Peru Basics

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Time: Local time is GMT -5.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz (Arequipa 50Hz). Two-pin, flat blade and round plugs are standard.

Language: Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major tourist centres and hotels.

Health: Those entering the country from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate, and outbreaks of yellow fever do occur; vaccination is recommended for those intending to travel to the low-lying jungle areas in particular, but is not necessary for Lima, Cuzco or Machu Picchu. Although no other vaccinations are officially required, visitors are advised to take precautions especially if planning to travel to jungle regions. Immunisation against typhoid is sensible. Malaria is a risk all year round in the lowland areas, except for Lima and the coastal regions to the south, and dengue fever is on the increase. Protection against mosquito bites is essential as a number of other mosquito-transmitted diseases occur. There have been a number of recent incidents of rabies transmitted by bites from vampire bats in the Madre de Dios and Puno provinces, as well as in the north near the border with Ecuador; visitors to these areas are advised to have a course of rabies injections prior to travel, and not to sleep in the open without a mosquito net. Cholera and cases of the plague occur, but visitors are unlikely to be affected. Other risks include Chagas' disease. The most common ailments for travellers, however, are diarrhoea and altitude sickness. Drink only bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, and be wary of food bought from street vendors. Health care is good in the major cities, better at private clinics than at the public hospitals, but is expensive, and health insurance is essential. Pharmacies in Lima are well supplied. Screening for HIV is inadequate and visitors are advised to avoid blood transfusions if possible.

Tipping: Some restaurants add a 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.

Safety: Thieves are the biggest problem in Peru, with one of the worst reputations in South America. Be especially cautious in crowded areas, on public transport, bus and train stations, and in the centre of Lima at night. Special care is required in the cities of Lima and Cuzco against street and violent crime. An organised tour group was attacked and robbed on the Inca Trail on 15 November 2005 by a group of armed men, and there have been recent attacks on foreigners trekking in the Huayhuash region near Huaraz and trekkers should be cautious in the area and seek advice before setting out. Thieves and muggers also operate in Huaraz and Arequipa. Women should take particular care to only take taxis that have been pre-booked by a hotel or official company, and travellers arriving at Lima International Airport should be wary of thieves posing as taxi drivers or tour operators. There has also been an increase in the number of crimes associated with taxis in the main cities. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations as these have the potential for violence. An earthquake measuring 7.9 struck south of Lima on 18 August 2007 causing hundreds of deaths and injuries as well as severe damage to Ica and Pisco, the worst affected areas.

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.

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 international access 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 pública, available on street corners in most towns and cities.

Duty Free: Travellers to Peru over 15 years old do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 50g of tobacco; 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.