Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Peru depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for PeruEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 105
- Ambulance
- 117
- Fire
- 116
Currency
- Name
- Peruvian Sol
- Code
- PEN
- Symbol
- S/
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B, Type C
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
PET (UTC-5)
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wet season (November–April) makes Inca Trail and highland trekking difficult. Machu Picchu entry requires advance booking year-round
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Often included (servicio) — check the bill |
| Taxi | Round up; agree fare in advance | — |
| Tour guides | $10–15 per day (USD accepted) | — |
| Hotel staff | $1–2 per bag | — |
Dress Code
- Casual throughout
- Layer for altitude — temperature can drop sharply after sunset even in summer
- Modest dress at religious sites
- Smart casual for Lima's restaurants
Social Etiquette
- Greet with a single cheek kiss (women to women and women to men in social settings)
- Punctuality is flexible — 'hora peruana' (Peruvian time) means social events run late
- Bargaining is accepted in markets and for taxis
- Offering coca leaves or coca tea is common at altitude — it's traditional and legal in Peru
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Coca leaves are legal to buy, chew, and use in tea within Peru — but it is illegal to export them
- Altitude sickness (soroche) is a real risk above 3,000m — spend 2–3 days acclimatising in Cusco before trekking
- Machu Picchu: no food, drink, or large bags inside the ruins; rules strictly enforced
- Drug offences carry severe penalties
- Photography of military installations prohibited
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | OH-lah |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-see-as |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| You're welcome | De nada | deh NAH-dah |
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