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Practical informations

Money

The currency of Peru is the "nuevo sol" (ccurrency sign: S/.), worth US$0,25 - 0,22€ approx.

Banknotes: S/.10 – S/.20 – S/.50 – S/.100 – S/.200

Coins: S/.1 – S/.2 – S/.5

Cents: 1c – 5 c – 10 c – 20 c – 50 c

In 2014, the exchange rate is (changes every day and can have a variation of 10-15%):

1 US$ = S /. 4 approx.

1 € = S /. 4.60 approx.

Dollar

Some shops, restaurants and hotels accept the US dollar (never for small purchases), but the change is usually unfavorable for the buyer.

Euro

Some craft stores accept the euro and is easily changed in casa de cambio (currency exchange).

ATMs

ATMs are easy to find in all coutry, sometimes with information in mutiple languages, accepting most of cards (Visa, MasterCard, Dinner, etc.).

ATMs limit amounts to S/.400 (100€ or US$120) or S/.500 (130€ or US$150) per operation, but you can make several withdrawals followed, obviously each withdrawal generates fees.

IMPORTANT

Damaged banknotes

Shops, banks and currency exchange DO NOT ACCEPT foreign banknotes (dollars, euros, etc.) that are not in good condition, very old, damaged (albeit slightly) or marked with ballpoint pen.

Credit cards

The most accepted in Peru is VISA, but now easily MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINNER are also accepted in many stores and hotels and in all ATMs.

The shops, many restaurants and hotels accept credit cards as payment, but often with an extra (usually 10%) in many shops, the merchant can not cover the very high fees charging by the Peruvian banks.

Transports

Taxis

In Peru, taxis do not have fare meters. Therefore, before getting on, the price of the trip must be negotiated and the driver will calculate it based on the distance, the time and the districts traveled. Therefore, it is impossible for a foreigner who does not know the city, to know if the price is reasonable or exaggerated.

It is not recommended to take a taxi on the street.

At the airport you will find 4 licensed taxi companies that are safe and without surprises.

Uber, Cabify, Easy Taxi and Beat are found in most cities.

Urban transport

The vast majority of urban transport in Peru is private, with numerous more or less important companies competing with each other. There are no plans for the transport network, so you need to know which buses go in the desired direction.

The prices are "appreciated" by the driver or the collector, varying from S / .1 to S / .3 depending on the distance.

However, in Lima, the municipality has established several public transport services: the Metropolitano, a north-south line that uses specific routes, as well as other specific lines: the complementary corridors.

Intercity buses

Most Peruvians travel to another city by bus. There are numerous private companies, from very popular and very rustic buses, to luxury companies. The most prestigious are Cruz del Sur (Av. Javier Prado Este 1109 - La Victoria) and Oltursa (Av. Aramburú 1160 - Surquillo).
Other companies: Movil, Cial, Civa, Tepsa, PeruBus (Lima / Ica / Nazca route), etc ...

Buses are taken from their own terminals.

There is also "Terrestrial Terminal" in the main cities. In Lima:

North Lima - Av. Alfredo Mendiola 5360, Los Olivos

Plaza Norte - Panamericana Norte - Av. Tomás Valle - Av. Túpac Amaru, Independencia

Yerbaterros - Carretera Central 1352, San Luis

Terrapuerto Atocongo - Calle Los ALamos 1264 - San Juan de Miraflores

Air transport

The distances in Peru are usually very long to travel by road, Lima / Arequipa in 15 hours, Lima / Cusco in 22 hours, etc ...

The plane is usually a good way not to lose whole days in transport.

The main companies: Latam (the most important), Star Peru, Viva Air, Sky Airline, Atsa Peru.

Tips

Salaries are generally very low in Peru and tips are customary.

Hotels – minimum of US$1 or 1€ per bag.

Restaurants and bars – average 10%.

Guides and Tour leaders – minimum US$2 or 2€ per day / person.

Taxi – The price is negotiated before boarding the taxi that not have taximeter and tips are voluntary.

Handicraft

Peruvian handicraft is one of the most varied, can be found for all tastes and is made in Peru.

Alpaca

The major Andean center for the processing of alpaca fiber is located in Arequipa, but we can find many stores offering varied clothing in all country.

