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Useful Travel Tips
(Source: Promperu)
In this section we will provide you with all the necessary information to make sure that your visit and staying in Peru will be a pleasant one.
Tourist Visas
This is not required for citizens of most countries in the Americas and Western Europe. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not need to have a passport or visa to visit certain regions in Peru. In these cases they are authorized to stay up to 90 days (extendable by Immigration authorities). For further information please contact the Peruvian consular representation in your country if you need. Their addresses and telephone numbers can be found in the web site of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Currency and denominations
The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.) which is divided into 100 cents. Coins in circulation include the amounts of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos Soles. Paper bills come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles.
US Dollars are accepted in most commercial establishments, restaurants and service stations, at the current exchange rate
Most of the establishments accept the most popular credit cards, such as Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express. Travelers' Checks are used with some limitations. When paying with a credit card, make sure you are only paying the amount of the service or goods purchased.
To find out the exchange rate, please visit:
www.elperuano.com.pe
Electric power
220 volts. Most four and five-star hotels provide 110-volt electric current.
Vaccinations
If you plan on traveling to the Jungle, the administration of a yellow fever vaccine 10 days in advance is recommended.
Places in Lima where the vaccine can be administered:
Jorge Chavez International Airport
First floor
Service Hours: Monday through Sunday, 04:30 am to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11:00 pm.
Tel.: (01) 575-1745
International Vaccination Center
Calle Yupanqui 1400, Lima
Service hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tel.: (01) 471-9920 / 471-3254
Av. El Ejercito 1756, San Isidro
Service hours: Monday to Friday 08 am to 3 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tel. (01) 264-6889
Any Private Clinic or Hospital
Upon entering Peru
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Present to the Immigration officer the International Embarkation / Disembarkation Card (given to the traveler in the airplane or at the Immigration Stand in the border area you are coming through). Keep the card, since you will have to turn it in when you leave the country. If you lose it you will have to pay a fine equivalent to US$ 4,00. |
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Customs officers will give you a form for you to declare any goods subject to customs duties you may be bringing in. If none, specify that you have nothing to declare. The following are exempt from duty: items and clothes for personal use, portable computers and adventure tourism gear.
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Duty-Free goods
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Clothing which are for the traveler's personal use |
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Personal hygiene items for the traveler's personal use |
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Objects for personal decoration |
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One electric hair dryer or hairbrush. |
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One electric shaver. |
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One photographic camera and up to five (5) rolls of film. |
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One film or video camera not for professional use, and up to five (5) rolls of film. |
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Records, cassettes, CDs or audio tapes up to 10 |
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One portable electronic calculator. |
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Medicine for personal use |
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Books magazines and documents in general |
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Up to twenty (20) packets of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gm of tobacco. |
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Up to three (3) liters of liquor |
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Up to THREE HUNDRED AMERICAN DOLLARS (US$300.00) in various articles for the traveler's personal use or as gifts which for their quantity, type and variety can be presumed not to be for trading purposes, as long as the individual unit value does not top ONE HUNDRED AMERICAN DOLLARS (US$ 100.00). |
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One portable mechanical, electric or electronic typewriter. |
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One portable wind or stringed musical instrument. |
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One radio, radio cassette player, cassette player, record player, CD player or a set which has all these items incorporated, as long as it is PORTABLE with its own energy source. |
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Suitcases, bags and other commonly-used containers that hold the objects in the traveler's luggage. |
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Objects declared as luggage upon departure and which are listed in the TEMPORARY DEPARTURE DECLARATION. |
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One live pet animal, having complied with the corresponding sanitary regulations, as long as they are brought as accompanied luggage. |
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A portable personal computer, with its own energy source, as long as it is brought as accompanied luggage. |
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In cases where travelers are handicapped or suffer some illness, auxiliary means and equipment will be considered luggage (wheelchair, stretcher, crutches, among other items)
Children aged under 18 will not be allowed to bring in the items stated in clauses m) and n).
Source: ADUANAS
Adventure sports activities for which travelers can bring equipment
• Hang-gliding
• Mountain climbing
• Rafting
• Hunting
• Underwater fishing
• Caving
• Water skiing
• Snow skiing
• Kayaking
• Flora and fauna watching
• Parapenting
• Fishing
• Surfing
• Trekking
• Wind Surf.
