General Info

[TheCatsMeow88]

Thanks guys, for the input. I still need to know, do I pretty much change all my cash into soles or will I need USD at all? Is there any disadvantage to getting money out of the ATM rather than the street changers? I just don't like the idea of flashing cash on the street anywhere, and I usually get a good rate on ATMS, at least in other countries.

I'll check with the hotel on the airport ride, and if they don't do it I'll call Manuel. Thanks millions, guys!

Doc Bill,

While you do not need USD in Lima, many items (including chicas) can be purchased with USD. I cannot speak for the rest of the country and I recall that you plan to do some travelling outside of Lima. You need to get some local advise as I have do not know what is the norm elsewhere.

If you change too much USD into soles the question becomes what to do with the surplus. Changing it back to USD is inefficient. Therefore, you need to budget yourself and change what you plan to spend. If you end up a little short, you can pay for things in USD, as already noted, or change/withdraw more money once you get back to Lima.

I know of no disadvantage to withdrawing money from an ATM but that does not solve the problem of carrying cash on the street. I expect the ATM exchange rate to be as good, if not better, than what is available from street changers. Do not hold me to that as I have never asked them to take the pepsi challenge. Unlike many destinations, exchanging money on the street in Lima is not a rip-off; that is the point I am actually trying to make.

The Cat

[Doc Bill]

Thanks guys, for the input. I still need to know, do I pretty much change all my cash into soles or will I need USD at all? Is there any disadvantage to getting money out of the ATM rather than the street changers? I just don't like the idea of flashing cash on the street anywhere, and I usually get a good rate on ATMS, at least in other countries.

I'll check with the hotel on the airport ride, and if they don't do it I'll call Manuel. Thanks millions, guys!

[Elberto]

many visitors to lima experience traveler's diarrhea and it is no fun. it is easy enough to go to any farmacia and get cipro or other antibiotics to help get rid of it, but taking steps to avoid it in the first place sounds like a better idea.

in preparation for my upcoming trip i have done some research, and here are some steps various travel organizations recommend to avoid problems:

avoid eggs. this includes breakfast, in sandwiches, and even the pisco sour drink, which is made with egg whites. (this sucks because a well-made pisco sour is like a dream in a glass.)

avoid tap water, including ice in drinks and when brushing teeth.

avoid raw fruit unless you've peeled it yourself.

avoid raw leafy vegetables.

avoid shellfish (including langostinos/shrimp).

wash hands often.


there are obviously going to be times and places where you can be confident of the quality of the food and the cleanliness of the restaurant and can ignore these recommendations. however, if there is any question it would be better to err on the safe side.

good luck, and have fun.

[TheCatsMeow88]

I think commenting on said bullshit advice would be very useful. An open debate could put an end to questionable advice or maybe there are better ways of doing things. It's a win/win situation as long as we act like adults.

Indeed, though it turns out that some are more adult than others. What we strive for here is a bullshit-free zone and though we are far from achieving it, the Peru Forum does a better job than most on this board.

The Cat

[TheCatsMeow88]

Doc Bill- If you are staying at Las Americas they should offer you a car service from the airport. Going to and from the airport is no joke when you travel. I'd get in touch with the hotel as well and see what they say.

Good advice. Do that and then call Manuel. Personally, I use licensed taxis or Manuel and have never had a problem - but to each his own.

[TheCatsMeow88]

2. Why would changing money on the streets in lima be any safer/different than changing money anywhere else? Usually the streets are the last place you go. Beware of fake bills. I was able to tell only by touch and smell.

Artisttyp,

Well for a start, street money changers are licensed, offer a good exchange rate, do not require you to show ID and do not charge commission. There is usually no waiting and the transaction is over in a minute or two. That sounds pretty convenient to me. I have used them countless of times and have never, to my knowledge, been passed a fake bill.

Of course, you can always use your cash card at an ATM. The upscale casinos also offer a decent money exchange service. Still, if you come up with a more convenient, safer or better way to exchange hard currency, please share your findings so that we can all benefit.

