¿Puede darme el cambio? — Can you give me the change?
Courtesy phrases
- Buenos días. — Good morning.
- Buenas tardes. — Good afternoon.
- Buenas noches. — Good evening / good night.
- Por favor. — Please.
- Gracias. — Thank you.
- De nada. — You're welcome.
- Disculpe. — Excuse me.
- Lo siento. — I'm sorry.
Practical tools
Helpful resources:
- Google Translate (offline mode for translations without WiFi)
- DeepL Translator (often more natural translations)
- WhatsApp voice messages (you can record in English; many staff understand)
- Hotel concierge (excellent translation help)
Frequently asked questions
Is Lima Spanish hard to understand?
Lima Spanish is relatively neutral and clear. Different from Caribbean Spanish (faster, more dropped consonants).
Can I get by with zero Spanish?
Yes in tourist areas. Outside hotels and clinics, basic phrases help significantly.
What about Quechua?
Indigenous language widely spoken in Andean regions. Not common in Miraflores.
Should I learn Spanish before traveling?
Even 10 phrases makes a big difference. Translation apps cover the rest.
Are there language schools in Lima?
Yes. Some patients combine language study with medical-tourism trips.
Do menus have English?
Most upscale restaurants yes. Casual restaurants vary.
What about taxi drivers?
Limited English. Have hotel name written down or saved on phone.
Bottom line
Even if you only learn three phrases, learn these: ¿Habla inglés?, Gracias, and Por favor. Everything else can be handled with a translation app and English-speaking staff at reputable clinics.