FAQs SOLANDES Travel services
1. How do I book a trip?
The easiest and most comfortable way for you to contact us on our homepage. We also offer the possibility of their desired journey, you can also book a trip via mail or telephone. In every case you will receive a confirmation in your mailbox. We are protecting the environment and about this reason you will receive no paper documents only pdf. Our force is the communication and we will stay in touch since you contact us the first time, until your trip is finished and you can give us your feedback comments. You should book generally not later than 3 months before departure. At later stages can come lead to bottlenecks in the flight reservation. For special offers, such as The Inca Trail is especially during the peak season, an early booking necessary.
2. When must I pay?
50% at the booking moment and the rest you can coordinate with our team.
3. When will I get my travel documents?
With the booking confirmation we will give you a first documentation (pdf) for your personal journey. The final and detailed travel documents will be sent to you approximately 2-3 weeks before your departure via e-mail. If you require, we can send you this documentation in paper form with an express post service. These charges will appear in your final invoice. We recommend you to scan your personal documentation like Passport, personal identity and other travel documents and send you yourself an e-mail with this information. In case that you loose some of these items, you can easy open your mail box and find this information there.
4. Do I travel in a group with other tour operators?
Basically, are our travel trips designed as an individual, this means that only the persons who book. However, it is possible that various integrated participate into a travel sightseeing excursions and other travelers. If you explicitly reject all travel points and want to carry out alone, we make you this private, attributed an extra charge. We can also arrange trips for a GROUP, this means, if you are having for example a classroom or a company team, we can organize the complete route for all the passengers, just let us know about your inquiry, we will answer you a.s.a.p.
5. How is the form to travel individual in the country?
Personalizing means that you can travel without group pression, only the booked persons. All included in the travel components, such as accommodation, transport, tours and related services in the country are organized by us to offer you a pleasant journey to offer. Concretely, this means that you will be picked up at the airport, as well as in all the cities and important points, a person from our company is always waiting for you, the accommodations in your name are reserved for excursions and travel according to the descriptions are organized for you. We and our partners in Peru are you with advice and support.
6. Are additional insurances for the trip necessary?
We advise all travelers to take out travel insurance. There is a choice between complete packages or individually as anticipated travel insurance trip cancellation insurance (please indicate the deadlines for completion noted), baggage insurance and trip insurance. Please inform you in your country about these insurances. Some credit cards are having these services too.
7. How much luggage can I take on the trip?
This depends on the transport provisions of the airline, which was booked for you. Under normal circumstances the baggage is limited to 20 kg per person and a hand luggage (max. 10 kg). About the free baggage allowance of other airlines mediated by us, we will inform you on request. You can always have a backpack for the trekking parts, like Pto Maldonado Mani or Colca canyon. This means, you will leave your luggages in our booked hotels or offices and you will pick up only your backpack with the necessary things for the trip. When you are coming back, you must pick up the rest of your equipment and go on with your trip.
8. What about tipping?
You are in Peru not obliged to give a tip. This is a voluntary service and depends on your satisfaction for keeping service.
- Restaurant: The restaurant is in the price for premium service usually included. With good service, but you should be generous to the top round up (10% of total amount).
The amount of the tip is different in the various houses. You can desire how much you will give, depending the effort and work of the employees.
9. What diseases can arise during the trip?
Of course we wish all the travelers to travel free of diseases and ailments. Nevertheless, here are some tips on possible illnesses permitted.
- Diarrheal diseases: The "disease" in which nobody is immune. Often, the difference in climate, the time change and the unfamiliar food to the stomach the digestive system to get confused. Importantly, only drinks in sealed bottles to buy and to problems in raw fruits and vegetables may be dispensed with. In the pharmacy for this case should be Imodium.
- Altitude sickness: the altitude sickness is for most travelers an unknown phenomenon, but to take seriously. It should be remembered that the route leads into regions, which up to altitudes of 4,000 m goes. The amount of disease manifests itself by severe fatigue and exhaustion, headaches and possibly also nausea. Importantly, a lot of water to drink and everything a bit slower to be acceptable. A proven remedy for the symptoms, the coca tea available anywhere dar.
