Peru - Traveler Tips

VISAS

The majority of the countries in America and Western Europe do not require visas. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia and Chile can enter certain places in Peru with an identification document. The maximum amount of stay is 90 days.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

The American currency is accepted in some local commercial establishments, restaurants and service stations at the exchange rate of the day that can vary around S./3 Nuevo Soles for every US $1 dollar. It is possible to exchange foreign currency (US/Euros) in hotels, banks and exchange houses. We recommend that any money brought into the country are crisp with no tears, marks or wrinkled appearance.

Credit Cards: All the major credit cards such as American Express, Visa (most accepted), Diners and MasterCard are accepted. To use them you must also have an identification document.

Travelers Check: We recommend that you ask the establishment if these are accepted before you buy or consume products, since they have limitations and are not widely accepted.

ATM - Global Net: They are available at the airports, commercial centers as well as principal tourist areas and banks.

ELECTRICITY

All throughout Peru it is 220 volts. The majority of four and five star hotels provide electrical current of 110 volts.

COMMUNICATION

Telephone Service: International and local calls can be made from public phones that accept changes and telephone cards which are sold in kiosks and supermarkets. If you would like to call collect, it can be made from some phone booths. For International calls: mark 00 + the country code + the city code and then the telephone number you are calling to. To call from one city to another: mark 0 + the city code + the telephone number you are calling to.

Internet: The principal cities have internet cafe. The majority of four and five star hotels as well as the commercial center have wireless internet.

INSURANCE

We recommend travelers insurance that covers flight cancelations, medical costs and repatriation or loss of goods during your trip at the price that is convenient for you.

HEALTH

Vaccinations: If you would like to get acquainted with the jungle, it is recommended that you get the yellow fever vaccination 10 days in advance of your planned trip.

Medication: We recommend that you bring your prescribed medication and your doctor's number in case of emergency.

During your trip in Peru, make sure you bring sun block lotion, insect repellent, antihistamine, analgesic, Pepto-Bismol for upset stomach, oral rehydration salts and anti diarrheal products as well as pills for motion sickness in case you need it.

Altitude Sickness: It can affect some people. To prevent it we recommend that you ascend gradually to acclimate yourself, rest on the first day you arrive, avoid strenuous activities, reduce the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, eat light foods, drink lots of coca tea and have on hand lemon candies.

Gastrointestinal Infections: To prevent this it is recommended that you drink only bottled or boiled water, be careful with raw vegetables or fruits that are not washed well and avoid consuming food sold in the streets which can be prepared in unsanitary conditions.

Medical Attention: In case of medical attention, you can contact the personnel at the hotel where you are a guest.

CARRY ON LUGGAGE

We recommend that your carry on luggage has essential items such as: medicine, interior clothes as well as a change of clothes and personal hygiene items in case your main luggage is misplaced due to problems at the airport.

SECURITY

During your visit to Peru as well as other principal cities and tourist destinations around the world, it is important to take precautions. We recommend the following:

Make copies of your passport, tickets, insurance policy and credit card numbers. Store the originals along with your valuables in the hotel strong box.

Be discreet when carrying or wearing objects of value and do not bring or show off large amounts of money.

Do not exchange your money in the streets, do it at the bank, exchange houses or at the hotel where you are a guest.

Do not carry suitcases, bags or book bags on your back. Have them in front of you, kangaroo style.

Do not neglect your property. Keep your eye on your suitcases and bags in public places.

Do not walk in unsecured and deserted places especially at night. Avoid poor lit streets as well as those with no light.

BANKS

The hours of attention for banks in Peru from Mondays to Fridays are from 9am to 6pm and for Saturdays until noon.

BUSINESS AND SHOPPING

The majority of the businesses and commercial centers are open 7 days of the week from 9am to 8pm. (approximately).

FOOD

Peruvian cuisine offers a large variety of typical plates from the coast, the mountains and the jungle. Before you request a plate, ask about its preparation as some plates are hot and spicy as well as heavily seasoned.

TIPS

Tips are appreciated in Peru even though they are not part of the culture. The amount you give depends on your level of satisfaction for the services rendered. 10% of the bill is an appropriate amount.

ENTRY INTO PERU

The international embarkation and disembarkation card (Andean Migration Card) should be saved with your personal documents. Upon leaving the country you will be asked for it. In case of loss, a penalty fee will apply.

The customs declaration should be given to the competent authority. You must declare articles that are subject to tax, if you do not have anything to declare, state so. Personal articles and clothes, laptops and sports equipment are free of taxes.

TAX EXONERATION

Foreigners (non-residents of Peru for more than 60 days) are exonerated of 19% of IGV (General Sales Tax) for accommodation and meals at their respective hotels.

Our rates are already exonerated of taxes. The accepted documentation for exoneration are your Passport and the Andean Migration Card. If you do not present such documents at the moment of all your hotel check-ins, they will charge you directly for such tax.

AIRPORTS

Every airport requires a fee for the use of their installations (called T.U.U.A), you should make this payment before boarding your flight. The amount differs in each city of embarkation.

Make your reservations and flight confirmations ahead of time. For national flights be at the airport two hours before your flight. For international flights, present yourselves at the airport three hours ahead of schedule.

Verify the amount of weight and size of luggage permitted with your respective airline.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Interprovincial buses: This service covers all the destinations of the county except for some cities in the Amazon. The rates are determined by the level of comfort and if the service is direct without climbing or stops on the way.

Taxis: It is recommended that you utilize the services of taxi companies that can be call by phone or are recommended by the hotel and restaurants. You need to negotiate the price of service before you board the taxi, because in Peru they do not use taximeters. It is not habitual to give tips to taxi drivers.

Train Service: This touristic railway service only covers two routes: 1) Puno – Cusco 2) Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu.