Climate Averages for Lima
| September | October | November | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainfall (mm) | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 15 | 15 | 17 |
| Max Temp (°C) | 19 | 20 | 22 |
| Min Temp (°F) | 66 | 68 | 71 |
| Max Temp (°F) | 66 | 68 | 71 |
Language
Spanish and Quechua, plus other dialects. English is spoken only in major tourist centres and hotels.
Currency:
Peruvian currency is the nuevo sol (S/.) It is a decimal system (100 centimos = 1 nuevo sol).
Coins: 10, 20 & 50 centimos, 1, 2 and 5 nuevos soles.
Bank note denominations: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles.
The United States dollar exchange rate is variabe. We suggest checking with your hotel reception or a bank. Try to keep small denomination notes to make transactions easier.
Most hotels, restaurants and businesses accept dollars but if you want to change your money into local currency it is recommended that you do so at a bank or to ask at your hotel reception. For your security, do not make use of street money changers.
Banks are usually open to the public Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
There are automatic teller machines in strategic places where cash can be obtained using the principal international credit cards, either in Peruvian currency or in dollars. Take the usual security precautions when withdrawing cash from any such machines.
The best-known international credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VISA) are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and shops.
Time
Local time is GMT -5.
Phone
Pre-payment phone cards of various denominations are available for Telefonica del Peru (the Peruvian telephone company) and AT&T and can be bought from newspaper kiosks and shops.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz (Arequipa 50Hz). Two-pin, flat blade and round plugs are standard. Most hotels have 110 volt shaver sockets in the bathrooms, but they are not suitable for travel irons and hair dryers.
Customs
Do not take photographs of anything to do with the military. Homosexuality, although legal, is frowned upon. Visitors should avoid wearing any native Indian clothing as this will be seen as insulting, regardless of intention.
Transport
Lima has a large number of taxis whose fares are very modest. Before taking a taxi you should find out the approximate fares for your route from the hotel reception.
Taxis have no meters, so before starting your journey agree the fare with the driver. In Lima, if you are going to stop a taxi in the street, use the yellow ones that have the driver`s identification visible inside. Remember to carry coins to pay the fare.
Health
No vaccinations are officially required to visit Peru, especially when it comes to Lima.
Travelers are most commonly affected by diarrhea and altitude sickness, which can usually be easily treated with local traditional remedies.
If you plan to visit cities like
If you have heart problems, please see your doctor about travelling at high altitudes. I
If you plan to visit cities in the
Water and food
The chemical content of tap water differs in each region. It is recommended that visitors drink only bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, and be wary of food bought from street vendors.
Peruvian cuisine is spicy and very varied. Some typical dishes are "Cebiche" (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), "aji de gallina" (chicken strips cooked in sauce of milk, bread and chili peppers), "anticuchos" (brochettes of beef heart and meat), among many others.
You should also try a "Pisco Sour", a typical aperitif made from pisco (grape brandy), lemon juice, egg white and syrup.
Although Lima offers world-renowned local and international cuisine, main fast food chains are also available.
Tipping
Some restaurants add service charge 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.
Shopping
A large variety of silverware, alpaca and vicu-a woolen goods and garments in pima cotton can be bought. Peruvian handicrafts are varied and highly prized throughout the world. However, original antiquities ("huacos", ceramics, colonial-era paintings, Inca textiles and metal objects, etc), which may be considered Peru`s cultural heritage, cannot be taken out of the country..
Safety
Like any major city, thieves are a problem in Peru, especially in tourist centres. For this reason we recommend the following :
don’t walk around with handbags unless absolutely necessary.
Carry your cash and your credit cards in different places in your pockets,
Always carry bills of low denominations and only carry the cash needed for the day.
Never handle money openly on the street.
Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables with you, such as airplane ticket or passport. Always leave them in the safe-deposit box in your hotel.
Business
Business in Peru centres 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. 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.
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 publica, available on street corners in most towns and cities.
Duty Free
Travelers to Peru over 15 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 2kg of food maximum; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages not exceeding 2.5 litres; 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.
Entry requirements
for American, UK national, Canadian, Australian, South African and Irish visitors: do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is needed.
for New Zealanders: do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are 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 six months after arrival. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens traveling to and from Peru by air will require a valid passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.