- Malaria: When traveling in the Amazon jungle and the foothills there is a risk of infection with malaria through the bite of the female Anophelesmücke. This help is primarily preventive measures, ie long and dark clothing at night, mosquito protection funds, and of course the mosquito net for a quiet night. There are also several medical preventive measures, including Lariam. It is important that a possible disease (fever, body aches) necessarily be a doctor. Because the incubation period of up to one month, this will usually only after your return to Germany.
- Skin problems are often underestimated, but given the very large amount to take seriously the danger of sunburn. Even under a cloudy sky, the sun still burns strongly. Here, everyone should be on its proven and tested countermeasures rely.
- Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for a short stay in the jungle?
A yellow fever vaccination is not required (unless you are traveling from yellow fever risk areas). You should, however, from your family doctor or even better in a Tropical Institute's advice.
10. What medication should I take | Travel pharmacy?
A small first-aid kit should be equipped with each trip. Besides personally needed medicines are recommended neck and head joke tablets against stomach and intestinal disorders, insect repellent and sun protection cream and lip stick, as well as plaster and gauze. In the country there are almost everywhere "Farmacias or Boticas", where you can freely and inexpensively acquire all medications. Helpful is the ingredients of the medication needed to know, since the preparations under a different name are offered.
11. Are drinks with meals included and there is the possibility of vegetarian meals?
Drinks are not included in the meals if you are booking demi pension or full pension. Vegetarian meals in restaurants are not common but can be found in the abundant supply of fruit and vegetables is always a possibility according to diet.
12. Is there access to the Internet, how can I make phone calls home?
The availability of Internet bars is very great and inexpensive. In every major city and of course in the tourist areas you will find an internet connection. In these Internet bars is also the most inexpensive way to call. Mobile phones, as far as their contract allows it and you have at least one Tribandhandy, are possible, but due to the high toll not recommended.
13. Will I be picked up from the airport?
Of course, when you are arriving in Peru, one person of our staff will pick you up and give you the first information for the trip. The same procedure will happen in every point to visit or city, always one person of our company will be in touch with you.
14. What travel documents do I get?
By confirming the reservation you will receive the first documents (pdf) for your personal travel preparation. Approx. 2-3 weeks before your departure you will receive all required documents (flight tickets, accommodation, transportation in the country, etc.) via e-mail (pdf). The itinerary, with a list of all hotels, transport and excursions in detail.
15. If during the journey to problems should come, how do I should react?
First we would like to say this, that all travel planned and executed by us and our partners in South America with great care, . If, despite all objections to a comment from you, we ask that you notify us immediately. This can be known through our contact information (by mail or telephone) shall be made directly or through our local guides on the spot. In other problems, which are not directly related to our organization in relation, we are always ready to offer you help and support.
16. What can I do with my loss of travel documents?
A copy of your passport should always be in your luggage on board, and in digital or PO Box (In many resorts there are cafes, pubs or hotels with internet access. Vacationers often use the opportunity to also underway to check her mail. But not only that: Travelers can also mailbox used as a digital locker. Who on safe want to scan their travel documents before the trip and sends them as email attachment to themselves then they are in their own mailbox, ready for retrieval. Come the originals get lost, you can Holidaymakers the scanned records. This does not replace the originals, but reduces the cost abroad, in order to spare to come Papers | Source: Stiftung Warentest). If lost, please contact the relevant embassy or representative of your country. For airline tickets, we must, unfortunately, on the transport provisions of the relevant airline refer. Here we have no influence on the handling and processing. If you lost travel documents should contact us soon, we will take steps to solve the problem and you continue to be a pleasant and smooth journey to guarantee.
