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About Peru
Time:
- Local time in Peru is GMT -5 |
Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz (Arequipa 50Hz).
Two-pin, flat blade and round plugs are standard. |
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Language:
- Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many
other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major
tourist centers and hotels. |
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Health:
- Those entering the country from an infected area require a
yellow fever certificate, and outbreaks of yellow fever do
occur. Although no other vaccinations are officially
required, visitors are advised to take precautions
especially if planning to travel to jungle regions.
Immunization against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and cholera
are sensible precautions, and it is also recommended that
inoculations for polio, tetanus and diphtheria are up to
date.
Malaria is a risk all year round in the lowland areas, and
dengue fever has been reported around Lima. There have been
a number of recent incidents of rabies transmitted by bites
from vampire bats in Amazonas province near the border with
Ecuador; visitors to the area are advised to have a course
of rabies injections prior to travel. The most common
ailments for travelers are diarrhea and altitude sickness.
Drink only bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, and be wary
of food bought from street vendors. Health care is good in
the major cities, but health insurance is essential. |
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Climate:
- The coast is generally sunny and hardly ever receives any
rain, but from April to November there is a heavy sea mist.
The highlands have a wet season (October to April) and a dry
season (May to September), when the days are clear and sunny
but very cold at night especially at altitude. |
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Money:
- The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100
centimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but
all major international credit cards, including Diners Club
and MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all,
establishments, and outside Lima facilities may be even more
limited. Travelers checks may also be difficult to exchange
in small towns and villages, and travelers are advised to
have cash on hand.
US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty
of restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept
dollars for payment. 'Casas de cambio' (exchange bureaus)
often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be
found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available
in the main cities. |
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Visa and Passport:
- Entry Requirements for
Americans: US nationals do not require a visa for touristic
stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is needed.
Entry Requirements for UK nationals: British nationals do
not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A
valid passport is needed.
Entry Requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals do not
require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A valid
passport is needed.
Entry Requirements for Australians: Australian nationals do
not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A
valid passport is needed.
Entry Requirements for South Africans: South African
nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to
90 days. Business travelers do require a visa. A valid
passport is needed.
Entry Requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do
not require a visa for a touristic stay of up to 90 days; a
30-day extension is possible. A valid passport is needed.
Passport/Visa Note: A return or onward ticket and proof of
funds is required by all travelers. All foreign visitors
require a passport that is valid at least 6 months after
arrival. |
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Tipping:
- Some restaurants add service
charges of between 5% and 10%, which will be indicated by
the words 'propina' or 'servicio' near the bottom of the
bill. Even if service charge has been added the waiter can
be offered an additional 10% for exceptional service; this
is also the going rate for tipping where service charge has
not been added. In hotels porters expect about US$0.50 per
bag. Taxi drivers are not tipped (the fare should be set
before departure). Tour guides are customarily tipped. |
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Safety:
- Thieves are the biggest problem in Peru, with one of the
worst reputations in South America. Be especially cautious
in crowded areas, on public transport, bus and train
stations, and in the centre of Lima at night.
Special care is required in the cities of Lima and Cuzco
against street and violent crime; three foreign tourists
were raped in June 2005. An organized tour group was
attacked and robbed on the Inca Trail on 15 November 2005 by
a group of armed men, and there have been recent attacks on
foreigners trekking in the Huayhuash region near Huaraz and
trekkers should be cautious in the area and seek advice
before setting out. Thieves and muggers also operate in
Huaraz and Arequipa.
Women should take particular care to only take taxis that
have been pre-booked by a hotel or official company. There
has also been an increase in the number of crimes associated
with taxis in the main cities. Visitors should avoid all
political gatherings and demonstrations as these have the
potential for violence. |
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Business:
- Business in Peru centers on the
capital, Lima. Business is usually conducted in a formal and
somewhat conservative manner, and it is worth noting that a
business visa is needed from a local Peruvian Consulate.
Dress should be formal, with suits and ties the norm and
visitors should avoid wearing any native Indian clothing as
this will be seen as insulting, regardless of intention.
Titles and surnames are usually used upon greeting, and
handshakes are standard for men and women. Business cards
are usually exchanged and it is useful to have them printed
in Spanish on one side.
Although English is fairly common, it will be an advantage
to have business materials translated into Spanish; an
effort to speak Spanish will be well received. Women may
encounter some sexism. Punctuality is important, although
meetings are not likely to begin on time. Business hours can
vary but are usually from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Some
businesses can close for siesta from 1pm to 3pm. |
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Communications:
- The country code for Peru is +51, and the outgoing code is
00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
UK). City /area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1) for Lima. A
mobile phone operator provides a GSM 1900 network with
coverage limited to major towns and cities. Peru is well
connected to the Internet with a proliferation of
inexpensive Internet kiosks, called cabinas pública,
available on street corners in most towns and cities. |
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Duty Free:
- Travelers to Peru over 15 years
do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 3
bottles of alcoholic beverages not exceeding 2.5 liters; and
gifts to the value of US$300. Items such as sausages,
salami, ham and cheese may only be brought in if accompanied
by an original sanitary certificate. The import of ham from
Italy and Portugal is prohibited. The export of cultural or
artistic items from the country is not permitted |
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