Travel tips · Lima · Peru
Lima travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: David Felipe Ruiz Hoyos, CC BY-SA 4.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
Lima mixes Spanish colonial heritage with Andean, African, Chinese and Japanese influences, all visible in its food. Limeños are proud of their cuisine, and long lunches with family are central to weekends. Catholic traditions remain strong, as seen in the huge purple-clad processions of the Señor de los Milagros in October.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish and Quechua
- Currency
- PEN
- Plugs
- Type A and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is not recommended for drinking; use bottled or filtered water.
- Emergency
- 105 (police), 116 (fire), 106 (ambulance)
Things to know
- Greet with 'Buenos días' and a handshake, or a kiss on the cheek among friends.
- Punctuality is relaxed socially, but be on time for tours and restaurant bookings.
- Cover shoulders and remove hats in churches.
- Ask permission before photographing people.
- Avoid political arguments; Peruvian politics is a sensitive topic.
- Eat a set menú at lunch for good Peruvian food at a fraction of restaurant prices.
Tipping
In restaurants, 10% is customary if no service charge is included. Tip guides and drivers on tours; taxi fares are agreed in advance and not usually tipped.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Buenos días | Good morning |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much is it? |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
| Chévere | Cool, great |
| Sin picante | Not spicy |
What to wear
Layers work best: light clothing in summer (December–April) and a sweater or light jacket for the cool, damp winter months. Limeños dress smart-casual in restaurants.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is not recommended for drinking; use bottled or filtered water.
- Emergency number
- 105 (police), 116 (fire), 106 (ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Wi-Fi is widely available; local SIMs from Claro, Movistar and Entel are sold at the airport and in shops.
- Time zone
- America/Lima
Pickpocketing and phone snatching occur in the historic centre, on buses and in busy areas; keep valuables out of sight. Use app taxis or hotel-arranged taxis rather than hailing cars on the street, and avoid quiet streets at night.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Peru's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Lima?
In restaurants, 10% is customary if no service charge is included. Tip guides and drivers on tours; taxi fares are agreed in advance and not usually tipped.
+Can you drink the tap water in Lima?
Tap water is not recommended for drinking; use bottled or filtered water.
+What plugs are used in Lima?
Type A and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Lima?
Spanish and Quechua.