If you are having more questions, please fell free to contact us >>>
1. How do I book a trip?
The easiest and most comfortable way for you to contact us on our homepage. We also offer the possibility of their desired journey, you can also book a trip via mail or telephone. In every case you will receive a confirmation in your mailbox. We are protecting the environment and about this reason you will receive no paper documents only pdf. Our force is the communication and we will stay in touch since you contact us the first time, until your trip is finished and you can give us your feedback comments. You should book generally not later than 3 months before departure. At later stages can come lead to bottlenecks in the flight reservation. For special offers, such as The Inca Trail is especially during the peak season, an early booking necessary.
2. When must I pay?
50% at the booking moment and the rest you can coordinate with our team.
3. When will I get my travel documents?
With the booking confirmation we will give you a first documentation (pdf) for your personal journey. The final and detailed travel documents will be sent to you approximately 2-3 weeks before your departure via e-mail. If you require, we can send you this documentation in paper form with an express post service. These charges will appear in your final invoice. We recommend you to scan your personal documentation like Passport, personal identity and other travel documents and send you yourself an e-mail with this information. In case that you loose some of these items, you can easy open your mail box and find this information there.
4. Do I travel in a group with other tour operators?
Basically, are our travel trips designed as an individual, this means that only the persons who book. However, it is possible that various integrated participate into a travel sightseeing excursions and other travelers. If you explicitly reject all travel points and want to carry out alone, we make you this private, attributed an extra charge. We can also arrange trips for a GROUP, this means, if you are having for example a classroom or a company team, we can organize the complete route for all the passengers, just let us know about your inquiry, we will answer you a.s.a.p.
5. How is the form to travel individual in the country?
Personalizing means that you can travel without group pression, only the booked persons. All included in the travel components, such as accommodation, transport, tours and related services in the country are organized by us to offer you a pleasant journey to offer. Concretely, this means that you will be picked up at the airport, as well as in all the cities and important points, a person from our company is always waiting for you, the accommodations in your name are reserved for excursions and travel according to the descriptions are organized for you. We and our partners in Peru are you with advice and support.
6. Are additional insurances for the trip necessary?
We advise all travelers to take out travel insurance. There is a choice between complete packages or individually as anticipated travel insurance trip cancellation insurance (please indicate the deadlines for completion noted), baggage insurance and trip insurance. Please inform you in your country about these insurances. Some credit cards are having these services too.
7. How much luggage can I take on the trip?
This depends on the transport provisions of the airline, which was booked for you. Under normal circumstances the baggage is limited to 20 kg per person and a hand luggage (max. 10 kg). About the free baggage allowance of other airlines mediated by us, we will inform you on request. You can always have a backpack for the trekking parts, like Pto Maldonado Mani or Colca canyon. This means, you will leave your luggages in our booked hotels or offices and you will pick up only your backpack with the necessary things for the trip. When you are coming back, you must pick up the rest of your equipment and go on with your trip.
8. What about tipping?
You are in Peru not obliged to give a tip. This is a voluntary service and depends on your satisfaction for keeping service.
- Restaurant: The restaurant is in the price for premium service usually included. With good service, but you should be generous to the top round up (10% of total amount).
The amount of the tip is different in the various houses. You can desire how much you will give, depending the effort and work of the employees.
9. What diseases can arise during the trip?
Of course we wish all the travelers to travel free of diseases and ailments. Nevertheless, here are some tips on possible illnesses permitted.
- Diarrheal diseases: The "disease" in which nobody is immune. Often, the difference in climate, the time change and the unfamiliar food to the stomach the digestive system to get confused. Importantly, only drinks in sealed bottles to buy and to problems in raw fruits and vegetables may be dispensed with. In the pharmacy for this case should be Imodium.
- Altitude sickness: the altitude sickness is for most travelers an unknown phenomenon, but to take seriously. It should be remembered that the route leads into regions, which up to altitudes of 4,000 m goes. The amount of disease manifests itself by severe fatigue and exhaustion, headaches and possibly also nausea. Importantly, a lot of water to drink and everything a bit slower to be acceptable. A proven remedy for the symptoms, the coca tea available anywhere dar.