The Cat

[Artisttyp]

1. I arrive in the morning on a red eye and probably will be going straight to sleep. Till what time am I able to change money ? Ill be staying in san isidro.

2. Why would changing money on the streets in lima be any safer/different than changing money anywhere else? Usually the streets are the last place you go. Beware of fake bills. I was able to tell only by touch and smell.

3. Can anyone tell me what the area surrounding the golf course in san isidro is like as far as food/entertainment etc. ? I believe there is a mall and cine around the ovalo ?

Thanks

By the way are there cambio houses I forgot ?

Doc Bill- If you are staying at Las Americas they should offer you a car service from the airport. Going to and from the airport is no joke when you travel. I'd get in touch with the hotel as well and see what they say.

[Shortbuss23]

Anyone know what airlines go between these two cities?

I researched but couldn't find it?

Thanks in advance

[TheCatsMeow88]

Should get soles at the airport upon arrival? Change everyting to soles? is that all they take, besides credit cards, so I won't need any US Dollars? I assume that ATM's sill give the best rate, right?

One more detail - Do I just take any cab from the airport or are there certain ones I should take and others to avoid? I don't need to be beaten and kidnapped byfirst day here!

Thanks guys!

Doc

Doc Bill,

Do not change money at the airport or hotel. The airport charges commission and offers a lousy exchange rate besides. Changing money in Lima is easy. There are money changers on many of the street corners in Miraflores (Easily identified by their blue jackets decorated with dollar signs!). They offer a great exchange rate, do not charge commission and do not need require to see your identification. Just ask one or two of them what they are offering to make sure you are getting a decent rate. Compare that to what happens in Bogota where you are finger printed every time you change money.

A taxi from the airport into Lima will cost you USD 10-12 and they will accept US dollars. I never change any money at the airport. There have been stories of gringos getting hi-jacked, though it is by no means common. Stick with a licensed cab driver and you should be fine. If you want to be really sure, Lima Busy recommends a reliable driver by the name of Manuel. Manuel will charge you USD 20 for an airport pick-up and can be contacted on +51 1 9739 3562. Aside from being reliable, Manuel speaks good English and knows the Lima club scene. I have used Manuel several times and even partied with him!

I personally use cash for almost everything. The obvious exceptions are the hotel bill and meals at high-end restaurants such as La Mar or Rosa Nautica. You will definitely need some cash as chicas do not, for the most part, take plastic. They do, however, all take US dollars!

Finally, be sure to take a quarter with you. The Lima airport departure tax is USD 30.25 and can be paid in US currency.

I hope this helps

The Cat

[Doc Bill]

Should I get soles at the airport upon arrival? Change everyting to soles? is that all they take, besides credit cards, so I won't need any US Dollars? I assume that ATM's sill give the best rate, right?

One more detail - Do I just take any cab from the airport or are there certain ones I should take and others to avoid? I don't need to be beaten and kidnapped my first day here!

Thanks guys!

Doc

[Polvo]

Can any of you guys tell me what region is relatively "safe"regarding earthquakes in peru???

TIA

Johan

They are all "relatively" safe unless you are right on top of it......

Polvo

[Johan007]

Can any of you guys tell me what region is relatively "safe"regarding earthquakes in peru???

TIA

Johan

[Doc Bill]

Going for my first time in Peru, and I'll be there for two weeks. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend where/how to divide my time best there, and would greatly appreciate any ideas/suggestions.

[Giggity]

I'm not sure how long this first link will work, as it's still under "Latest Earthquakes," but it has a lot of technical details on the quake. Click the "Maps" tab and you'll find a "Shakemap" showing the relative local shaking and damage with a color scale. Lima is right on the edge of the "Light/Moderate" damage zone.

Full Details of the 2007 Peruvian Coast Earthquake by USGS
ShakeMap showing relative local magnitude
Wikipedia Article on the Earthquake with maps and links

[Stocks Man]

Not Peruvian, but it is latin and everybody loves this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulcXYjb4eBU