Reference prices (2016):

100% alpaca sweaters – from US$60 to US$110 – 55€ to 100€
Baby alpaca sweaters – from US$65 or 60€ (average US$100 or 85€).

You can find articles over $100 or 100€, it depends on quality, designs and possible hand embroidery, but in any case are 2-3 times cheaper than the same in Europe, Japan or USA.

Alpaca clothing in handicraft markets

It is necessary to consider that alpaca fiber is one of the finest in the world. Garments made of 100% alpaca are sold only in stores.

In all tourist sites of the country, thousands of street vendors and all craft markets, offering dresses presented as "100% alpaca" (sometimes labeled) at incredibly low prices, such as sweaters from $8 (6€) and scarves $3 (2€). These items are obviously pure blend of sheep wool, llama fiber and synthetic, which sometimes includes a bit of the famous alpaca fiber.

In the handicraft markets (as well as some stores), also find the false and intermediate quality garments made from a blend of wool and synthetic with including alpaca fiber (up 40%).

In both cases, all vendors certify offer the real alpaca fiber and tourist buy a lot for its colors, typical design and low price, most of bad quality.

Vicuña

THE WORLD'S FINEST FIBER

It is classified as the finest of all animal fibers measuring 12 micrometers in diameter, (17 for Kashmir). Because its short length of maximum 3 cm (1 in), the vicuña only produce 300 grams (10 oz) of wool every 2 years (10 times less than alpaca).

The value of vicuña wool is very high, due to the scarcity of this animal (less than 200,000 in total) and the low yield of wool. Thus, the price of shorn wool is US$500 per kilogram, 50 times higher than Alpaca fiber, 150 times higher than llama and 400 times higher than sheep.

It is almost impossible to find vicuña clothing in Peru, the entire production is exported to the luxury market. Sometimes we can find scarves or sweaters in some stores. A scarf costs US$500.

Silver

Peru is the world's largest producer of silver, for it is a multitude of articles prepared with this precious metal. The Peruvian silver is of very good quality, objects and jewelry with original designs, following ancient traditions of ancient civilizations.

The silver is alloyed with another metal (usually copper) and by law the minimum standard of silver purity in Peru is 925/1000, but mostly offered in stores with 950/1000, which is indicated by a stamp on the jewelry.

Some vendors offer jewels "alpaca" which is very similar to silver and obviously cheaper. It is an alloy of zinc, copper and nickel.

Gold

Peru is the fifth largest gold producer in the world and like silver ancient Peruvians used it a lot for ceremonies and building decorations.

Prices of gold jewelry are not particularly low in Peru, but all are offered in 18 and 24 karat quality. What makes so special Peruvian gem, are their particular designs and expertise of the bench jeweller.

semi-precious stones

In all handicraft markets in the country you will find a huge variety of jewelry, with typical Peruvian designs, often inlaid with semi-precious stones such as turquoise, blue sodalite with white veins, Andean opal with a nice play of color, brown tiger-eye, light green serpentine, blue or light blue lapis lazuli.

In Peru also highlights the Spondylus (Mullu in Quechua), a shellfish from the coast of Peru and Ecuador venerated by the people of the pre-Inca cultures such as the Moche culture (I to VI century AD), considered the food of the gods. It was used in all ceremonies and had currency value in Incas times. The shell of red or orange is used from time immemorial in jewelry.

T-shirt

From $4 to $13 (3€ to 10€), Peruvian cotton is of very good quality.

Bargaining

In Peru you can also negotiate the price in shops and handicraft markets. In some stores (for exemple some alpaca stores) bargaining is not practiced.

In any case, rebates will not pass 10 or 15%, sometimes 20% (depending on the items). You should not haggle articles of 1 or 2 soles.

Opening hours

The shops, supermarkets and most craft stores are open everyday of the year. Usually start late, 10:00/11:00 am, close late (9:00/10:00 pm) and open non-top apart in the city of Arequipa where many shops close between 2:00 and 4:00 pm.

Phone

Country calling phone: +51

Peruvian area codes for each region (national subdivision) are 2 digits long except for Lima and Callao.