- Malaria: When traveling in the Amazon jungle and the foothills there is a risk of infection with malaria through the bite of the female Anophelesmücke. This help is primarily preventive measures, ie long and dark clothing at night, mosquito protection funds, and of course the mosquito net for a quiet night. There are also several medical preventive measures, including Lariam. It is important that a possible disease (fever, body aches) necessarily be a doctor. Because the incubation period of up to one month, this will usually only after your return to Germany.
- Skin problems are often underestimated, but given the very large amount to take seriously the danger of sunburn. Even under a cloudy sky, the sun still burns strongly. Here, everyone should be on its proven and tested countermeasures rely.
- Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for a short stay in the jungle?
A yellow fever vaccination is not required (unless you are traveling from yellow fever risk areas). You should, however, from your family doctor or even better in a Tropical Institute's advice.
10. What medication should I take | Travel pharmacy?
A small first-aid kit should be equipped with each trip. Besides personally needed medicines are recommended neck and head joke tablets against stomach and intestinal disorders, insect repellent and sun protection cream and lip stick, as well as plaster and gauze. In the country there are almost everywhere "Farmacias or Boticas", where you can freely and inexpensively acquire all medications. Helpful is the ingredients of the medication needed to know, since the preparations under a different name are offered.
11. Are drinks with meals included and there is the possibility of vegetarian meals?
Drinks are not included in the meals if you are booking demi pension or full pension. Vegetarian meals in restaurants are not common but can be found in the abundant supply of fruit and vegetables is always a possibility according to diet.
12. Is there access to the Internet, how can I make phone calls home?
The availability of Internet bars is very great and inexpensive. In every major city and of course in the tourist areas you will find an internet connection. In these Internet bars is also the most inexpensive way to call. Mobile phones, as far as their contract allows it and you have at least one Tribandhandy, are possible, but due to the high toll not recommended.
13. Will I be picked up from the airport?
Of course, when you are arriving in Peru, one person of our staff will pick you up and give you the first information for the trip. The same procedure will happen in every point to visit or city, always one person of our company will be in touch with you.
14. What travel documents do I get?
By confirming the reservation you will receive the first documents (pdf) for your personal travel preparation. Approx. 2-3 weeks before your departure you will receive all required documents (flight tickets, accommodation, transportation in the country, etc.) via e-mail (pdf). The itinerary, with a list of all hotels, transport and excursions in detail.
15. If during the journey to problems should come, how do I should react?
First we would like to say this, that all travel planned and executed by us and our partners in South America with great care, . If, despite all objections to a comment from you, we ask that you notify us immediately. This can be known through our contact information (by mail or telephone) shall be made directly or through our local guides on the spot. In other problems, which are not directly related to our organization in relation, we are always ready to offer you help and support.
16. What can I do with my loss of travel documents?
A copy of your passport should always be in your luggage on board, and in digital or PO Box (In many resorts there are cafes, pubs or hotels with internet access. Vacationers often use the opportunity to also underway to check her mail. But not only that: Travelers can also mailbox used as a digital locker. Who on safe want to scan their travel documents before the trip and sends them as email attachment to themselves then they are in their own mailbox, ready for retrieval. Come the originals get lost, you can Holidaymakers the scanned records. This does not replace the originals, but reduces the cost abroad, in order to spare to come Papers | Source: Stiftung Warentest). If lost, please contact the relevant embassy or representative of your country. For airline tickets, we must, unfortunately, on the transport provisions of the relevant airline refer. Here we have no influence on the handling and processing. If you lost travel documents should contact us soon, we will take steps to solve the problem and you continue to be a pleasant and smooth journey to guarantee.
