Tips before arriving to Perú

Entry Requirements – Visas

Most citizens from the Americas and Western Europe do not need a visa to enter Peru. For more information please contact the Peruvian Consulate closest to you. To find the address or telephone number you may visit the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website http://www.rree.gob.pe/. If you come to Peru as a tourist you may stay a maximum of 90 days. You can request immigration authorities to extend your stay if necessary.

Address and Telephone Numbers

Prior to arriving at the Lima airport and also during your stay in Lima, we suggest that you carry at all times our address and telephone numbers.

Taxis

Try to avoid independent street taxis, instead work with Casa Bella drivers or call private taxi companies.

Walking

San Isidro is a very safe and secured area and you can walk freely around the neighborhood 24/7.

Time Zone

The hour in Peru is the same as the Eastern Standard Time in the United States. Peru is 5 hours behind GMT. (Greenwich Mean Time). Peru does not observe daylight saving time.

Electricity

The electric voltage in Peru is 220 volts, 60 cycles, please be aware of your appliances voltage before making use of them in our property.

Currency

Our local currency is the Sol, exchange rate is around S/. 3.30 soles for every US $1.00 dollar.

Travelers Assistance

Peru has organized a traveler assistance service to help tourists. This service has a hotline which attends tourist’s calls 24 hours a day. For assistance call: in Lima 421-1227. Outside of Lima dial 01 first.

For your Safety

While touring or shopping leave your passport and the bulk of your money in the hotel. Only take with you the money you intend to spend. Take a copy of the picture page of your passport to carry in your wallet. Avoid exchanging money with street dealers.

Water and Fruits

Visitors should drink only bottled water, which is widely available. Do not drink tap water even in major hotels. Agua con gas is carbonated water; agua sin gas is plain. You are better off  eating fruits you can peel. Avoid eating from street vendors.

Altitude Sickness

If you are planning to visit cities 8200 feet above sea level, like Cuzco (11,000 ft) or Lake Titicaca (13,000 ft), some people may experience headaches, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue and nausea. At these altitudes, shortness of breath and heart pounding are normal, given the scarcity of oxygen. Most symptoms develop the first day at high altitude, though, occasionally, travelers have delayed reactions. The best advice is to rest on your first day in the highlands. Drink plenty of liquids, including the local remedy: coca-leaf tea (its perfectly legal). Avoid alcohol and heavy food intake.

Tourist Aid

If you find yourself in any unusual situation while you are in Lima or within the Peruvian Territory, please call us for any tips or suggestions, we are at your service.