Peru
Perú
Land of the Incas - Adventure Awaits
Essential Phrases
Hello
Hola
Oh-la
Thank you
Gracias
Grah-see-as
Yes
SÃ
See
No
No
No
Excuse me
Disculpe
Dees-kool-peh
Sorry
Lo siento
Lo see-en-toh
Please
Por favor
Por fah-vor
Help!
¡Ayuda!
Ah-yoo-da
Where is...?
¿Dónde está...?
Don-deh es-ta
How much?
¿Cuánto cuesta?
Kwan-toh kwes-ta
Cheers!
¡Salud!
Sah-lood
Goodbye
Adiós
Ah-dee-os
Emergency Contacts
Police
105
National Police
Ambulance
113
Medical emergency (SAMU)
Fire
116
Fire department
Tourist Police
0800-22221
Tourist Police (INDETUR)
US Embassy Lima
+51 1 618-2000
Avenida La Encalada 1615, Santiago de Surco, Lima 15023
Money & ATM Reality
Currency
Peruvian Sol
PEN
1 USD ≈ 3.7 PEN (approximate)
ATM & Card Access
ATM Fees: 0-20 PEN (varies by bank)
- • ATMs widely available in cities, limited in rural areas
- • Bring USD for exchange - better rates than cards
- • Small towns and markets prefer cash
- • Tipping: 10% in restaurants, small tips for guides
Internet & Connectivity
Restrictions:
• Generally open internet access
• Some gambling sites blocked
- • Entel, Claro, andMovistar are major providers
- • eSIM available from providers
- • Tourist SIM: 30-50 PEN for 10-20GB valid 30 days
- • Airport shops offer tourist SIMs
Popular Apps
Safety Index
Crime Overview
Transportation
Use registered taxis. Road safety is a concern - buses involved in accidents. Flight within Peru generally safe.
Common Scams
- •Taxi meter scams
- •Fake tour guides
- •Credit card skimming
- •Overcharging at tourist areas
- •Pickpocketing on public transport
Areas to Avoid
- • Certain areas of Lima (Callao, some outskirts) at night
- • Border areas with Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia - check current advisories
Natural Disaster Risks
- • Earthquakes (common along coast)
- • Flooding during rainy season (December-April)
- • Altitude sickness in Andes
Note: Safety ratings are based on Global Peace Index, US Department of State Travel Advisories, and local government sources. Ratings are subjective and should be used as a general guideline only. Always verify current travel advisories before your trip.
Solo Women Travelers
Night Safety
Dress Code
Modest dress recommended. Beachwear only at beaches. Cover shoulders/knees at churches.
Harassment Risk
Tips
- •Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas
- •Use registered taxi apps (Uber, Beat)
- •Dress modestly to avoid attention
- •Be cautious with unwanted attention
- •Generally safe in tourist areas
Note: Women safety ratings are based on solo female traveler experiences, TripAdvisor reviews, and US Department of State advisories. Every woman's experience may vary. Trust your instincts and research specific destinations.
Festivals & Events
Carnaval
culturalPre-Lent carnival with parades and festivities
Impact: Festive atmosphere, some businesses closed
Inti Raymi
religiousFestival of the Sun - Incan New Year celebration in Cusco
Impact: Very crowded - book Cusco accommodations early
Mistura
culturalMajor food festival in Lima - showcase of Peruvian cuisine
Impact: Very crowded - food lovers paradise
Feria del Señor de los Milagros
religiousLargest religious festival - processions honoring Christ of the Miracles
Impact: Crowded in Lima, some closures
DÃa de los Muertos
culturalDay of the Dead - family gatherings, cemetery visits
Impact: Some closures, respectful atmosphere