If you are having more questions, please fell free to contact us >>>
Good to know / Activities and Attractions
Peru offers to the interested traveller a wide variety of attractions and leisure activities. The country is rich in cultural treasures of the pre-Columbian cultures, the colonial era and today's vibrant culture of its people, as well as significant natural heritage sites, invites the observation of wildlife. In addition, you can in Peru numerous recreational activities and sports, such as trekking, horse riding, mountain biking, surfing, windsurfing, rafting, mountain climbing, paragliding and sandboarding, etc. In addition, there is also an insight into the esoteric shamanism for fans to. Where what you can do best or where the main venues for the kind of attraction or activity.
Entry requirements
Guests, for tourism purposes after entering Peru need for a stay of up to 90 days, a passport for entry of at least 6 months must be valid. The children must carry a passport photograph affixed to it. A visa is a tourist stay of up to 90 days is not required. Please make sure that the officials of the Peruvian immigration office in the passport or the entry slip (is there on the plane) the length of stay indicated. It's happened before, that only a stay of 30 days was registered, although it is longer wanted to remain in the country (ie at the entry to make sure). This entry slip, which is already in the aircraft receives and stamped by customs officials, it should be in no case lose. At the exit of this entry must be submitted to slip again. Travelers from other nationalities please check with the relevant Peruvian consulates in their country.
Weather | Climate
In the Sierra, the weather conditions during the day mostly dry and sunny. At night it can be sensitive to cold. Until freezing temperatures are possible. The rainy season, with some extremely heavy rain, it takes in the highlands of January to March.
The weather on the coast is from April to November marked by mist and fine rain drizzle (garúa), the Pacific Ocean from her ascend, so that the sky is often gray overcast and temperatures around the 11-15 ° C. Summer December to March is the sun, blue skies and temperatures around 25 to 30 ° C characterized.
In the Amazon, there is virtually no seasons. There is a time of day climate. Daytime temperatures are around the 25-30 ° C, with relatively high humidity. Rains are always possible.
According to the different geographical regions in Peru there are equally large climatic differences.
Money
The Peruvian currency is the Nuevo Sol (1 S /. Centimos = 100). She was overcome after the hyperinflation in 1991, with removal of some zeros, respectively. Since then, the currency relatively stable.
There are banknotes in denominations of [10], [20], [50], [100] and [200] S /., Coins with a value of [1], [2] and [5] S /. and [1], [5], [10], [20] and [50] centimos. National and foreign currency can be unlimited in height and running.
In all major cities is the exchange of dollars and euro in Soles without problems. (TIPP! Not the same at the airport to exchange larger sums, because our experience after a poor exchange rate is quoted) in the designated exchange offices (Casa de Cambio) is the exchange very safe (guards) and the courses are written. There are many authorized money changers (recognizable by their vests with dollar or euro sign and umgehängten ID), which usually offer a worse course. In remote regions, is still the dollar a better and more popular currency. The current exchange rates, see the Internet as well as in almost all newspapers on top of the first page.
The payment by credit card (Visa is the most widely accepted) is mainly in the tourist zones widespread (hotels, air travel).
A safe and feasible way of cash to come, the ATM shows (Caja Automatica or Bancomatico). Here you can use debit cards, which the Maestro or Cirrus signs, such as from home to withdraw money. The amounts will vary according to demand and input in soles or U.S. $ spent. The menu is often multilingual. Concerns, you should, however, by the bank fees charged. Using credit cards is also a transaction possible but very expensive. TIPP! It is recommended that the amount in U.S. - Dollar off instead of soles (converted to get more) and then to exchange Soles. Pro transaction you can obtain max. 300 U.S. $ (in some machines only max. 200 U.S. $), the fees are equal.
Big bank notes are often hard to change, therefore, the exchange on small slips, max. 50 Soles.
Taxes | Tipping
Some hotels and restaurants give their prices net, you still have the usual 19% respectively, in some cases an additional 10% service.
You are in Peru is not obliged to give a tip. This is a voluntary service and depends on your satisfaction for keeping service. To get a feel for the amount of Tringeldes get to this point, some useful hints.
Restaurant: The restaurant is in the price for premium service usually included. With good service, but you should be generous to the top round up (10% to 15% of total amount).