Call within the same area (department) - dial phone number of 7 digits in Lima and 6 digits in the rest of the country.
Call in other area (department) - 0 + area code + phone number
Calling Peru from abroad - + 51 + area code + phone number
Calling abroad from Peru - 00 + country code + phone number

Mobile phones

They have the possibility of obtaining a Peruvian number by changing their chip during your stay.

There are currently 4 local companies: Movistar, Entel, Bitel and Claro.

By changing your number, you will obviously not be able to receive calls on your original number, but you can continue to communicate with WhatsApp without losing your contacts.

Claro is the best company, both in national coverage and in the quality of its services, especially in case of problems. You can choose between several plans (prepago) depending on the duration (1 to 30 days), your preferences (calls, internet package). This company includes the "itinerant" package in most of its plans, which allows you to use your package in 12 countries in Latin America (except Bolivia).

It is not recommended to contract these chips with small merchants, there is a risk of scam. Buy it only in the stores of each company.

Internet

Public internet booths

We can find "cabina internet" in all cities and even in villages. Prices range from S/.1.00 (US$0.35) to S/.2.50 (US$0.80) per hour.

Some public internet booths also propose national and international calls at low prices.

Many hotels have internet available, sometimes free.

Wi-fi Wireless

Now Wi-fi is offered at many hotels and tourist sites.

Peru mail

Serpost

The national mail service SERPOST is very serious and efficient but expensive: sending a postcard costs S/.6 (€ 1.90 or U$2.30 - price in 2014). Sending in an envelope coast S/.7.

International Delivery time: 1-2 weeks.

To buy stamps

Some stores sell stamps, rarely where postcards are sold, or in the Serpost offices.

Security and safety

Peru have not big problems of insecurity despite the great poverty in the country. Most of Peruvians are honest, but like around the world, there is delinquency and fraudsters. So a tourist always is an easy prey for thieves and you need to be careful.

Hotels

Better do not leave money or anything of value with easy access in the rooms.

Bars and restaurants

Never leave your bag or backpack unattended on the back of your seat for example.

dangerous places

The tourist areas are protected by the tourist police and no presents specific risks, but you should always take care of thieves and pickpockets.

No tourist districts - is recommended to be very vigilant, especially at night.

Taxis

Some travel guide books recommend using the "official taxis" with a roof signs. But it is not so simple.

In Lima mainly, many people make the occasional taxi service by necessity and obviously without license, using its own vehicle and putting a sticker on the windshield.

An official cab should have the number plate painted on the sides of the vehicle. In Cusco, a group of black and yellow squares is painted on the doors of the car.

These marks on the vehicle are not a 100% guarantee and unfortunately there are false taxis assaulting passengers via accomplices climbing along the way. They are EXCEPTIONAL CASES, but exist.

There are also Taxis Remises that with a phone call come to your hotel, home or restaurant.

Taxis in Lima airport

It is the place of predilection for false taxis, waiting passengers directly into or outside the airport.

We recommend using the official taxi service located in the exit of the arrivals area as "Taxi Green" (the cheapest), "CMV Taxi Remisse" or "Mitsui Taxi Remisse".

A habit that have all Peruvians is to lock the door and not to show bags or other valuables in the seats.

Water

It is not recommended to take tap water, you can easily find bottles of water, but you can use tap water to brush your teeth.

Gastronomy

Relatively unknown, the Peruvian cuisine is classified among the best in the world with an incredible array (491 typical dishes - Guiness Book), gourmet or home cooking, each region has its own specialties.

However, some tourists looking for low prices, which can turn hazardous in certain cases, with horrible food or worse causing digestive problems.

To prevent bad experiences

Unless a trustworthy person recommend a specific place, avoid street food and very cheap restaurants (menu less than S/. 10), be careful with higien and clean and try to determine the type of clients in the restaurant: families, well-dressed people, office workers or with uniforms, often can inform us.

What to eat and drink in Peru?

It is always difficult in a foreign country to decipher menus in restaurants.

Does the dish spicy, sweet, salty, contains ingredients that I do not like?

Peruvian cuisine is varied and is one of the best in the world. Do not pass an unforgettable gastronomic experience, there is a dictionary of Peruvian dishes: PERU MENU.