Organize your stay Peru
Money Peru
The currency of Peru is the nuevo sol (soles in plural) symbolized S/. There are bills of S/ 200, S/ 100, S/ 50, S/ 20 and S/ 10 and coins of S/ 5, S/ 2, S/ 1, S/ 0,50, S/ 0,20, S/ 0,10 and S/ 0,05. It is important to always carry change on the bus or in the street, as small vendors will rarely have change for large denominations.
Exchange rate in December 2022: 1 € = S/ 3.98 or S/ 1 = 0.25 €. For large amounts, prices are often expressed in dollars (US$); 1 US$ = S/ 3.84. The unfortunately 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 the cost of living has risen considerably in recent times, a trip to Peru is still affordable (but far less cheap than Bolivia). One can stay in a hotel (double room with private bathroom, but hot water not guaranteed) for S/ 50 per person. For S/ 100 to S/ 180 per person, one reaches the range corresponding to a 2-star hotel of European standards. For a palace with swimming pool, sauna, tennis and other amenities, it is necessary to count approximately 100 US$ for two.
For food, it depends on your expectations, but it is possible to plan for about S/45 per day and per person and to be well fed. As soon as you want to do something more chic or enjoy a nice evening, the bill increases of course.
Flying is not ruinous either. The strong competition of the last few years has brought the prices down. As for the bus, the most convenient and comfortable way if you choose a recommended company, it is very affordable. More comfortable, the trains are also much more expensive, compared to the other means of transport, because they are essentially for tourist and/or luxury purposes, especially to go to Machu Picchu and between Arequipa, Puno and Cusco
Tipping. It is customary to leave a tip of about 10% to a tour guide, to the restaurant... In the good restaurants, you will be systematically asked if you want to include the tip when paying by credit card, it is not mandatory, but very expected. On the other hand, no tip in a cab, a hotel, etc. In any case, a tip is at your discretion
Haggling is de rigueur in tourist markets, but not in stores with a street address, except in exceptional cases. When haggling, remember that the price of a handicraft item (a wool sweater for example) is ridiculous. If you get 5 soles, you save about 1.50 €. This is a pittance for you, but a lot of money 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 an invoice), which foreigners are not subject to. The only way to get a refund is to make your purchase just before boarding the plane at the airport. You should also know that hotel nights are exempt from the 18%
Passport and visas Peru
For a trip to Peru, no visa is necessary. A 90-day tourist visa will be automatically issued to you upon your arrival in the country. 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. Be careful, the controls are reinforced on this side
Migraciones Peru has set up an application to pre-register during a stay and thus limit hand-to-hand exchanges at customs. You can download their application PreRegistro Migraciones Peru on iPhone or Android.
Passport controls are possible when crossing a provincial border. You must also present your passport when booking domestic or international flights and even when purchasing bus tickets from some companies.
The tourist card (or tarjeta migratoria) is now electronic. Your data is 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 time there. An extension is also possible through the Migraciones website (migraciones.gob.pe)
Please note that if you overstay your stay, you will be fined US$1/day of delay when you leave the country
A little trick that is always useful: make one or two copies of all your official papers (passport, plane ticket, driver's license), your insurance details, etc., which you will scatter in your various luggage. In addition, if you are planning a long stay in Peru, it is advisable to register your passport at your consulate in order to avoid numerous procedures if it is stolen. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). All you have to do is create an account and scan all your identity documents and other important documents in the confidential area.
Driver's license Peru
Your French driver's license is valid for the 183 days maximum that you can stay as a tourist on the territory. It is better to apply for an international license in France before your departure, the rental companies are not demanding, but you will have to leave a bank imprint as a deposit. The police are rather adept at unannounced checks and swiping tickets to solve any problems. If you are within your rights, don't let yourself be impressed.