Local Guides: 5 S /. or $ 2
Taxis: Taxi drivers get on the transport of not tipping.
Porter: 5 S /. or $ 2
Room Service: The amount of the tip is different in the various houses. It should work and effort of the employees appreciate.
Transport in the country
For the flights, we generally book the most prestigious and best airlines to make reservations and give you the best quality standard. During a tour booked by us, the shipments are usually in the comfort coaches organized. On routes that often they are like along the Panamericana (Lima-Ica-Arequipa), these buses are very well equipped, with spacious sitting and sleeping places. It is different for routes that are off the usual tourist routes run, here you have with local buses expected. We try always to make reservations to our customers in the most comfortable coaches . Within the cities, you can comfortably with taxis. In Lima, the price of a normal taxi ride about six to ten Soles, in provincial towns around three to four Soles. An exception are the rides from the airports into the city centers, mostly because the airports are located slightly apart so that such a trip as In Lima about 30 to 45 soles costs. Generally it is advisable for a trip before our tour guide to ask how expensive it will be around, because prices can change. Besides taxis, there is the Colectivos and Combis that are more or less organized private buses, which we only with the local monitoring can be recommended, as this a certain language and local knowledge should be available in order to arrive at the desired destination
Internet | Telephone | Post
The Internet is widespread in the country. There are many, and especially cheap internet lounges. From here you can also call usually very inexpensive to your country. Triband mobile phones are very usefull in some situations but very expensive. There are public pay phones. Calling cards you can find in kiosks and supermarkets..
The classic, postal version works without problems. Our experience is required to post approximately from 1 until 3 weeks.
Power, energy Supply
The power supply system in Peru is not uniform, as a rule, however, at 220 V and 60 Hz in Arequipa, it is 220 V at 50 Hz and 110 V in Iquitos at 50 Hz, there is usually combined sockets (round and flat plug), but often only for flat plug (adapter recommended).
Culture of Peru (wikipedia.org)
The Culture of Peru was shaped by the relationship between Hispanic and Amerindian cultures. The ethnic diversity of Peru allowed diverse traditions and customs to coexist. Peru has passed through various intellectual stages - from colonial Hispanic culture to European Romanticism after independence. The early 20th century brought “indigenismo”, expressed in a new awareness of Indian culture. Since World War II, Peruvian writers, artists, and intellectuals such as César Vallejo and José María Arguedas have participated in worldwide intellectual and artistic movements. more information >>>
Health care
Peru generally maintains good health conditions. Hospitals and clinics provide adequate services, especially in Lima and the other main cities.
It is recommended that you take the proper measures to protect yourself, especially from mosquito bites, in order to prevent infection from, among other diseases, yellow fever (vaccination) and malaria (repellant and medication). Consult your doctor before traveling.
A yellow fever vaccination is required for traveling to jungle cities, and it must be administered at least 10 days before your trip. If not, it will not be effective.
For avoiding mountain sickness, it is recommended that you ascend gradually to become acclimated, rest on the first day of your arrival, eat light foods, drink plenty of fluids, and keep lemon drops at hand. If you have heart problems, consult your doctor.
To keep from getting gastrointestinal infections, we recommend you take care when eating raw foods. Drink bottled or boiled water, and do not eat food from street vendors. more information >>>
Earthquake / Tsunami Leaflet (GFZ)
Earthquake / Tsunami Leaflet
What to do if you experience a strong Earthquake
Prepared by Prof. Peter Bormann
This leaflet provides basic information for those citizens who may have temporary or long-term stays in earthquake-endangered regions of the world.
