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Below some useful information and relevant tips to make of your Peru trip the most pleasant one.
Currency and Exchange:
The Peruvian currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). Exchange rate for one American Dollar is approximately S/. 3.50.
Most hotels have exchange rates facilities. For other currencies, you may check with local banks. Credit cards are frequently accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.
Local Time:
Peruvian local time coincides with Eastern Standard Time in the U.S. and is five hours behind G.M.T.
Electricity:
220 volts, 60 cycles. Major hotels have special 110 volts outlets in bathrooms.
Water:
Although tap water is potable, we suggest you to drink only bottled water. You may easily find carbonated and spring water everywhere.
Altitude Sickness:
When traveling to altitude we suggest you to relax at least 3 hours for your body to get adjusted. Coca tea may help you to get accustomed to altitude, it is usually offered upon arrival at hotels (it is an innocuous infusion).
Hotel Taxes:
Tourists are exempted of paying 19 percent Peruvian Sales Tax on accommodation throughout Peru. In order to grant this excemption, hotels request a copy of passport (data and date of entrance) upon arrival of pasengers.
Tips:
10% service charge is usually included on hotel or restaurant bills. Additional tipping is optional.
Taxis:
Taxis are quite inexpensive in Peru. Since they do not have taximeters, agree rates prior to the trip. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Departure Airport Taxes
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- For local flights: US$ 4 per person, which can be also paid in Peruvian Nuevos Soles.
- For international flights: US$ 28 per person, which can also be paid in Peruvian Nuevos Soles.
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Shopping:
Peru is a paradise for shopping. It is the land of jewelry, ceramics and alpaca goods.
Shops in Lima are usually opened from 10 am to 8 pm.; outside Lima from 10 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm. We suggest you to carry along all your buys and avoid shop's delivery.
Remember that exportation of pieces of art, antiques and pottery is forbidden.
Safety Measures:
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- Leave your passport at hotel together with international air tickets and values. Most hotels have safe boxes free of charge or at a very small fee. It is advisable to carry a copy of your passport.
- Avoid touring around alone.
- Do not wear jewelry of any kind when out in the street. If you wear a watch, be sure it is hidden by your shirt sleeve.
- As far as drugs are concerned, Peruvian law is clear and concise as well as very strict, forbidding all possessions of, use and dealing in narcotics including marijuana and cocaine.
- When touring by your own, do not surpass the beaten track. Keep and eye on your wallet, camera, video, etc. Street pickpockets are frequent as in any big city in the world nowadays.
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