Travellers Tips for Peru
(Or what the guidebooks don't tell you)
Some basic information
Peru is relatively cheap in comparison with North America and Western Europe, although not as cheap as some countries in the region.
Electricity 220v 60hz. Plugs are the same as 2 pin US flat and round types
Arriving and departing the Airport
On arriving at Lima Airport from abroad, you should note two points. First, keep your baggage receipts handy as these will be checked against the part attached to your baggage, to avoid theft. As an update..this doesn't always happen. Secondly, when entering Customs, you will be required to press a button. If a green light appears, you are free to go; but if red, your bags will be thoroughly checked. It's a lottery!
On leaving on an International flight you will have to pay, in cash (no credit cards) a departure tax currently at $29, or the equivalent in soles, per person. For Internal flights, the tax is just over $5. Have the money available, otherwise you will have to change currency at the bank, or ATM, at an unfavourable rate. As of 2007, American Airlines now include this in the ticket. All other airlines you need to pay at the airport.
Currency
The official currency of Peru is the new sol (plural: soles) which is written thus: s/.
Unofficially, US dollars are accepted in shops in tourist areas, and in major supermarkets, although change is given in soles. There are semi-official money changers (wearing a green or red bib with a $ sign and "Euro" on the back) outside some of the larger supermarkets (Wong, for example) who will give a reasonable exchange rate, less hassle than a bank and often a better rate! Do not rely on traveller's cheques as they are not readily accepted without a fuss, such as providing a copy of your passport, and other identification. You should keep your passport, or other photo identification with you at all times, as you may need this if you pay by credit card. The rate of exchange is about s/.2,70 to the US$. The pound sterling = s/. 5.22 approx (as at April 2008).
Transport
There is very little "public" transport in Lima as the locals who cannot afford a taxi use the "private enterprise" vans and buses (called combis). They are very competitive on the main roads, touting for business in an aggressive manner. Although frequent and cheap (one sol for any distance in Lima), you have to know where you are headed and where to alight. Unless you are adventurous, it is safer for tourists to use taxis which are reasonably cheap compared with European and North American prices. The taxis do not have meters so you will need to agree a price (in soles) before entering the cab. Long distance buses are available to travel outside Lima but there is no railway network, as in Europe, because of the geography of Peru (mountains and jungle). However, there are a few tourist trains along the scenic routes such as from Cuzco to Machu Picchu and Puno to Cusco, but no regular passenger service between the major cities.
Further reading
To taste the flavour of life in Peru, try reading "Inca Kola" by Matthew Parris (now the London "Times" feature writer) written in the late 1980s. It is just as relevant today as it was 15 years ago and is very funny. Read it first before you arrive and then again when you return home, when you will appreciate it more. Don't believe all you read in the Guidebooks about Lima ("just a place for passing through" ). There are some pleasant and interesting areas to visit in the centre of the city and in the tourist area of Miraflores, for example.
