Saily eSIM for Peru
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6,320 mi away
£1 PEN 4.48
Today
10:48 pm
-5h from you
Travel warning
There are specific border and valley regions with serious organised crime linked to drug production where it's not safe to travel.
Weather & climate
Weather in Peru
Peru
22°
Overcast
Wed
18°
22°
Thu
18°
22°
Fri
17°
22°
Sat
18°
22°
Sun
18°
22°
Mon
18°
21°
Tue
18°
22°
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.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Peru
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Peru for tourism without a visa.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.
When you arrive, you are normally given permission to stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
If you arrive at an international airport, your entry is registered digitally through a virtual immigration document.
Passengers transiting through Lima Airport must pay an Airport Use Fee, which is not currently included in airline tickets.
Good to know:
If you enter Peru by land, ensure you get a passport entry stamp at the immigration checkpoint.
Children aged 17 and under with Peruvian resident status need written notarised permission from non-accompanying parents to leave Peru.
Safety in Peru
Tips when travelling
Peru is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your ID as you may be required to go to a police station if you cannot show it.
Only use licensed phone app taxis or airport desk taxis, and avoid hailing cabs on the street to avoid robbery.
Avoid wearing or displaying expensive items and do not use your phone at the roadside, as motorbike riders may snatch it.
Be extremely cautious with alcoholic drinks as methanol poisoning can occur and is fatal, even from small amounts.
Keep your belongings secure and do not leave bags unattended, as pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common.
Bonus tips:
Only use reputable transport companies for buses, especially at night, as crashes are common.
Do not take coca leaves or coca tea out of Peru, as it is illegal to import them into the UK.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
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.
Health 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.
No vaccinations required
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.
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
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.
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
5 GB for 60 PEN (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, GSM
Electrical in Peru
Voltage
220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C
UK adapter needed
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
105
Ambulance
116
Fire
116
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Peru
Country code
+51
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.
Language in Peru
Spanish(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Lima
Torre Parque Mar Suite 1902, Avenida Jose Larco 1301, Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
1 day ago
Regional risks
- The specific warning about the Peru-Colombia river border closure for the 2026 Colombian elections has been removed.
Warnings and insurance
3 days ago
Travel disruption
- The closure of the Peru-Colombia river border crossing now starts at 6am on 20 June 2026, not 6pm.
Warnings and insurance
4 days ago
Border procedures
- The river border crossing between Colombia and Peru will be closed from 6pm on 20 June 2026 until 6am on 22 June 2026 due to the presidential elections in Colombia.
- You should check local travel arrangements before travelling during this period.
Warnings and insurance
13 days ago
Safety
- The warning about national elections on Sunday 7 June has been removed. The advice to expect disruption and avoid gatherings is no longer present.
Warnings and insurance
18 days ago
Safety
- A new section on 'National elections' warns of potential travel disruption and increased security on Sunday 7 June.
- Travellers are advised to stay away from large gatherings and follow local authorities' instructions.
Airports in Peru
Beaches in Peru
Frequently asked questions
British citizens do not typically need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. However, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. It's always wise to check the latest requirements with the Peruvian Embassy before travelling, especially if you plan to stay longer or for other purposes.
Most visits to Peru are trouble-free, but petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in tourist areas. Avoid displaying valuables, especially in crowded places. Be aware of scams, particularly at ATMs and when using taxis. Check travel advisories for up-to-date safety information before you travel.
The best time to visit Peru depends on the region. The dry season (May to September) is generally the best time for trekking in the Andes, including Machu Picchu. The coastal areas are best visited during the Peruvian summer (December to March). The Amazon rainforest is hot and humid year-round, but the drier months (June to September) are typically preferred.
Pack layers, as the climate can vary greatly depending on the region and altitude. Include comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If you plan to trek, bring waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots. A universal adapter is also useful for charging electronic devices.
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Peru. Drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach upsets. Be cautious of ice in drinks and ensure that food is properly cooked. Many hotels provide purified water for guests.
Be wary of fake police officers asking to check your documents or money. Taxi scams are also common, so use reputable taxi companies or apps. Always agree on a fare before getting into a taxi. Avoid changing money on the street, as counterfeit currency is prevalent.
Bargaining is common in markets but not in established stores. Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites. Greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Be aware of personal space, especially in crowded areas. Avoid public displays of affection.
The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns and markets. ATMs are widely available in cities, but be cautious when using them and avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at once.
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.