Peru

Useful information

Currency

The Nuevo Sol (New Sol) is the official currency, written S/. It is divided into cents. There are notes from S/.10, upwards to S/.200. Like every South American country, change is hard to find, so break notes whenever possible.

Costs in Peru are generally lower than those in developed countries. Lima and Cuzco are the most expensive places in the country. For spending money take around US$20-30 per day. Prices are often quoted in US dollars, and dollars are by far the easiest currency to exchange. Other currencies attract a high commission. Money can be changed in banks, casas de cambio, first-class hotels or with street changers. Cambios are usually the easiest places to change money. Street changers are best avoided. Rates vary from place to place but not significantly, unless you try to change money at a hotel which charges high commission. Travellers' cheques are changed at a slightly lower rate than cash. Stick to the well known brands like American Express.

Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but credit cards attract a commission unless you are using it for a cash withdrawal (in Peruvian currency) from a bank. ATMs (Visa and Plus system are most widely recognized) are now the best way to extract money in Peru. A combination of taxes and service charges are added to bills in the best hotels and restaurants and can total as much as 28%. The cheaper hotels and restaurants don't add taxes. Tipping is not expected in budget restaurants. A tip of 10-15% is fine in up market restaurants if a service charge has not already been added to the bill. Taxi drivers are not tipped - bargain hard beforehand and stick to your price. Local guides should be tipped US$3-5 per day. Bargaining is a way of life in markets.

Note: damaged or torn banknotes will not be accepted by anyone. Fake banknotes are common. Look for watermarks and the thread through the note. The texture should feel fibrous not smooth.

Visas

British citizens can find up-to-date travel advice on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. Citizens of other countries should consult their local Peruvian consulate.

Most travellers do not need visas; most nationals are granted a 90-day stay and it can be extended.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from the UK. You will have to change in Miami or a European city. Iberia has daily flights via Madrid, KLM has 5 a week via Amsterdam, BA or American Airlines daily via Miami, Continental via Houston or New York.

Lima's international airport, Jorge Chavez, is the main hub for flights to the Andes, and Cusco to the jungle. Internal flights are frequently over-booked, we suggest pre-book as far ahead as possible.

There is a departure tax of approximately US$10 on international flights.

Our Tours are designed to coincide with available flights. If and when you are thinking of booking a tour, we will advise on suitable flight arrangements.