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Travel documents for Peru:
Most travelers - means citizens of Western Europe, Asia, North or South America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - only need a valid passport to enter Peru. See also our visa section on this website or use a Visa Service like here.
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Security-Question:
Is it dangerous to travel to Peru?
Democracy has brought forward many changes. In places where a city regards tourism as serious business, policing has been heightened dramatically. Ten years ago, group tourism to Peru, in a manner similar to European tourism, did not exist.
It is unwise anywhere to leave valuables lying around or flaunt one's wealth, and the traveler generally does not venture far from the main stay (just as you would avoid certain parts of large U.S. cities.) Peru can be regarded as no less "safe" than any region where rich and poor meet. Just be discreet! Although unemployment has risen sharply and although as a big city Lima does have it's spots it is still regarded as a safe travel destination.
Although certain illegal drugs are readily available, anyone carrying any is almost automatically assumed to be a drug trafficker! If arrested on any charge the wait for trial in prison can take a year and is particularly unpleasant. If you are asked by the narcotics police to go to the toilets to have your bags searched, insist on taking a witness! Drugs use or purchase is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment. The number of foreigners in Peruvian prisons on drug charges is still increasing.
As much as you know where the places are in your city which you would never go or take other people to, a good tour operator should know those places in Peru as well. A good Tour Operator, however, also would not wish to hide anything from you. However, their tours and destinations would just steer clear of such dangers.
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O.k., but what about Mosquitoes and all those tropical dangers?
GOOD tours steer clear of places, where the World Health Organization recommends - or the Peruvian Government requires - vaccinations.
However, we do recommend that if you are heading for the Amazon, that you get prophylactic Malaria medication (and take it, too!) If you are planning on exploring deeper into the rainforest or other unusual places in earnest on your own, please get advice from a specialized hospital or medical center.
Official information on travel realted health concerns can be obtained from the World Health Organization.
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Is Peru expensive?
Peru is moderately priced in the major and touristic cities, and realatively inexpensive elsewhere.
Local drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and bottled water) cost about half what they do in the U.S. Tap water is safe, but only because it contains a lot of disinfectants. For your tastebuds' sake, ordering water „sin gas" (without gas) is an inexpensive alternative.
When you desire American standards and/or American food, expect prices as you would pay in the U.S. As with anything that is imported, expect to pay more, at times much more!
One nice thing: there is no sales tax to pay on top of the bill. (Although, hotels, if indepently booked usuall - and legally - add the 18% VAT on top of the hotel bill. Tips in restaurants should not exceed 10%.)
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Oh right, how about tipping?
As just mentioned, restaurant tipping is about 10%. Otherwise, where you would hand out one dollar, give one Real (that's about 35 cents). You need not tip taxi drivers.
It is customary to tip highly trained, bilingual tour directors about US$3 to US$5 per person per day, and your coach or car driver about US$2-US$3.
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Language problems?
Yes, but no communication problems. Everybody loves to practice the little English they know. But do not expect everyone to speak English fluently. Use body language! In larger cities, everybody knows someone who speaks a bit of English, at least. In the more remote areas, Spanish is best. French, with a bit of patience, is often understood.
Hotels usually carry at least one TV-channel is English (CNN). Many cable channels broadcast their programs (like American sitcoms) in English with Spanish subtitles.
Just learn the two magic words:
Please! Por favor! (easy, isn´t it!)
and
Thank you! Gracias!
it gets you a lot of friendly smiles.
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What kind of money do I need?
You need the Nuevo Sol. Find here the Convert USD to the Peruvian currency!
Get the Nuevo Sol upon arrival in an official money exchange office or use ATMs also located in the international airports. You can never pay for your purchases in US$! The black market for dollars has virtually disappeared. Bring traveler checks and your credit card/bank card with its PIN code stored in your memory only. ATM's are ubiquitous (almost everywhere!).
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Peru Airpass FAQ's
Please read the information below to learn about the limitations of the various Peru Airpasses or go to an airpass booking site:
Q: Can I buy a Peru Airpass in Peru?
A: No, Airpasses may only be purchased outside of Peru in conjunction with Peru-bound international tickets.
Q: Does one airpass cover my whole family?
A: No, each person must purchase an own airpass.
Q: I am not in the United States. Where can I buy airpasses?
A: Airpasses are available directly from LAN Peru in your country.
Q: Can airline employees flying on free space purchase airpasses?
A: No, unfortunately not.
Q: Are airpasses refundable?
A: Unused airpasses are fully refundable less handling fees. Partially used airpasses are nonrefundable.
Q: Is the Peru airpass valid outside of Peru?
A: Only the Mercosur pass is available outside of Peru.
Q: Is there a discount for children?
A: No discounts are provided for children using the Peru airpass.
Q: Are my flights prebooked or am I flying standby?
A: You must schedule your flights when purchasing the airpass, and booked seats are guaranteed. Once ticketed, there will be a penalty fee for changes.
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More questions and HOW TO FIND A RELIABLE TOUR OPERATOR TO PERU
The quality and trustworthyness of a Tour Operator becomes obvious through the speed and exactness of answering your questions. If you wait for more then 48 hours for a reply, then you know that in an emergency that agency may not be fast enough to help you efficiently. How to find a decent tour operator to Peru? This is an information site, therefore we can not recommend a specific tour operator: Just go into your usual search engine and try "escorted tours Peru" That should lead you to all the choices you as a customer are entitled to.
Should you have more questions about travel in Peru, please send us an email. We'll make every effort to reply within 48 hours.
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