Important general information when you are planning to travel to Peru.

Climate / Clothing
Peru is the third large country in Latin America with a large variety of climates. In general the following weather can be expected:

Coast
The winter is from May through October. The average temperature in this season is around 55 F. Usually a sweater is enough to keep warm The Summer is from November through April. The average temperature is 85F. During the Summer, very light and casual clothing is recommended in addition to a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Highlands
Temperature ranges from 65 F during the day to 30 F at night. The rainy season lasts from December to March. For the evenings a good sweater and maybe a jacket will be required, and for the rainy season for sure an umbrella.

Jungle
Hot and humid with showers all year round. Light clothing and an umbrella is recommended.

Language
Spanish is the official language. In most tourist places, English is understood. In some places of the highland some dialects like Quechua and Aymara is widely spoken.

Passports and Visas
A valid passport is required to enter Peru. A Visa is not required for countries of Western Europe, Asia, North or South America, Citizens of Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.

Currency
The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol. US$1= 2.75 soles. Most tourist places accept and exchange US Dollars. Exchange should be done at the hotel or the Banks.

Credit Cards
The credit cards accepted in Peru are Visa, American Express, Diners and Master Card. They are mainly used in Lima and major tourist places.

Banks
Banks in Peru are generally open from Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. Saturday they usually open half day

Local Time
Peruvian time is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, similar to Eastern Standard Time in the United States (except on daylight savings, from April to October).

Electricity
The voltage used is 220 volts (the US uses 120 volts). A converter for appliances that do not switch to 220 V, may be purchased at most hardware stores. Major Hotels have 110 volt outlets.

Shopping
Duty free shops, and artisan shops offer tourists the opportunity to purchase Peruvian handicrafts, such as pottery, carvings, weaving etc.

Arrival Procedures / Customs
After passing through Immigration, you must collect your luggage in the Baggage Claim area. You will then go through customs where you will be asked to push a button. If you get the red light, you will go through an inspection by customs officers. After you finish, you will exit the terminal.

It is banned to take historical or archaeological objects out of the country. Additional information may be obtained from the National Culture Institute, Av. Javier Prado Este 2465 (District of San Borja, Tel: (511) 476-9875.

To possess, consume, or carry any narcotics is considered a felony.