General Info

[TheCatsMeow88]

Good afternoon gents,

On Thursday of this week I will be headed to Lima for the first time. Only staying for 4 1/2 days, but it's better than no days. I have a few generic questions. I know you can use both dollars and soles for purchases, and when dealing with the ladies. Is there a preference, or is it really a non issue?

...Lastly, what is the current exit fee when leaving the country.

SrLengua

Sr Lengua,

I have paid it enough times to know that the departure tax is USD 30.25 payable in cash at the airport. I always remember to pack a quarter before leaving the US! You can also pay in soles but I do not remember the exact amount, though I am quite certain that it is below 100 soles.

Transportation to the airport from Miraflores is anywhere between USD 10 and USD 20.

Also, there is a wonderful back massage place in the airport as you go up the staircase to your right. I usually go for ten or twenty minutes because prices are reasonable and service is good. The Continental flights to the US are always scheduled to leave around midnight (though they are delayed more often than not) and I find that a relaxing back massage helps me sleep on the plane.

US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere and I use USD almost exclusively when dealing with the chicas (though I have also been known to throw a few Euros their way). I usually change some money to soles because it pisses me off to pay USD 5 for a 5-10 soles cab ride. The same thing applies to meals, 3 soles shoe shines in Parque Kennedy, toothpaste and other miscellaneous expenses. The alternative of carrying alot of single dollar notes down to Lima does not appeal to me. It is not a question of being cheap; it is just a question of not throwing money away, however small the amount.

Speaking of 3 soles shoe shines, I really enjoy discovering little arbitrage opportunities. The same shoe shine costs $4 ($3 + $1 tip) at Newark and most other US airports! I once had a 3 soles shoe shine in San Borja that lasted 25-30 minutes. It makes you wonder how much does that guy makes in a day and how does he survive on it.

The Cat

[Macmasher]

... but we might want to move the "Maria Luisa & Safetly/Security" exchanges to the "Lima - Hotel Recommendations" thread. Newbies might find such comments more helpul if placed there. I'll post my personal experiences and observations on the subject there shortly.
.Just my 2 cents.

mac

Thanks for all these reports on the maria Luisa, as Ill be soon heading off for Lima, I must say that I am reconsidering my lodging accomodations. Its always better to be safe than sorry, and as far as i can see the only reason to stay there is the "no chica fee policy". Id rather take saftey of my valuables over pusssy anyday. Especially when it involves your passport!

[Artisttyp]

I did something similar on my first trip. I took one of the "executive" type long distance buses( I forgot the company) south from lima and stopped at almost every town until I reached arequiepa. I dont think you can do it in three days by bus or car unless you want to stress out.
I was gone for over a week. I did chincha,pisco,paracas (las islas de bellenas) and arequiepa. Remember that sights extend from these towns so just because you get there doesn't mean it's all right there. You need to take a local tour or bus from that town.
My advice for a three day trip would be to pick someplace that has a few trips to do from that town. Pisco might be that place. If I remember correctly you can do las islas and the lines (ica) from there. Please verify that info.

Artisttyp

[SrLengua]

Good afternoon gents,

On Thursday of this week I will be headed to Lima for the first time. Only staying for 4 1/2 days, but it's better than no days. I have a few generic questions. I know you can use both dollars and soles for purchases, and when dealing with the ladies. Is there a preference, or is it really a non issue?

Secondly, How do people dress for a night out? I'm talking TR and Emmanuell's. I like to try and fit in as best I can. For these venues is a nice pair of Hilfiger jeans and a nice button down shirt appropriate, or should one step it up a notch to khacki's and a nice button down shirt....or some combination of both? Lastly, what is the current exit fee when leaving the country. Thanks for your input.

SrLengua

[Dirty Willy]

I'm hoping to get advice about taking a 2 to 3 day trip to Ica, Pisco & the Islas Ballenas.

I'm sure that the cheapest option would be to take public transportation there.

Would anyone want to offer advice on either renting a car or renting a taxi/driver in terms of costs, safety precautions, etc?

Thanks a lot.

[Michael Tours]

well, anything can happens at Maria Luisa Hotel , I was so pisst off by them

my last stay. thay dont listening to you or respect you at all. There were

misssing coins in my drawer many times. they give my key to a girl when

I was out( get robbed a little) The hotel staff rob me one night ,they know

I was out, not coming back. the girls in reception make friends with

my "girlfrind" and give her all information about whom was visiting me with

name and how long they stay.

Then they also make me pay for one night twice, acusing me to have

forgotten to pay before. also very often the remove your sheets and other

stuff , as soon you leave the hotel ,to not replace it before late in the

evening , very anouing when oyu bring in a girl and the bed is not ready.

Well beside of that its ok, but now I just rent an apartment, when I stay my

my 3 months in Lima every year.

Take care folks!!!!



