Organize your stay Peru
Money Peru
Peru's currency is the nuevo sol( pluralsoles ), symbolized S/. S/ 200, S/ 100, S/ 50, S/ 20 and S/ 10 bills are in circulation, as are S/ 5, S/ 2, S/ 1, S/ 0.50, S/ 0.20, S/ 0.10 and S/ 0.05 coins. It's important to always have change with you, on buses or in the street, as small vendors will rarely give change for large denominations.
Exchange rate in December 2024: €1 = S/ 4 or S/ 1 = €0.25. For larger sums, prices are often expressed in dollars (US$); 1 US$ = S/ 3.75. Unfortunately, the constant political instability often causes the US$ exchange rate to fluctuate between S/3.50 and S/4, but the economy remains privately funded, independent and solid.
Budget & Tips Peru
Even if living costs have risen considerably in recent times, a trip to Peru is still affordable (though far less cheap than Bolivia). Once you've paid for your international flight, which varies between 800 and 1,500 euros depending on the date, you'll be able to get a good night's sleep. You can get decent hotel accommodation (double room with private bathroom, but hot water not guaranteed) for S/ 75 per person. For S/ 150 to S/ 250 per person, you're in the range of a European-standard 2-star hotel. For a palace with swimming pool, sauna, tennis court and other amenities, you'll need to spend around US$100 for two.
Eating out depends on your expectations: a simple midday meal can cost around S/ 15 to 20, but a real meal in a restaurant with dessert or coffee easily climbs to S/ 80 to 100. As soon as you want to go a little more fancy or enjoy a nice evening, the bill quickly rises. Alcohol in particular is expensive.
Flying is less expensive. The fierce competition of recent years has brought prices down, but be careful to book with recommended airlines such as Latam or Sky Peru. The others have little frequency and often cancellations or delays. You also need to pay attention to the baggage policy, as the basic price does not include any baggage, and each type of baggage has a different price.
As for the bus, the most convenient and comfortable means of travel if you choose a recommended company, it proves to be very affordable. Trains are more comfortable, but also much more expensive than other means of transport, as they are mainly used for tourist and/or luxury purposes, notably to get to Machu Picchu and between Arequipa, Puno and Cusco.
Tipping. It's customary to leave a tip of around 10% for a tour guide, a restaurant waiter, etc. In good restaurants, you'll always be asked if you want to include the tip when paying by credit card - it's not compulsory, but very much expected. On the other hand, there's no such thing as a tip in a cab, hotel, etc. In any case, a tip is at your discretion.
Bargaining is de rigueur in tourist markets, but not in stores with a street address, with a few exceptions. When haggling, remember that the price of a handicraft item (a woollen sweater, for example) is ridiculous. Scraping together 5 soles will save you around €1.50. That's a pittance for you, but often a considerable sum for the seller. Don't overdo it. But, of course, don't let yourself be taken advantage of (some shopkeepers charge 10 times the normal price, especially if you don't speak a word of Spanish).
Taxes. Most prices include an 18% sales tax (for purchases with invoice), which foreigners are not subject to. The only way to get it refunded is to make your purchase just before boarding, at the airport. Please note that hotel nights are exempt from the 18% tax.
Passport and visas Peru
No visa is required for travel to Peru. A 90-day tourist visa is automatically issued on arrival. The maximum duration is 183 days per year with a tourist visa. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date of entry. Please note that controls on this side of the border have been stepped up.
Migraciones Peru has set up an application for pre-registering during your stay, thus limiting hand-to-hand exchanges at customs. You can download their PreRegistro Migraciones Peru application on iPhone or Android.
Passport controls are possible at provincial border crossings. You must also present your passport when booking domestic or international flights, and even when purchasing bus tickets from certain companies.
The tourist card (or tarjeta migratoria) is now electronic. Your details are automatically entered into the Migraciones system. If you are in the border regions and your visa is about to expire, it is advisable to go abroad to re-enter as a tourist and extend your stay. You can also extend your stay via the Migraciones website (https://agenciavirtual.migraciones.gob.pe).
Please note that if your stay exceeds the authorized duration, you will be required to pay a fine of US$1/day of delay on leaving the country.
A little trick that's always useful: make one or two copies of all your official papers (passport, plane ticket, driver's license), insurance details, etc., and pack them in your luggage. What's more, if you're planning a long stay in Peru, it's a good idea to register your passport with your consulate, so as to avoid numerous procedures if it's stolen. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). Simply create an account and scan all your identity papers and other important documents into the confidential area.
Driver's license Peru
Your French driving license is valid for the maximum 183 days you can stay in France as a tourist. It's best to apply for an international driver's license in France before you leave, as car rental companies are not demanding, although you'll have to leave a bank imprint as a deposit. The police are quite adept at making unannounced checks and swiping tickets to solve any problems. If you're within your rights, don't let them intimidate you.
