Practical info Lima, Peru
Getting around the city
Lima is divided into four quarters, all of which are small enough to explore on foot. Travellers should rely on the city's buses and taxis when moving between sections, though. Lima's buses range from microbus vans to larger 'school bus' vehicles. Travellers can hail vans in the street and should approach the 'school bus' variety with a degree of caution. Though inexpensive, they're uncomfortable and are frequently involved in accidents. Destinations are rarely marked, so passengers should ask the driver to confirm the route before boarding. Taxis are also cheap and common, but are indistinguishable by their make or model. Travellers should mark them by plastic signs on their windscreens. Taxis generally aren't metred, meaning passengers should establish a fare before departing. Foreigners should find out how much fares usually cost to avoid getting overcharged. Visitors also should avoid renting cars, given that roads are often poorly maintained, and that local drivers are reckless and aggressive. That said, the city has a number of rental agencies.
Time
Local time is GMT -5.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pronged plugs with flat blades as well as plugs with two round prongs are in use.
Currency
The official currency is Sol (PEN), divided into 100 céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards are accepted in many, but not all, establishments. Outside of big cities, facilities may be more limited. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels, and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaux) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
Communication
The international access code for Peru is +51. Peru is well connected to the internet, with many inexpensive internet kiosks (cabinas públicas) available in most towns and cities. Wifi access is available in most hotels, modern restaurants and cafés. Connecting a smartphone to wifi is an easy way to avoid international roaming fees, and free international calls can be made via the internet.
Emergency number
911 (General); 105 (Police); 116 (Ambulance).
Travel documents and health
Jorge Chávez International Airport
Getting to the city
Buses and minibuses service the city centre. Travellers will find their stops outside the airport gates. They travel to the city, stopping along the main avenues.
Car rental
Avis, Budget and Hertz offer services at the airport.
Airport taxi's
Taxis can be pre-booked or found outside the airport terminals.
Facilities
Facilities at the airport include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, a post office, a couple of restaurants, shops, left luggage and a tourist information desk. There are disabled facilities; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Parking
Parking is charged at PEN 7 per hour and PEN 49 per day, and is located across from the main terminal building.
Internet
Free wifi is avaliable for 30 minutes, after which visitors can pay for a premium service. The rates are 5 USD (2 hours), 10 USD (24 hours) and 12 USD (30 days).