Michael

[Yujin]

http://www.pac-safe.com/www/index.ph...=specification

Not sure if the model in the link above is the same is the size I have, but mine is same manufacturer. Insert laptop, passport, cash - cinch it close - and wrap cable around something permanently fiixed (toilet, sink, closet rod).

The first time I went to Peru, I asked the front desk clerk if they had a safety box. The clerk said they did. I asked if I could put my passport, plane ticket, extra cash, etc. In it. She handed me a brown envelope and inventoried what I was putting in the envelope including how much money. That made me uncomfortable. She then taped up the envelope and asked me to initial the tape so that I could tell if anyone tampered with it. She then took the envelope with all my valuables into a backroom. I never saw her put the envelope into a safe. I'd never experienced anything like that before so I wasn't very comfortable. I had no receipt or eyewitness if anything was stolen.

Luckily, I had my Pac-Safe. The next day, I took the envelope back out and put everything in the Pac-Safe. I did have trouble finding a "fixed" object in my room to attach it. I finally decided to use the bedframe. However, that's not always recommended. Last year, I was in Ecuador in a room with two beds. After I came back from dinner, the hotel owner had removed one of the beds. It's a good thing I hadn't attached the Pac-Safe to that bed.

I also use a Defcon1 lock to secure my luggage. It has a loud alarm if anyone moves the luggage.

[Jaimito Cartero]

Well, I definitely got ripped off at the Maria Luisa (and complained quite a bit about it, which is why there are now safes available downstairs), but I do find the ML fine, otherwise.

My money was hidden inside one of my bags, so you'd really have to search for it. Only one Chica had been in the room, and never out of my sight. Luckily, I had my money split up, but still a large amount of cash gone. ($600-$700)

I'd love to do a hidden camera in one of the rooms catching them ripping stuff off. They can be pretty lax about locking/closing the doors too. I came back in the middle of the day, and I think the room cleaner had working on my room. However, the door was wise open, and he wasn't anywhere around.

[Artisttyp]

I know exactly what you are talking about( I had one) but just hope that knowone has a pair of wire cutters because they *CAN cut the wire. It does aid against petty theft by maids etc. but not professional crooks.

By the way are those male porters still there at the maria luisa ? I remember last time I was there I got a weird vibe from those guys.....one of them was acting way too cool (hip) to be in the service industry. I like a little formailty when I check into a hotel. Sure enough that was when jaimito got his cash stolen. I always trust my instincts and something tells me that hotel isn't kosher but its in a great location at the right price with no chica in the rooms drama so I'm ready to deal with the rest.

I also noticed the TV went on by itself at 8am every morning and in the afternoon there was porn on the tv went I got to my room. I appreciate the latter but the 8am TV really annoyed me. It happened to me in mexico as well. Still going on?

Be careful dont tell us too much just secure your stuff.


Artisttyp

[Macmasher]

http://www.pac-safe.com/www/index.ph...=specification

Not sure if the model in the link above is the same is the size I have, but mine is same manufacturer. Insert laptop, passport, cash - cinch it close - and wrap cable around something permanently fiixed (toilet, sink, closet rod).

Found mine for around $30 in ebay... and LOVE it (especially since laptops rarely fit in hotel safes). And when I can't get a safe, this does the trick.

LB- Thanks that sounds easy enough.

Mac Masher- If I remember correctly there is a back exit/staircase at the end of each hall on each floor ? Meaning you wouldn't need to go out the front. Is this right ? It sounds a little weird to me to have a safe that isn't bolted down but I guess I will need to see it before making judgment.

[Jaimito Cartero]

I programmed it with my OWN combination (she looked away) - and I took it to the room. No charge. No probem.

You're welcome.

[Lima Busy]

Mac Masher- If I remember correctly there is a back exit/staircase at the end of each hall on each floor ? Meaning you wouldn't need to go out the front. Is this right ? It sounds a little weird to me to have a safe that isn't bolted down but I guess I will need to see it before making judgment.

Or better yet as it is a ST hotel, just gently kick the door and take it out in "the guy's" carry-on bag and save walking down the steps.
LB

[Artisttyp]

LB- Thanks that sounds easy enough.

Mac Masher- If I remember correctly there is a back exit/staircase at the end of each hall on each floor ? Meaning you wouldn't need to go out the front. Is this right ? It sounds a little weird to me to have a safe that isn't bolted down but I guess I will need to see it before making judgment.

[Lima Busy]

When you walk out the back entrance (go to your left). When you cross the intersection there will be girls in the doorway on your left and also futher up the street. There are better girls elsewhere nearby but this is the easiest to explain.
LB

[Macmasher]

Checked into the ML last night, asked about safe. Clerk goes into closet, comes out with heavy, bulky electronic safe (too big for anyone to take from hotel w/o being noticed).

I programmed it with my OWN combination (she looked away) - and I took it to the room. No charge. No probem.

1. Does the maria luisa now have in room safes or are they at the front desk and is there a charge ?