Practical A–Z

Visa

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days (extension to 183 days possible). Required are:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay
• Return or onward flight ticket: Required upon entry!
• Proof of sufficient funds: Rarely, but occasionally asked for

Entry by Airplane

Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez Airport (Lima), you will receive an entry stamp with the number of granted stay days (usually 90 days, sometimes less — check!). No separate form needed.

Customs

Allowed for import (duty-free):

• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars
• 3 liters of alcoholic beverages
• Personal items and electronics

Important: The export of cultural goods (Pre-Inca and Inca artifacts) is strictly prohibited and severely punished! Buy souvenirs only in official stores.

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

1 Sol = 100 Céntimos. Coins: 10, 20, 50 Céntimos, 1, 2, 5 Soles. Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 Soles.

Exchange rate (reference 2025): 1 EUR ≈ 4.0 PEN / 1 PEN ≈ 0.25 EUR

US Dollar or Sol?

Peru is partially dollarized: Hotels, travel agencies, and more expensive restaurants often accept US dollars (sometimes even prefer them). For everyday life, however, you need Soles. Tip: Exchange euros in Lima at the airport or at exchange offices (“Casas de Cambio”) — the rate is fair. In the city, street exchangers (“Cambistas” in safety vests) are often the cheapest option — but only in busy areas and check the notes carefully!

ATMs & Credit Cards

• ATMs (ATM/Cajero): Available in all cities and tourist areas. BCP, BBVA, Interbank, and Scotiabank accept international cards. Maximum withdrawal: usually 400–700 PEN per transaction.
• Fees: Peruvian banks charge 12–25 PEN (3–6€) per withdrawal! BCP and Interbank are the cheapest. Additionally, there are fees from your home bank.
• Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger stores. American Express is rare. In local restaurants and markets: cash only!

Altitude sickness (Soroche) is the most important health issue for travelers to Peru. Here is a detailed guide:

Altitude Profiles of Main Destinations

Optimal Acclimatization Strategy

1. Day 1–2: Lima (0 m) — Arrive, overcome jet lag
2. Day 3: Flight to Cusco (3,400 m) — REST DAY! Only light activity, coca tea, drink plenty, go to bed early
3. Day 4: Sacred Valley (2,800 m) — Descend to the Sacred Valley — sleeping there is more comfortable than in Cusco
4. Day 5+: Activities — After 48 hours of acclimatization in Cusco/Sacred Valley, you are ready for most activities

Alternative (better, but more time-consuming): Fly to Cusco, immediately continue to the Sacred Valley (2,800 m) for 2 nights, then to Cusco (3,400 m).

Medications

• Acetazolamide (Diamox): Prescription required in Germany, but available over-the-counter in Peruvian pharmacies. 125–250 mg twice daily, starting 1–2 days before ascent. Speeds up acclimatization. Side effects: tingling in fingers/toes, frequent urination, metallic taste with carbonation.
• Ibuprofen/Paracetamol: Effective against headaches. Always have on hand.
• Coca leaves/coca tea: The traditional remedy. Proven effective for mild symptoms. Available everywhere in the highlands.
• Sorojchi Pills: Peruvian combination preparation (aspirin + caffeine) for mild symptoms. Available in every pharmacy.

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany. Recommended are:

• Standard vaccinations: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio (refresh!)
• Hepatitis A: Strongly recommended
• Hepatitis B: For longer stays
• Typhoid: For travel to rural areas
• Yellow fever: Strongly recommended for travel to the Amazon lowlands (below 2,300 m)! Vaccinate at least 10 days before entry. Carry the international vaccination certificate!
• Rabies: For longer stays in the rainforest or close animal contact

Malaria & Dengue

• Malaria: Risk in the Amazon lowlands (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado). No risk in the highlands and on the coast. Discuss prophylaxis or standby therapy with a tropical medicine specialist.
• Dengue: Occurs in tropical lowland areas. No vaccine available, mosquito protection is the best prevention (Dengue mosquitoes bite during the day!).

Medical Care

In Lima and major cities, there are private clinics of good standard (Clínica Internacional, Clínica San Pablo). Pharmacies (“Farmacia”, “Botica”) are frequent and well-stocked — many medications are available without a prescription, including Diamox! In the highlands and rainforest, medical care is limited.

Travel health insurance with repatriation is mandatory! Statutory health insurance is not valid in Peru.

General Security Situation

Peru is generally safe for tourists as long as you follow the usual precautions. The main tourist regions (Lima/Miraflores, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Arequipa) are well-policed. Millions of tourists visit Peru every year without incidents.

What to Watch Out For

• Pickpocketing: The most common issue. Especially in Lima (Centro, public transport), Cusco (markets, nightlife), and bus stations. Do not wear valuables openly, keep daypacks in front, always keep handbags on your body.
• Express kidnappings: Rare but occasionally occur in Lima, where individuals are briefly held in a taxi and forced to withdraw money. Only use official taxis or apps! Never get into a stranger's car.
• Fraud: Counterfeit money, inflated prices (always negotiate beforehand!), “friendly helpers” who take a commission. Be friendly but cautious.
• Night buses: Use only reputable bus companies (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa). Cheap buses sometimes have safety issues (robberies on night buses in remote areas).
• Drugs: Cocaine offers are common, especially in Cusco. Decline! Drug possession is severely punished in Peru. Do not get involved in any “transport”.

Safe vs. Unsafe Areas

SIM Card & Mobile Data

A local SIM card is the best and cheapest option:

• Providers: Claro (largest coverage), Movistar, Entel, Bitel (cheapest)
• Price: 10–30 PEN (2.50–7.50€) for a SIM with 3–15 GB data, valid for 30 days
• Purchase: At Lima airport (Claro/Movistar counter right after customs), in any mobile store or Tienda. Passport required!
• Network coverage: 4G is good in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and cities. In the Sacred Valley and at Lake Titicaca, coverage is patchy. In the rainforest, often no reception.

Wi-Fi

Hotels, hostels, and cafes almost always offer free Wi-Fi. The speed varies — good in Lima, acceptable in Cusco, slow to non-existent in remote lodges. In Machu Picchu: no Wi-Fi, no mobile network!

Peru has all climate zones — from the tropical heat of the rainforest to the icy cold of the Andean passes to the cool coastal humidity of Lima. The layering principle is a must!

For the Highlands (Cusco, Titicaca, Colca)

• Warm down jacket or fleece (nights below 0°C!)
• Rain jacket (indispensable in the rainy season)
• Thermal underwear for very cold nights
• Good trekking shoes (waterproof)
• Sun hat + sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV radiation at altitude is extreme!)
• Sunglasses with UV protection

For Lima & Coast

• Light layers (cool in the morning, warm at midday)
• In winter (June–September): light jacket for the “Garúa” drizzle
• In summer (December–March): light summer clothing, swimwear

For the Rainforest

• Light, long-sleeved clothing (light colors, insect protection!)
• Waterproof shoes or sandals (rubber boots are provided in lodges)
• Rain poncho or light rain jacket
• Quick-drying materials (no cotton!)
• Drybag for electronics

General

• Universal adapter (Peru uses type A/B/C sockets)
• Headlamp (for power outages, early mornings in Machu Picchu, jungle)
• Travel pharmacy: Ibuprofen, Diamox (for altitude sickness), Imodium, electrolyte powder, sunscreen, mosquito spray (DEET 50%+), band-aids
• Copies of all documents (passport, insurance, tickets) stored digitally