• Take the normal precautions to guard against purse snatchers.
• Carry a copy of identification documents. Keep originals and your valuables in the safety deposit box of your hotel and make sure to list down what you deposit and verify the responsibility assumed by the establishment.
• Carry valuables discreetly. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Keep an eye on your bags and luggage.
• Do not carry suitcases, bags or sac packs on your back.
• Do not exchange money out in the street.
• Do not walk around late at night through areas with poor lighting or without a companion.

International and long distance national calls can be made from public pay phones. Country and city codes are normally shown in the telephone booths.

To make an international call, dial:

00 + country code + city code + telephone number

To call from one city to the next, dial:

0 + city code + telephone number

Public phones take coins as well as cards, which are sold in stands and supermarkets.
Make sure you are buying the card corresponding to the telephone company of the phone you want to use. No collect calls can be made from pay phones.

To obtain telephone information, dial 103 (service is in spanish).

Internet
The main cities in the country do have public internet booths.
The average cost per hour is us$ 1,3.

There are lodging establishments of various types and cost. In the high tourist season (june to september) it is recommended to make advanced reservations. It is also possible to stay over at family homes authorized by the national tourism board. Make sure you always know the check out time.

• Only drink bottled or previously boiled water.
• Be careful with raw vegetables and fruits.
• Avoid eating from street vendors.
• Rest on the first day of your arrival to the highlands, and consume light meals to prevent altitude illness (soroche). Drinking "coca tea" is recommended.
• If you travel to the highlands or to the jungle, make sure to carry insect repellent and a raincoat.
• To obtain medical services, contact the staff of your hotel or travel agent.
• If you wish to take travelers' insurance, contact your favorite travel agency.
  

Banking hours in peru are normally from monday to friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in addition, most banks open for the public half day on saturdays. In the streets of the main cities there are teller machines installed by the different banks.

It is recommended that money should be exchanged in hotels, banks and authorized money exchange offices (service hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., approximately).
The exchange rate against the us dollar is variable. Inquire before changing your money. For exchanging other currencies inquiry at money exchange offices.

Most of the cities of peru have a wide variety of night life entertainment. Information about places of interest can be obtained where you are staying. If you wish to enjoy typical peruvian music, you can visit the so-called "peñas".
In lima, the most popular discotheques, pubs and night clubs are in the districts of miraflores, san isidro and barranco. In other cities they are normally found in city centers (main square and vicinity).

Peruvian cuisine offers a great variety of dishes typical of the coast, the highlands and the jungle. Always first ask about their ingredients, since some dishes can contain hot pepper or be highly spiced. You will also find establishments where international food is prepared.

As far as drinks are concerned, try the very peruvian pisco (grape brandy) in any of its various recipes, as well as "chicha morada" (purple corn juice) "chicha de jora" (fermented red or yellow corn juice)and agüaje juice, made from a tropical jungle fruit.

• Always carry with you your driver's license and a copy of your passport.. If the vehicle is rented, carry the car rental agreement. If you have an international driver's license, it is valid for one year. If you have your country's driver's license, it is good for 30 days.
• Abide by the speed limits posted on the road.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you do so, you may be subject to criminal charges.
• If a traffic officer orders you to stop, do so. He or she must be in uniform and wearing an identification badge (the surname is printed on a plate fixed at his chest). Under no circumstance must the traffic officer enter your vehicle.
• Keep in mind that your documents and the vehicle's documents cannot be retained and that under no circumstances should you have to pay any money.
• In case of an accident or collision, call a traffic officer. If the vehicle is rented, also call the representative of the insurance company where you rented the vehicle. Wait there, do not move from the place.
• Do not stop if unknown persons make signs at you on the road.
  · Do not park in dark places. Do not leave objects which can be seen by passers by.
  

In general, shops, shopping centers and handicraft markets are open everyday (even on holidays) between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
In markets and in places such as those where there are beach vendors and street vendors, it is acceptable to bargain.

Call the tourism police.

Arequipa
Calle jerusalén 315, cercado
Tel: (054) 20-1258

Ayacucho
Jr. Arequipa cuadra 1
Tel: (064) 81-2055 / 81-8372

Cajamarca
Av. 13 de julio s/n
Tel: (044) 82-3042

Chiclayo
Av. Sáenz peña 830
Tel: (074) 23-6700

Cusco
Calle saphi s/n
Tel: (084) 24-9654

Huancayo
Av. Ferrocarril 556, cercado
Tel: (064) 21-9851

Huaraz
Av. Laredo y laredo 716
Tel: (044) 72-1341


Ica
Av. Elías cuadra 4
Tel: (034) 22-7673

Iquitos
Calle sargento leres 834
Tel: (094) 23-1852

Lima
Jr. Moore 268, magdalena del mar
Tel: (01) 460-1060 / 460-0965 / 460-0921 / 460-4525 / 460-0890 / 460-0844

Nazca
Av. Los incas cuadra 1, s/n
Tel: (034) 52-2442 / 52-2450

Puno
Jr. Deustua 538
Tel: (054) 36-4806

Tacna
Jr. Callao 121
Tel: (054) 71-4141 anexo 245

Trujillo
Jr. Independencia 630
Tel: (044) 22-4025

For additional assistance, contact:

Tel: (01) 574-8000
Service hours: monday to sunday, 24 hours per day
E-mail: iperu@promperu.gob.pe