Health Peru
Altitude sickness is the most common problem in Peru. Characterized by nausea and a strong headache, it occurs above 2 500 m. To mitigate the effects, it is necessary, the day before and in the morning, to eat very soberly. When you arrive at altitude, a rest of 2 or 3 hours in a hotel room allows you to better face it. Eating less, drinking a lot of water and taking paracetamol can help. Other techniques include sticking coca leaves behind your teeth, drinking a coca mate or sucking on lemon slices. You can also find medicines in pharmacies (Effortil over the counter, Diamox (acetazolamide) on prescription, for adults only; Sorojchi Pills in Peru). Be careful, the symptoms are not to be taken lightly, altitude sickness can have serious consequences, such as embolism.
It is strongly advised to protect yourself against yellow fever and malaria if you intend to go to the Amazon area.
In thesame way, think of remaining vigilant against the risks related to the water, that of the tap being 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
The regions of the central sierra (Ayacucho, Huánuco, Huancavelica) were for a long time (1980-2000) the scene of massacres perpetrated by the Shining Path. The situation has since normalized. However, one area remains risky: the VRAE, in the jungle around the Ene and Apurimac rivers.
For the latest information on security in the country, consult the "Travel Advice" section of the 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 it sometimes gives a somewhat alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Single woman on a trip. It is above all a question of confidence: confidence 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 questionable proposals)
Try not to walk alone late at night in crowded streets. It is important to follow the advice of the locals when they tell you that a neighborhood is dangerous... and then take a cab. Don't be offended if you get whistled at dozens of times a day or if you hear comments like "que guapa!", "que bonita!"... This is part of the tradition in this macho country, it even has a name "the piropo".
Time difference Peru
The time difference with France is 6 hours less in winter and 7 hours in summer. When it is noon in Paris, it is 6am in Peru in winter and 5am in summer.
Spoken languages Peru
The national language is Spanish. Quechua is also an official language, but it is only spoken in the sierra, and cohabits with Aymara on the shores of Lake Titicaca. In the jungle, we also find regional languages. There are 48 national dialects. English is spoken by people who are involved in tourism. More and more young people are also speaking it. In all major cities, you can take Spanish and sometimes Quechua courses. The best way to learn a language, finally, is obviously to mix with the population...
Communication Peru
Communications have greatly improved at the local level. 4G is common. Depending on the operator, some regions are less well covered than others. There are still isolated areas without phone coverage in the Amazon and the high Andes. Wifi is common everywhere, not necessarily faster than 4G though.
Electricity and measurements Peru
Electricity. Peruvian electrical outlets provide 220 V, 60 cycles, except in Arequipa (50 cycles). If you plan to take electrical appliances with you, European round and American flat plugs are generally accepted, but it is recommended that you bring an adapter with flat plugs (you will find them easily in all the tourist cities), as the plugs may be of different types or spacing. Power outages can occur, so be sure to bring a good flashlight
Weights and measures. Peru uses the metric system and measures in kilograms. Gasoline, on the other hand, is served in galons, a unit used in the United States that is equivalent to 3.8 liters.
Luggage Peru
In order to know what to pack, it is advisable to take into account the date of the trip, the regions to be visited and the type of tourism envisaged (hiking, trekking...). In any case and whatever the regions chosen, it is necessary to be well shod and well protected from the sun: bring good walking shoes, not too heavy, but solid - the paths are stony and, in the rainy season, the streets of the cities and the paths are formidable quagmires -, sunglasses and protective creams.
In the sierra, temperatures can vary by more than ten degrees between day and night: bring light and warm clothing. Fleece materials are to be preferred. You will find hats and gloves on site. Slip on a raincoat like a parka, especially between November and April. You can also find rain ponchos everywhere.
In the selva, given the heat, it is preferable to wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved, light-colored cotton clothing because of the mosquitoes, and avoid synthetic underwear. Don't forget the hat either - it can be bought in the lodges, but there are few really technical products. Poncho for the rain, but it is often too hot inside.
In Lima, the summer is very sunny, but the winter very wet. It rains very little, but the places are only very rarely heated, it is thus important to have a cozy jacket with you between April and December.