For more detailed information, inquire at the Peruvian diplomatic representation in your country.
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You must declare whether you are bringing in any vegetable or animal species. If so, you will need to have a permit from the competent sanitary authorities in your country. If you do not have the necessary sanitation documents, Peruvian sanitation authorities may order your vegetable species to be incinerated and that the animal be sacrificed. |
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Upon arriving at the airport, all travelers must use the red light-green customs control system, pressing a single button. If the green light comes on, the declaration will be taken to be true and luggage may be withdraw without prior inspection.
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If the red light comes on, a bag will be chosen from the traveler's luggage and will be searched. If there is no difference between the declaration and the contests of the luggage, the traveler may withdraw his suitcase and enter the country. If the search determines that the declaration does not occur with the traveler's goods, the goods will be retained, and if the value of these articles surpasses 12,000 (approximately US $ 3,372.00), legal action will be taken.
During your stay in Peru
Security
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Take normal precautions against pickpockets |
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Carry a copy of identification documents. Keep originals and your valuables in the safety deposit box of your hotel and make sure to list down what you deposit and verify the responsibility assumed by the establishment. |
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Carry valuables discreetly. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Keep an eye on your bags and luggage. |
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Do not carry suitcases, bags or sac packs on your back. |
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Do not exchange money out in the street. |
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Do not walk around late at night through areas with poor lighting or without a companion |
Communications
Telephone
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International and long distance national calls can be made from public pay phones. Country and city codes are normally shown in the telephone booths. |
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To make an international call, dial: 00 + country code + city code + telephone number. |
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To call from one city to the next, dial: 0 + city code + telephone number. |
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Public phones take coins as well as cards, which are sold in stands and supermarkets. Make sure you are buying the card corresponding to the telephone company of the phone you want to use. No collect calls can be made from pay phones. |
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To obtain telephone information, dial 103 (service is in Spanish) |
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Internet
• The main cities in the country do have public Internet booths.
• The average cost per hour is US$ 1,3.
Lodging
In the high tourist season (June to September) it is recommended to make advanced reservations. Make sure you always know the check out time.
Travel agencies
Travel agencies can facilitate your travel throughout Peru. Hire the services of those accredited with the National Tourism Board, in Lima, and by the pertinent entities in other cities. Compare services and make sure they are clearly specified in the document issued by the company (commonly known as "voucher" or "service coupon"). Demand a receipt of payment; the agency is obliged to issue both documents. Do not hire services offered by individuals appearing in the vicinity of airports and main squares, as this method of selling is prohibited.
Health matters
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Only drink bottled or previously boiled water. |
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Be careful with raw vegetables and fruits. |
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Avoid eating from street vendors. |
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Rest on the first day of your arrival to the Highlands, and consume light meals to prevent altitude illness (soroche). Drinking "coca tea" is recommended. |
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If you travel to the Highlands or to the Jungle, make sure to carry insect repellent and a raincoat. |
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To obtain medical services, contact the staff of your hotel or travel agent. |
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If you wish to take travelers' insurance, contact your travel agency. |
Banks
Banking hours in Peru are normally from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, most banks open for the public half day on Saturdays. In the streets of the main cities there are teller machines installed by the different banks.
Money exchange
It is recommended that money should be exchanged in hotels, banks and authorized money exchange offices (Service hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., approximately). The exchange rate against the US Dollar is variable. Inquire before changing your money. For exchanging other currencies inquiry at money exchange offices
Night life
Most of the cities of Peru have a wide variety of night life entertainment. If you wish to enjoy typical Peruvian music, you can visit the so-called "peñas".
In Lima, the most popular discotheques, pubs and night clubs are in the Districts of Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco. In other cities they are normally found in city centers (main square and vicinity).
Food and beverage
Peruvian cuisine offers a great variety of dishes typical of the Coast, the Highlands and the Jungle. Always first ask about their ingredients, since some dishes can contain hot pepper or be highly spiced. You will also find establishments where international food is prepared.
As far as drinks are concerned, try the very Peruvian Pisco (grape brandy) in any of its various recipes, as well as "chicha morada" (purple corn juice) "chicha de jora" (fermented red or yellow corn juice)and agüaje juice, made from a tropical Jungle fruit.
