Visas
Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and most other Western countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 183 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Visitors from some Latin American and Caribbean countries require a tourist visa; check with the Peruvian consulate before you travel.
Currency
The currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). Credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in the main cities, but you will need cash in smaller towns and markets. ATMs are widely available in cities; use machines inside banks or shopping centres rather than on the street. Be wary of counterfeit notes — always check bills when receiving change. Unofficial money changers on the street are a common source of fakes; use banks or casa de cambio offices instead.
Language
Spanish is the official language and spoken by the majority. Quechua is widely spoken in Andean communities and is a co-official language; Aymara is spoken around Puno and Lake Titicaca. In tourist areas, some English is spoken, but learning basic Spanish phrases will help enormously outside the main hubs.
Safety
Petty theft — bag snatching, pickpocketing — is the main risk in cities. Be alert in markets, bus terminals, and crowded areas. Do not display cameras, phones, or jewelry openly. In Lima, stick to Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro at night; avoid isolated areas. Use app-based taxis rather than hailing cabs from the street after dark.
Political protests and roadblocks occur periodically, particularly in the Andes, and can disrupt travel for a day or more. Check local news before any overland journey.
Communications
Mobile coverage is good in cities and most tourist areas. Claro and Movistar are the main providers. Buying a local SIM card on arrival is easy and cheap. Wi-Fi is available in hotels and cafes in the main tourist towns.
Electricity
220V, 60Hz. Plugs are typically two flat pins (US-style) or two round pins. Bring a universal adapter.
Time Zone
Peru Standard Time is UTC-5, with no daylight saving.