Topics covered include:
1. strength and duration of tremors
2. where to find more detailed information on earthquake threat
3. local and architectural factors leading to increased risk
4. catering for preventive measures during and after tremors
5. how to behave in the case of an earthquake
6. essential factors to be considered after a destructive earthquake.
more information >>>
Peru offers to the interested traveller a wide variety of attractions and leisure activities. The country is rich in cultural treasures of the pre-Columbian cultures, the colonial era and today's vibrant culture of its people, as well as significant natural heritage sites, invites the observation of wildlife. In addition, you can in Peru numerous recreational activities and sports, such as trekking, horse riding, mountain biking, surfing, windsurfing, rafting, mountain climbing, paragliding and sandboarding, etc. In addition, there is also an insight into the esoteric shamanism for fans to. Where what you can do best or where the main venues for the kind of attraction or activity.
Entry requirements
Guests, for tourism purposes after entering Peru need for a stay of up to 90 days, a passport for entry of at least 6 months must be valid. The children must carry a passport photograph affixed to it. A visa is a tourist stay of up to 90 days is not required. Please make sure that the officials of the Peruvian immigration office in the passport or the entry slip (is there on the plane) the length of stay indicated. It's happened before, that only a stay of 30 days was registered, although it is longer wanted to remain in the country (ie at the entry to make sure). This entry slip, which is already in the aircraft receives and stamped by customs officials, it should be in no case lose. At the exit of this entry must be submitted to slip again. Travelers from other nationalities please check with the relevant Peruvian consulates in their country.
Weather | Climate
In the Sierra, the weather conditions during the day mostly dry and sunny. At night it can be sensitive to cold. Until freezing temperatures are possible. The rainy season, with some extremely heavy rain, it takes in the highlands of January to March.
The weather on the coast is from April to November marked by mist and fine rain drizzle (garúa), the Pacific Ocean from her ascend, so that the sky is often gray overcast and temperatures around the 11-15 ° C. Summer December to March is the sun, blue skies and temperatures around 25 to 30 ° C characterized.
In the Amazon, there is virtually no seasons. There is a time of day climate. Daytime temperatures are around the 25-30 ° C, with relatively high humidity. Rains are always possible.
According to the different geographical regions in Peru there are equally large climatic differences.
Money
The Peruvian currency is the Nuevo Sol (1 S /. Centimos = 100). She was overcome after the hyperinflation in 1991, with removal of some zeros, respectively. Since then, the currency relatively stable.
There are banknotes in denominations of [10], [20], [50], [100] and [200] S /., Coins with a value of [1], [2] and [5] S /. and [1], [5], [10], [20] and [50] centimos. National and foreign currency can be unlimited in height and running.
In all major cities is the exchange of dollars and euro in Soles without problems. (TIPP! Not the same at the airport to exchange larger sums, because our experience after a poor exchange rate is quoted) in the designated exchange offices (Casa de Cambio) is the exchange very safe (guards) and the courses are written. There are many authorized money changers (recognizable by their vests with dollar or euro sign and umgehängten ID), which usually offer a worse course. In remote regions, is still the dollar a better and more popular currency. The current exchange rates, see the Internet as well as in almost all newspapers on top of the first page.
The payment by credit card (Visa is the most widely accepted) is mainly in the tourist zones widespread (hotels, air travel).
A safe and feasible way of cash to come, the ATM shows (Caja Automatica or Bancomatico). Here you can use debit cards, which the Maestro or Cirrus signs, such as from home to withdraw money. The amounts will vary according to demand and input in soles or U.S. $ spent. The menu is often multilingual. Concerns, you should, however, by the bank fees charged. Using credit cards is also a transaction possible but very expensive. TIPP! It is recommended that the amount in U.S. - Dollar off instead of soles (converted to get more) and then to exchange Soles. Pro transaction you can obtain max. 300 U.S. $ (in some machines only max. 200 U.S. $), the fees are equal.
Big bank notes are often hard to change, therefore, the exchange on small slips, max. 50 Soles.
Taxes | Tipping
Some hotels and restaurants give their prices net, you still have the usual 19% respectively, in some cases an additional 10% service.
You are in Peru is not obliged to give a tip. This is a voluntary service and depends on your satisfaction for keeping service. To get a feel for the amount of Tringeldes get to this point, some useful hints.