Tipping
Restaurants, bars and pubs:10%. Other kind of services: The amount of the tip varies with the degree of satisfaction you have with the service provided.
TRANSPORT
By air
There are flights and connections from Lima to all the main cities of Peru except for Huancayo, Huaraz and Ica, where you can go by road using inter-provincial buses. Always make reservations in advance.
Travel re-confirmation
Re-confirm your trip ahead of time: For domestic flights: 48 hours in advance; for international flights: 72 hours in advance.
Airport tax (T.U.U.A.)
• Domestic flights: S/. 12,00.
• International flights:: US$ 25,00.
Payment to be made in cash before boarding the flight.
By land
Inter-provincial buses
The inter-provincial bus service covers all destinations in Peru, except for certain cities in the Jungle. Inquire into the comfort available depending on the fare paid; and whether or not the service is non-stop.
Taxis and public transportation
It is recommended that taxis should be from taxi companies (which are requested by phone) or those authorized by the municipalities (in Lima they are painted yellow and some of them have a lighted sign over the roof).
Taxi meters are not used in Peru, therefore the price must be negotiated before going into the taxi. Ask where you are staying about the average fares to your destination. No tips are normally given to taxi drivers.
At airports, it is advisable to hire the services of taxis authorized by the management authority.
Urban buses (the most economical alternative) are of the colors and numbers assigned for the specific route. Most of them travel long treks and they may turn out to be uncomfortable. Inquire before taking them; and do not take them too late at night.
Trains
The tourist rail service covers three routes:
• Arequipa - Sumbay - Juliaca - Puno.
• Puno - Cusco.
• Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Machu-Picchu.
Information: Peru Rail
Tourism by Road
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Always carry with you your driver's license and a copy of your passport.. If the vehicle is rented, carry the car rental agreement. If you have an international driver's license, it is valid for one year. If you have your country's driver's license, it is good for 30 days. |
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Abide by the speed limits posted on the road. |
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Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you do so, you may be subject to criminal charges. |
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If a traffic officer orders you to stop, do so. He or she must be in uniform and wearing an identification badge (the surname is printed on a plate fixed at his chest). Under no circumstance must the traffic officer enter your vehicle. |
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Keep in mind that your documents and the vehicle's documents cannot be retained and that under no circumstances should you have to pay any money. |
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In case of an accident or collision, call a traffic officer. If the vehicle is rented, also call the representative of the insurance company where you rented the vehicle. Wait there, do not move from the place. |
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Do not stop if unknown persons make signs at you on the road. |
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Do not park in dark places. Do not leave objects which can be seen by passers by. |
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Walks
The South American Explorer Travelers' Club has a good assortment of maps of routes where one can walk.
Address: Av. República de Portugal 146. Breña, Lima
Tel: (01) 425-0142
Service hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 to 5 pm.
E-mail: limaclub@terra.com.pe
Web site: www.saexplorers.org
Shopping
In general, shops, shopping centers and handicraft markets are open everyday (even on holidays) between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
In markets and in places such as those where there are beach vendors and street vendors, it is acceptable to bargain
Lost items, thefts and robberies
Call the Tourism Police.
Arequipa
Calle Jerusalen 315-316, Cercado.
Tel: (054) 20-1258
Ayacucho
Jr. Arequipa cuadra 1.
Tel: (066) 31-2055 / 31-8372
Cajamarca
Av. 13 de julio s/n
Tel: (076) 36-3042
Chiclayo
Av. Saenz Peña 830.
Tel: (074) 23-6700
Cusco
Calle Saphi s/n
Tel: (084) 24-9654
Huancayo
Av. Ferrocarril 556, Cercado.
Tel: (064) 21-9851
Huaraz
Av. Laredo y Laredo 716
Tel: (043) 72-1341
Ica
Av. Elias cuadra 4.
Tel: (056) 22-7673
Iquitos
Calle Sargento Lores 834
Tel: (065) 23-1851
Lima
Jr. Moore 268, Magdalena del Mar.
Tel: (01) 460-1060 / 460-0965 / 460-0921 / 460-4525 / 460-0890 / 460-0844
Nazca
Av. Los Incas cuadra 1, s/n.