Health Peru
Altitude sickness is the most common problem in Peru. Characterized by nausea and a severe headache, it occurs above 2,500 m. To alleviate the effects, you should eat very sparingly the day before and in the morning. Once at altitude, resting for 2 or 3 hours in a hotel room will help you cope better. Eating less, drinking plenty of water and taking paracetamol can provide relief. Other techniques include wedging coca leaves behind your teeth, drinking coca mate or sucking lemon slices. Medicines are also available from pharmacies (Effortil over the counter, Diamox (acetazolamide) on prescription, for adults only; Sorojchi Pills in Peru). But beware: altitude sickness can have serious consequences, such as embolism.
We strongly advise you to protect yourself against yellow fever and malaria if you intend to visit the Amazon region.
Likewise, remember to be vigilant against water-related risks, as tap water is not drinkable.
Mandatory vaccination Peru
To enter Peru, no specific vaccine is required if you are arriving from Europe, North America, Oceania or Asia. However, if you have recently travelled to certain countries in Africa or South America, you will be asked for a yellow fever vaccination certificate. In addition, it is recommended to be up to date on the usual vaccines (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus-poliomyelitis, Typhoid).
It is strongly advised to protect yourself against yellow fever and malaria if you intend to go to the Amazon area.
Security Peru
For many years (1980-2000),the central sierra regions (Ayacucho, Huánuco, Huancavelica) were the scene of mass massacres perpetrated by Shining Path. The situation has since returned to normal. However, one area remains at risk: the VRAE, in the jungle around the Ene and Apurimac rivers.
For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, and that this sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the country's actual situation.
Single women traveling. Above all, it's a question of trust: trust in yourself, but also in the people around you. If you start to distrust everyone, your trip will be ruined. Be carefree, but not oblivious (be clear and know how to say no to dubious proposals).
Try not to wander alone late at night in crowded streets. It's essential to follow the advice of locals when they tell you that a neighborhood is dangerous... and then take a cab. You'll probably take offence at being whistled at dozens of times a day, or hearing comments like "que guapa!", "que bonita!"... It's a common occurrence in this macho country, and even has a name: "le piropo".
Time difference Peru
The time difference with France is 6 hours less in winter and 7 hours in summer. When it's noon in Paris, it's 6 a.m. in Peru in winter and 5 a.m. in summer.
Spoken languages Peru
The national language is Spanish. Quechua is also an official language, but is only spoken in the sierra, and cohabits with Aymara on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Regional languages are also spoken in the jungle. There are 48 national dialects. English is spoken by people involved in tourism. An increasing number of young people also speak it. In all major cities, you can take courses in Spanish and sometimes even Quechua. The best way to learn a language, of course, is to mingle with the locals...
Communication Peru
Communications have greatly improved locally. 4G is commonplace. Depending on the operator, some regions are less well covered than others. There are still isolated areas without telephone coverage in the Amazon and the high Andes. Wifi is common everywhere, though not necessarily faster than 4G.
Electricity and measurements Peru
Electricity. Peruvian electrical outlets supply 220 V, 60 cycles, except in Arequipa (50 cycles). If you're planning to take electrical appliances with you, European round and American flat plugs are generally accepted, but it's a good idea to bring an adapter with flat plugs (you'll find them easily in all tourist towns), as the plugs may be of different types or spacing. Power cuts can occur, so don't forget to bring a good flashlight.
Weights and measures. Peru uses the metric system and measures in kilograms. Gasoline, on the other hand, is sold in galons, the equivalent of 3.8 liters in the USA.
Luggage Peru
To know what to pack, you need to take into account the date of your trip, the regions to be visited and the type of tourism envisaged (hiking, trekking...). In any case, whatever the region you choose, you need to be well-shod and well-protected from the sun: good walking shoes, not too heavy, but sturdy - the paths are stony and, in the rainy season, town streets and footpaths are formidable quagmires - sunglasses and protective creams.
In the sierra, temperatures can vary by more than ten degrees between day and night: pack light and warm clothing. Polar fleece is preferable. Hats and gloves are available on site. You'll also want to pack a parka-type rain jacket, especially between November and April. Rain ponchos are also widely available.
In the selva, in view of the heat, it's best to wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved, light-colored cotton clothing because of the mosquitoes, and to avoid synthetic undergarments. Don't forget your hat either - you can buy them in the lodges or on site, but you won't find many really technical products. Poncho for rain, but it's often too hot inside.
In Lima, summer is very sunny, but winter is very wet. It rains very little, but places are rarely heated, so it's important to have a cozy jacket with you between April and December.
