Welcome to Peru!
Peru is a fascinating country which boasts both an ancient culture and a striking ambiance. The culture of Peru is one of the most diverse in South America, primarily ingrained in Amerindian and Spanish traditions. African, Asian, and European ethnic groups have influenced Peruvian culture. The ethnic diversity and rugged geography of Peru allowed diverse traditions and customs to coexist. Knowing Peru travel know-how, bear in mind the following Peru travel tips, travel taboo, dos and donts to save time, money and prevent hassles when travelling to Peru.
Peru Travel Taboo
- The import of raw ham from Italy and Portugal, and export of artistic or cultural articles, is prohibited.
- Calling someone over using an upward curled first finger in Peru is considered an insult.
Peru Travel Donts
- Do not carry valuables around or wear expensive jewelry. Crime rates in the cities and villages of Peru are high.
- Do not use the words ‘indio or indios” to refer to natives. These words are considered derogatory.
- Do not go shirtless in Peru. Dress is usually informal, pants and a shirt are fine, but wearing several layers of clothing is always a good idea due to vary temperatures throughout the day.c
- Do not drink the tap water, buy bottled water instead.
- Do not eat food from street to avoid becoming the victims of wretched stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and worse.
- Do not take pictures of people without their permission, especially when taking photos of indigenous tribes’ people.
- Do not take unlicensed taxis with a red and white taxi sign on the windscreen. Take licensed yellow taxis, especially for a woman travelling alone or at night! Taxis do not have meters and fares should be agreed before departure.
- Do not drive. Road travel in Peru can be hazardous, due to reckless driving and the poor condition of the roads. Traffic in Lima is hectic, unpredictable and drivers tend to be very aggressive.
- Do not be offended by the word “Gringo” (white) said to you in a decidedly derogatory manner while in Peru.
- Do not take ride at the airport. Be sure that the driver is legitimate and ask about rates before getting in the car.
- Do not be alarmed by armed guards. Whether you are in a bank, shopping district or airport, guns will be commonplace.
Peru Travel Dos
- Do learn a few words of Spanish before travelling.
- Do shake hands and kiss men and women once in the cheek for greeting.
- Do bring your own toilet paper, and expect to pay to use a restroom. Toilet paper is often not supplied in public restrooms in Peru.
- Do make copies of your travel documents and keep valuables at hotel safe always.
- Do exchange your currency at the airport if you want to save 5-20% or more fees.
- Do get immunizations for Typhoid Fever, Malaria, and Yellow Fever.
- Do have a credit card at hand to avoid the exorbitant fees for transferring money.
- Do carry an international phone card for emergency or unexpected incidents to contact home.
- Do pack light. Elevators and escalators are usually unavailable in Peru.
- Do expect smaller personal space in Peru, people get very close to you when talk to you.
- Do drink from the same glass. Drinking from the same glass for the locals in the mountains is a sign of friendship and trust.
- Do expect to pay higher price than locals. Your lack of Spanish or foreign accent will usually hike up the price, at least, a 15%.
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