Peru Travel Tips

The official currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.), which is divided into 100 centimos. The currency includes coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimos and 1, 2 and 5 sol coins. There are bills in the denomination of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles.

U.S. dollars are widely accepted in most locations and currency exchange bureaus are easy to find. It may be difficult to find a currency exchange location that accepts Travelers Checks. It is also possible to exchange foreign currency (US$ and Euros) at hotels.

It is often difficult to pay with large banknotes (in either soles or dollars). Try to carry denominations of 50 and lower in both.

Intense Peru offers only the most comfortable domestic transport services available. Whether a Tour offers flights, private vehicles, buses or train transportation, we provide only the best service.

220 volts. Most 4 and 5-star hotels do have outlets equipped for 110 volts.

As part of its rich cultural tradition, Peru features many different languages. Although Spanish is commonly spoken across the country (80% of the population), Quechua is a major legacy of the Inca empire, and is still spoken with regional dialects in many parts of the Mountains of Peru (16,2% of the population). In addition, other languages are spoken such as Aymara (in Puno) and a startling variety of dialects in the Amazon jungle, which are divided up into 15 linguistic families and 43 different languages.

It is possible to communicate in English with tourist services workers such as tourist guides, travel agency employees and 3 to 5-star hotels staff.

Metric

During your stay in Peru, you have the right to receive the agreed upon tourist services to the quality and with the characteristics that are promised by the companies offering them. If this is not the case, you have the right to complain or to make a claim against them. To do so, you may contact Iperu, Tourist Information and Assistance Service.

Iperu, Tourist Information and Assistance Service
(51 1) 574-8000 | iperu@promperu.gob.pe (24 hours)

During your visit to Peru, it is important that you take the precautions that are shared among the world’s main cities and tourist destinations, such as not neglecting your belongings in public places or avoiding deserted places at night. Besides, we recommend taking the following:

• Consider getting a copy of your passport, airplane tickets, and credit cards; likewise, think about the option of leaving your personal documents in the safekeeping of the hotel and taking the copies with you. (**)

• Discover where the unsafe areas of the city are and avoid visiting them, especially at night. Also consult the appropriate hours for visiting tourist attractions. (**)

• If you must exchange money, do so in banks, exchange houses, or in your hotel. Avoid doing this in plain sight. (**)

• If you drive a car, try using a parking garage or similar service. Do not leave it in dark spots or leave valuables in plain sight.

Tourism Police (Lima)
Jr. Moore 268, Magdalena del Mar
Tel: (51 1) 460-1060 | (51 1) 460-0965 | (51 1) 460-4525

Internet Access
A number of service providers across the country offers public access to Internet. Besides cybercafes, hotels, airports, the most popular places are known in Peru as “cabinas internet” or internet booths, and the average cost of an hour’s connection is S/.3.50 (US$ 1.00).

Wireless internet service is provided in most 4 and 5-star hotels and in shopping centers.

Telephony
Peru features an ample telephone network that provides services for national and international long-distance calls from private telephone lines and public cabins. There are also 12 million active cellular phones nationwide.

Public telephones accept coins and phone cards that are sold in kiosks and supermarkets. Make certain that you are buying the phone card from the company you wish to use. It is possible to make collect calls from some public phone booths.

To call from foreign countries, one must dial 00 + 51 + (city code) + telephone number.

Postal Service
Post offices are located throughout all regions of the country.

Peru generally maintains good health conditions. Hospitals and clinics provide adequate services, especially in Lima and its main cities.

It is recommended that you take the proper measures to protect yourself, especially from mosquito bites, in order to prevent infection from, among other diseases, yellow fever (vaccination) and malaria (repellant and medication). Consult your doctor before traveling.

A yellow fever vaccination is required for traveling to jungle cities, and it must be administered at least 10 days before your trip. If not, it will not be effective.

For avoiding altitud sickness or “soroche”, it is recommended that you ascend gradually to become acclimated, rest on the first day of your arrival, eat light foods, drink plenty of fluids, and keep lemon drops at hand. If you have heart problems, consult your doctor.

To keep from getting gastrointestinal infections, we recommend you take care when eating raw foods. Drink bottled or boiled water, and do not eat food from street vendors.

Working hours for most banks and exchange houses are from 9am to 6pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9am until noon.

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). The U.S. Dollar is accepted in some local businesses, restaurants, and gas stations at the day’s exchange rate.

It is possible to exchange foreign currency (US$ and Euros) at hotels, banks, and authorized exchange houses

Most cities in Peru offer a variety of nightlife. In Lima, there are penhas (locales offering traditional live traditional music), disco techs, pubs, and night clubs in several districts, yet the most popular are found in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco. The location of nightlife places in other cities is normally near the main square and its surroundings.

Peruvian cuisine is characterized by a wide variety of traditional dishes from the coast, highlands, and jungle. Some are usually spicy or intensely seasoned, which is why we suggest you learn about them before ordering.

Pisco Sour is the national drink of Peru and it is served in countless other ways. Chicha morada (purple corn juice), chica de jora (corn beer), and aguaje (drink made from aguaje palm fruits) are also traditional drinks from Peru that you can enjoy during your trip throughout Peru.

The amount of a tip will vary and depend upon how satisfied you are with the service given. An appropriate tip is considered to be between 10-15% of the bill.

The main hand-made craft stores are found in the Indean markets on Avenida Petit Thouars in Miraflores. It is also possible to purchase crafts in the city’s main shopping centers. (**)

Sales tax (IGV) is 18%. (**)

Most stores, shopping centers, and hand-made craft markets are open seven days a week (including holidays) from 9am to 8pm.

call the Tourism Police:

Enter the following link to find the Peruvian embassy or consulate near you: http://www.rree.gob.pe