Restaurant: The restaurant is in the price for premium service usually included. With good service, but you should be generous to the top round up (10% to 15% of total amount).
Local Guides: 5 S /. or $ 2
Taxis: Taxi drivers get on the transport of not tipping.
Porter: 5 S /. or $ 2
Room Service: The amount of the tip is different in the various houses. It should work and effort of the employees appreciate.
Transport in the country
For the flights, we generally book the most prestigious and best airlines to make reservations and give you the best quality standard. During a tour booked by us, the shipments are usually in the comfort coaches organized. On routes that often they are like along the Panamericana (Lima-Ica-Arequipa), these buses are very well equipped, with spacious sitting and sleeping places. It is different for routes that are off the usual tourist routes run, here you have with local buses expected. We try always to make reservations to our customers in the most comfortable coaches . Within the cities, you can comfortably with taxis. In Lima, the price of a normal taxi ride about six to ten Soles, in provincial towns around three to four Soles. An exception are the rides from the airports into the city centers, mostly because the airports are located slightly apart so that such a trip as In Lima about 30 to 45 soles costs. Generally it is advisable for a trip before our tour guide to ask how expensive it will be around, because prices can change. Besides taxis, there is the Colectivos and Combis that are more or less organized private buses, which we only with the local monitoring can be recommended, as this a certain language and local knowledge should be available in order to arrive at the desired destination
Internet | Telephone | Post
The Internet is widespread in the country. There are many, and especially cheap internet lounges. From here you can also call usually very inexpensive to your country. Triband mobile phones are very usefull in some situations but very expensive. There are public pay phones. Calling cards you can find in kiosks and supermarkets..
The classic, postal version works without problems. Our experience is required to post approximately from 1 until 3 weeks.
Power, energy Supply
The power supply system in Peru is not uniform, as a rule, however, at 220 V and 60 Hz in Arequipa, it is 220 V at 50 Hz and 110 V in Iquitos at 50 Hz, there is usually combined sockets (round and flat plug), but often only for flat plug (adapter recommended).
Culture of Peru (wikipedia.org)
The Culture of Peru was shaped by the relationship between Hispanic and Amerindian cultures. The ethnic diversity of Peru allowed diverse traditions and customs to coexist. Peru has passed through various intellectual stages - from colonial Hispanic culture to European Romanticism after independence. The early 20th century brought “indigenismo”, expressed in a new awareness of Indian culture. Since World War II, Peruvian writers, artists, and intellectuals such as César Vallejo and José María Arguedas have participated in worldwide intellectual and artistic movements. more information >>>
Health care
Peru generally maintains good health conditions. Hospitals and clinics provide adequate services, especially in Lima and the other main cities.
It is recommended that you take the proper measures to protect yourself, especially from mosquito bites, in order to prevent infection from, among other diseases, yellow fever (vaccination) and malaria (repellant and medication). Consult your doctor before traveling.
A yellow fever vaccination is required for traveling to jungle cities, and it must be administered at least 10 days before your trip. If not, it will not be effective.
For avoiding mountain sickness, it is recommended that you ascend gradually to become acclimated, rest on the first day of your arrival, eat light foods, drink plenty of fluids, and keep lemon drops at hand. If you have heart problems, consult your doctor.
To keep from getting gastrointestinal infections, we recommend you take care when eating raw foods. Drink bottled or boiled water, and do not eat food from street vendors. more information >>>
Earthquake / Tsunami Leaflet (GFZ)
Earthquake / Tsunami Leaflet
What to do if you experience a strong Earthquake
Prepared by Prof. Peter Bormann
This leaflet provides basic information for those citizens who may have temporary or long-term stays in earthquake-endangered regions of the world.
Topics covered include:
1. strength and duration of tremors
2. where to find more detailed information on earthquake threat
3. local and architectural factors leading to increased risk
4. catering for preventive measures during and after tremors
5. how to behave in the case of an earthquake
6. essential factors to be considered after a destructive earthquake.
more information >>>