Tel: (056) 52-2442 / 52-2084
Puno
Jr. Deustua 538.
Tel.: (051) 36-4806
Tacna
Jr. Callao 121.
Tel: (052) 71-4141 anexo 245
Trujillo
Jr. Independencia 630.
Tel: (044) 22-4025
Prohibitions
It is absolutely prohibited to take photographs of airports, military bases, places near high tension towers and police stations. In some churches and museums it is prohibited to take photographs or film. Ask first.
Important telephone numbers:
• Domestic and Internationals (01) 575-1712 / 574-5529
• www.lap.com.pe
Cancellation of traveler's checks
. American Express: 001-800-8602908
Cancellation of credit cards
• Visa: 001- 800-4281858 / 1 - 410- 5810120
• Master Card: (01) 311-6000
• American Express: (525) 326-2660 (collect call, operator assisted 108)
• Diners Club: (01) 221-2050
Before leaving
Protected wildlife
and wild flora species
Considered by the World Resources Institute as forming part of the select group of eight "megadiverse" countries, it is estimated that in Peru there are 84 of the 104 life zones existing in the world, nearly 10% of the species of mammals and reptiles of the planet, over 20% of earth's birds and between 40.000 and 50.000 species of vascular plants (the most developed). Unfortunately many of these species are endangered due to their unauthorized exploitation for the manufacture of tourist souvenirs and the cruel traffic of wildlife (transported under conditions which cause most of them to die during the trip).
Each loss reduces earth's life diversity with indescribable consequences. It is for this reason that Peruvian laws prohibit and sanction the extraction, transport, sale and export of all types of wildlife and wild flora, dead or alive, without the authorization of INRENA (1). The prohibition extends to any object made with their parts (crowns or necklaces made of Macaw (guacamayo) feathers, butterfly wings, musical instruments, "tigrillo" skin or "palos de lluvia" (also called ocelote: ocelot, a small feline resembling a tiger).
(1) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NATURAL RESOURCES. The National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA) is the State's public organization responsible for promoting the rational use of natural resources. Current legal regulations impose severe sanctions to any persons who hunt, extract, transport, sell or export wildlife or wild flora species, as well as their products and by-products, including handicrafts made with such products, without the corresponding authorization.
The authorization for the extraction, sale and/or export of wildlife and wild flora must be requested from INRENA:
Calle Diecisiete 355, Urb. El Palomar. San Isidro, Lima
Tel.: (01) 224-3298 (anexo 167) / (01) 225-1053.
E-mail: inrenabibli@terra.com.pe
Archaeological and Historical Heritage
Peruvian laws prohibit and sanction the sale and export of original pieces of the national cultural heritage. Abstain from buying them.
However, if you are interested in taking to your country samples of Peruvian pre-Hispanic or Colonial art, you may buy replicas. Replicas are all objects of modern manufacture imitating shapes and decorative figures of pre-Hispanic or Colonial pieces (ceramic pieces, gold and silver works, stonework, woodworks, textiles, paintings and others).
When buying replicas of pre-Hispanic or Colonial works, make sure they have been certified by the INC (2); this certificate can be obtained at any of the offices of this institution, located in all departmental capitals. If you are leaving Peru through the Jorge Chavez Airport, visit the INC booth after you pass through Immigration post. The authorization can be granted automatically.
(2) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CULTURE
The National Institute of Culture (INC) is the State's public organization responsible for the protection, preservation, restoration and dissemination of Peru's Cultural Heritage.
Cultural property, whether archaeological or historical, is protected by law; and its export is prohibited. Clandestine export of cultural property is a crime. The law authorizes the confiscation, in favor of the State, of any material, equipment and vehicles used in the commission of crimes against the cultural heritage, as well as of the unduly obtained cultural property.
For further information, visit the INC:
Edificio Museo de la Nacion, piso 6
Av. Javier Prado Este 2465.San Borja, Lima
Tel.: (01) 476-9900
E-mail: inc@inictel.gob.pe
http://www.inc.perucultural.org.pe
Drugs
It is absolutely prohibited to carry drugs. If you do so, you will be arrested and put in jail. Do not accept to take in your luggage packages belonging to strangers, under any circumstances.
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