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Peru

Perú

Land of the Incas - Adventure Awaits

Last updated: 2025-03-25
7/10

Essential Phrases

Hello

Hola

Oh-la

Thank you

Gracias

Grah-see-as

Yes

Sí

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 Availabilitywidespread
Card Acceptancemoderate
Cash PreferredYes

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

Free WiFimoderate

Restrictions:

• Generally open internet access

• Some gambling sites blocked

SIM Card Tips
  • • 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

WhatsAppFacebookGoogle MapsUBERDelivery apps

Safety Index

7
Overall
/ 10
Based on Global Peace Index & US Dept of State Travel Advisories

Crime Overview

Petty Thefthigh
Violent Crimemoderate

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

7
Overall
/ 10
Based on solo female traveler reviews & government advisories

Night Safety

caution

Dress Code

Modest dress recommended. Beachwear only at beaches. Cover shoulders/knees at churches.

Harassment Risk

occasional

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

February• Week before Lent

Carnaval

cultural

Pre-Lent carnival with parades and festivities

Impact:Festive atmosphere, some businesses closed
June• June 24

Inti Raymi

religious

Festival of the Sun - Incan New Year celebration in Cusco

Impact:Very crowded - book Cusco accommodations early
September• Early September

Mistura

cultural

Major food festival in Lima - showcase of Peruvian cuisine

Impact:Very crowded - food lovers paradise
October• All October, peak 18-28

Feria del Señor de los Milagros

religious

Largest religious festival - processions honoring Christ of the Miracles

Impact:Crowded in Lima, some closures
November• November 1-2

Día de los Muertos

cultural

Day of the Dead - family gatherings, cemetery visits

Impact:Some closures, respectful atmosphere

Offline Survival Kit

Documents

Passport (valid 6+ months)
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic areas)
Travel insurance with medical evacuation
Copies of important documents
Hotel and tour booking confirmations

Apps

Google Maps (offline maps)
WhatsApp (communication)
Uber/Beat (taxi)
Google Translate with offline Spanish
XE Currency

Downloads

Offline Google Maps for Peru
Spanish phrasebook
Emergency contacts offline

Essentials

Altitude medication (if going to Cusco/Puno)
Sunscreen (strong UV)
Insect repellent
Water purification tablets
Comfortable hiking boots

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Peru safe for tourists?
Peru has an overall safety rating of 7/10, making it generally safe for tourists. Petty theft is high and violent crime is moderate. Areas to be cautious in include: Certain areas of Lima (Callao, some outskirts) at night; Border areas with Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia - check current advisories. Always stay aware of your surroundings and take standard travel precautions.
Is Peru safe for solo female travelers?
Peru has a women's safety rating of 7/10, making it moderately safe for solo female travelers. Night safety is rated as "caution" and harassment is occasional. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas
Do I need a VPN in Peru?
A VPN is not strictly necessary, but still useful for Peru. Internet restrictions include: Generally open internet access. Some gambling sites blocked. Popular apps include WhatsApp, Facebook, Google Maps.
What scams should I watch out for in Peru?
Common scams in Peru include: Taxi meter scams; Fake tour guides; Credit card skimming; Overcharging at tourist areas; Pickpocketing on public transport. Always use reputable services, agree on prices before committing, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
Should I use cash or card in Peru?
Cash is preferred in many places in Peru. The currency is Peruvian Sol (PEN). Card acceptance is moderate - carry cash as backup. ATMs widely available in cities, limited in rural areas
What are the emergency numbers in Peru?
Emergency numbers in Peru: Police: 105. Ambulance: 113. Fire: 116. Tourist Police: 0800-22221. The US Embassy in Peru (US Embassy Lima) can be reached at +51 1 618-2000.