October 4-6, 2006
Lima, Peru

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Weather/Climate
The weather on the Peruvian coast where the capital city of Lima is situated has been described as “warm and sticky”. The average daily temperature in October is around 20C. The weather on the coastal plains is greatly influenced by both the Pacific Ocean currents and the adjacent Andean Highlands and as a result the city of Lima receives very little rainfall and at certain times of year, mainly between April and December, the city is surrounded in a coastal fog.

Language
The Country of Peru has two official languages: Spanish and Quechua. Knowledge of some small phrases in Spanish is helpful, especially if traveling outside of Lima to smaller centers.

Time Zone
Lima is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Peru does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Business and Banking Hours
Shop hours vary, but stores are generally open from 10:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00 Monday to Saturday. Some shops are open 09:00 to 20:00 Monday to Sunday.

Banks are generally open from 09:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Some banks may have longer or different hours than this description, but the above hours should give a general guideline for bank access.

Money
Currency and Exchange
The Peruvian currency is the Sol (S/), although the U.S. dollar is also widely accepted. To change your currency into Sols you will have the best luck if you are exchanging US currency. There are only a few bureaus de change in Lima than will exchange other currencies besides the U.S. dollar. You can visit most major banks, several independent currency exchange bureaus, and major hotels to exchange your U.S. dollars. An alternative to exchanging money is to use Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Most are linked to international banking networks and are a convenient way to withdraw cash, as long as users are prepared to pay withdrawal fees. Travelers are encouraged not to exchange money using street vendors, as there is no guarantee.

Other options of payment include credit cards and traveler’s cheques. Credit cards are widely used in Peru within the city of Lima, but may be limited in areas outside the city. It is recommended to check with your credit card company for acceptability available. The use of Traveler's cheques is quite limited, although they can be exchanged at most banks within Lima. Be prepared for longer wait times for exchanges outside Lima and always remember to take identification when changing your traveler’s cheques.

Taxes
Peru charges a VAT (Value Added Tax) of 19% on all goods and services. There is also a departure tax on all international flights ($28.00USD) and domestic flights ($6.00USD) to be paid at the airport before departure.

Tipping
It is customary to leave a ten percent tip in restaurants and bars if service was satisfactory. Keep in mind that most restaurant and bar bills already include a ten percent gratuity. Taxis do not expect tips, as the price is generally negotiated before the trip commences. Porters and Bell Boys do expect tips of USD1per bag.

Shopping
Peru is known for its handicrafts, which can be found in upper-class shops and/or vendors on the street. A rich variety of gold, silver and copper jewelry, combined with brightly woven tapestries and alpaca garments make Peru a treasure for all international shoppers. Some of the best handicraft shopping in Peru can be found in Lima in Miraflores (Petit Thouars avenue blocks 52 to 53) and Pueblo Libre (La Marina Avenue blocks 8 to 10). Be prepared to practice bargaining tactics to get the best prices. Make sure not to leave Peru without trying some of the local favorites including ceviche, pisco sour and coca tea.

Transportation
Bus
Conventional buses and mini buses (Combis) are the means of public transit within Lima. They operate from 06:00 to 00:00 and are relatively inexpensive. It is unadvisable to use buses late at night or with lot’s of luggage, as there is a tendency to crowd more people than is thought to be humanly possible, especially on the combis.

Rail
For more information, contact Peru Rail in Lima (tel: (01) 444 5020/5; website: www.perurail.com).

Shuttles
Some hotels and tour companies offer free or discounted shuttle service (check at with company or hotel before departure).

Taxis
Private Taxis are considered the best way to get around in Lima. Standing close to the street and pointing your index finger down towards the street is the best way to hail a taxi. Once you have a taxi discuss the destination and the fare before getting in. It is helpful to ask a local person or a person working in your hotel what a reasonable fare will be before hailing a taxi to ensure you receive a fair price. Taxis are also available by telephone. Fares do increase after midnight and on holidays. There are many unlicensed taxis in Peru and therefore it is important to look for the bright yellow taxis indicating they are registered with the Metropolitan Lima Taxi Service.

Car
Foreign driving permits are only valid for the first 30 days. Rental companies include American, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Mitsui, National, Rentandina and others. Make sure to carry a copy of your driver’s license, passport and rental agreement.

Air
The best way to travel to destinations within Peru can often be through air travel. Nearly all air traffic linking Lima to other cities within Peru are accommodated by: Aerocóndor, Aviandina, LAN Perú, Star Up, Taca Perú and TANS. For information on internal flights contact the Peruvian Corporation of Airports (Corpac) (website: www.corpac.gob.pe).

Peruvian Tourist Information

For more information on any of the above, or to learn more about Lima, you may wish to visit the following websites:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/south-america/peru/transport
http://www.iexplore.com/

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