£1 PEN 4.63
Today
10:59 pm
-5h from you
Travel warning
There are dangerous organised crime and kidnapping risks, especially in certain border and river valley regions, and a state of emergency is in place with potential shortages and disruptions.
Weather in Peru
Peru
23°
Overcast
Wed
21
23
Thu
21
24
Fri
21
24
Sat
21
23
Sun
21
23
SPF level in Peru
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Peru
Language in Peru
Tipping in Peru
Tipping is generally appreciated in Peru, but not always expected. A service charge may be included in bills at higher-end establishments. Check your bill before tipping to avoid double-tipping.
Restaurant
10% of the bill if service is not included. Check the bill for 'servicio' or similar.
Bar/Café
A few Soles for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, especially for longer journeys or assistance with luggage.
Hotel Porter
2-5 PEN per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 PEN per night.
Tour Guide
10-20 PEN per person for a day tour, depending on the quality of the service.
Safety in Peru
Tips for British travellers
Peru is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your belongings secure and do not leave bags unattended, as pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common.
Use licensed telephone or app-based taxi services and do not hail taxis on the street to avoid robbery by fake taxi drivers.
Do not use your phone at the roadside, as motorbike riders may snatch it, especially in tourist areas of Lima like Miraflores.
Avoid wearing or displaying expensive items to reduce your risk of being targeted for muggings and thefts.
Only use reputable transport companies for bus travel, as crashes are common, and avoid overnight journeys where possible.
Bonus tips:
Always carry ID with you, as police may ask to see it and you could be taken to a station if you do not have it.
Check that adventure activity providers like for ziplining or paragliding have a licence and proper safety precautions before booking.
Driving in Peru
A UK driving license is valid for tourist visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Peru drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
105
Ambulance
116
Fire
116
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Peru
Voltage
220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Peru uses 220V at 60Hz. Plug types A, B, and C are common. UK travelers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Varies. Widely accepted in larger cities, tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Smaller establishments and rural areas may only accept cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Peru
Good in cities and tourist areas, less so in rural regions. ATMs are widely available in Lima, Cusco, and other major towns.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are the easiest way to access cash. Be aware of transaction fees charged by both your bank and the local ATM. Choose ATMs inside banks when possible.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Peru. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper data rates.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 60 PEN (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, GSM
Local carriers
Claro, Movistar, Entel
WiFi & internet
Available in most hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public spaces in cities and tourist areas. Coverage may be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
Wi-Fi is fairly common in tourist areas, but speeds can vary. Consider purchasing a local SIM card if you require reliable internet access outside of Wi-Fi hotspots.
Health & vaccinations in Peru
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Check that it covers all the activities you plan to do, such as trekking at altitude. You should also be aware that GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Peru.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Yellow Fever
Visit your doctor well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Altitude sickness is a risk in many parts of Peru, so consult your doctor about preventative medication and allow time to acclimatise. Drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach upsets. Be cautious about food hygiene, especially from street vendors.
Calling Peru
Country code
+51
To call Peru from the UK, dial 00 51 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Lima from the UK, you would dial 00 51 1 617 2200.
The country code for Peru is 51. When calling from abroad, first dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by 51 and the local number.
UK Embassy in Peru
British Embassy Lima
Torre Parque Mar Suite 1902, Avenida Jose Larco 1301, Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Airports in Peru
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.