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Tourist information and assistance
Peru has a Tourist Information and Assistance Service known as i peru, where you can obtain objective and impartial tourist information, as well as assistance, in the event that the services rendered were not provided in the manner they were offered when they were contracted.
Further information on: http://www.peru.info/iperueng.asp
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Security
Take normal precautions against pickpockets
Carry a copy of identification documents. Keep originals and your valuables in the safety deposit box of your hotel and make sure to list down what you deposit and verify the responsibility assumed by the establishment.
Carry valuables discreetly. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Keep an eye on your bags and luggage.
Do not carry suitcases, bags or sac packs on your back.
Do not exchange money out in the street.
Do not walk around late at night through areas with poor lighting or without a companion
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Communications
- Telephone
International and long distance national calls can be made from public pay phones. Country and city codes are normally shown in the telephone booths.
To make an international call, dial:
00 + country code + city code + telephone number.
To call from one city to the next, dial:
0 + city code + telephone number.
Public phones take coins as well as cards, which are sold in stands and supermarkets. Make sure you are buying the card corresponding to the telephone company of the phone you want to use. No collect calls can be made from pay phones.
To obtain telephone information, dial 103 (service is in Spanish)
- Internet
The main cities in the country do have public Internet booths.
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Lodging
There are lodging establishments of various types and cost. In the high tourist season (June to September) it is recommended to make advanced reservations. It is also possible to stay over at family homes authorized by the National Tourism Board. Make sure you always know the check out time.
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Health matters
Only drink bottled or previously boiled water.
Be careful with raw vegetables and fruits.
Avoid eating from street vendors.
Rest on the first day of your arrival to the Highlands, and consume light meals to prevent altitude illness (soroche). Drinking "coca tea" is recommended.
If you travel to the Highlands or to the Jungle, make sure to carry insect repellent and a raincoat. To obtain medical services, contact the staff of your hotel or travel agent. If you wish to take travelers' insurance, contact your favorite travel agency.
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Banks
Banking hours in Peru are normally from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, most banks open for the public half day on Saturdays. In the streets of the main cities there are teller machines installed by the different banks.
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Money exchange
It is recommended that money should be exchanged in hotels, banks and authorized money exchange offices (Service hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., approximately). The exchange rate against the US Dollar is variable. Inquire before changing your money. For exchanging other currencies inquiry at money exchange offices
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Food and beverage
Peruvian cuisine offers a great variety of dishes typical of the Coast, the Highlands and the Jungle. Always first ask about their ingredients, since some dishes can contain hot pepper or be highly spiced. You will also find establishments where international food is prepared.
As far as drinks are concerned, try the very Peruvian Pisco (grape brandy) in any of its various recipes, as well as "chicha morada" (purple corn juice) "chicha de jora" (fermented red or yellow corn juice)and agüaje juice, made from a tropical Jungle fruit.
Tipping
The amount of the tip in Peru varies with the degree of satisfaction you have with the service provided.
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Transport
- By air
There are flights and connections from Lima to all the main cities of Peru except for Huancayo, Huaraz and Ica, where you can go by road using inter-provincial buses. Always make reservations in advance.
Travel re-confirmation
Re-confirm your trip ahead of time: For domestic flights: 48 hours in advance; for international flights: 72 hours in advance.
Airport tax (T.U.U.A.)
Domestic flights: US$ 6,05.
International flights:: US$ 30,25.
Payment to be made in cash before boarding the flight. This tax does not apply to children
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- By land
Inter-provincial buses
The inter-provincial bus service covers all destinations in Peru, except for certain cities in the Jungle. Inquire into the comfort available depending on the fare paid; and whether or not the service is non-stop.
Taxis and public transportation
It is recommended that taxis should be from taxi companies (which are requested by phone) or those authorized by the municipalities (in Lima they are painted yellow and some of them have a lighted sign over the roof).
Taxi meters are not used in Peru, therefore the price must be negotiated before going into the taxi. Ask where you are staying about the average fares to your destination. No tips are normally given to taxi drivers.
At airports, it is advisable to hire the services of taxis authorized by the management authority.
Urban buses (the most economical alternative) are of the colors and numbers assigned for the specific route. Most of them travel long treks and they may turn out to be uncomfortable. Inquire before taking them; and do not take them too late at night.
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- Trains
The tourist rail service covers two routes:
- Puno - Cusco.
- Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Machu-Picchu.
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Tourism by Road
Always carry with you your driver's license and a copy of your passport.. If the vehicle is rented, carry the car rental agreement. If you have an international driver's license, it is valid for one year. If you have your country's driver's license, it is good for 180 days.
Abide by the speed limits posted on the road.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you do so, you may be subject to criminal charges.
If a traffic officer orders you to stop, do so. He or she must be in uniform and wearing an identification badge (the surname is printed on a plate fixed at his chest). Under no circumstance must the traffic officer enter your vehicle.
Keep in mind that your documents and the vehicle's documents cannot be retained and that under no circumstances should you have to pay any money.
In case of an accident or collision, call a traffic officer. If the vehicle is rented, also call the representative of the insurance company where you rented the vehicle. Wait there, do not move from the place.
Do not stop if unknown persons make signs at you on the road.
Do not park in dark places. Do not leave objects which can be seen by passers by.
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Shopping
In general, shops, shopping centers and handicraft markets are open everyday (even on holidays) between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
In markets and in places such as those where there are beach vendors and street vendors, it is acceptable to bargain.
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Prohibitions
It is absolutely prohibited to take photographs of airports, military bases, places near high tension towers and police stations. In some churches and museums it is prohibited to take photographs or film. Ask first.
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Important telephone numbers:
- Information on domestic and international flights at the LimaAirport: (01) 511-6000
- Cancellation of traveller´s checks American Express: 001-800-8602908
- Cancellation of credit cards
Visa, from a landline phone, dial 108 (collect) to reach 001-410-5819754. Information at phone 242-2975
Master Card,(01) 311-6000 Visa, from a landline phone, dial 108 (collect) to reach 001- 636-7227111
American Express: (525) 326-2660 (collect call, through operator 108)
Diners Club: (01) 221-2050
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