Lima Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

Local SIM cards and web access points.

Providers & Access

Main mobile providers: Claro, Movistar, Bitel, Entel.
Purchase local SIM cards (chips) at the airport or in stores, passport needed.
Affordable pre-paid plans with data, calls, texts are widely available.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi and mobile data availability.

Wi-Fi & Data

Wi-Fi is available in hotels, hostels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Many public parks also offer free Wi-Fi for limited periods.
Reliable 4G coverage exists throughout Lima for consistent internet access.

Postal Services

For sending mail or packages.

Local & International

Serpost serves as Peru's national postal service.
Branches are available in most districts for local and international mail.
Major courier services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS operate in Lima for expedited international shipping.

Language Skills

Spanish is the official language.

Addressing Language Barriers

English is spoken in tourist-oriented businesses.
Less common in local establishments or outside main tourist areas.
Use the Google Translate app (offline Spanish pack) and carry a phrasebook.

Essential Spanish Phrases

Basic Greetings & Courtesy

Hola (OH-lah): Hello
Adiós (ah-dee-OHS): Goodbye
If you please (por fah-VOR): Please
Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs): Thank you

Questions & Understanding

Disculpe (dis-KOOL-peh): Pardon me
Sí/No (see/noh): Yes/No
¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah): How much?
¿Habla inglés? (AH-blah een-GLEHS): Can you speak English?

Communication Insight

For urgent international shipping, major courier services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS are operational in Lima.

Logistics & Local Information

Business Operations

Banks typically operate Mon-Fri 9 AM-6 PM, Sat 9 AM-1 PM. Shops Mon-Sat 10 AM-8/9 PM. Malls later. Restaurants lunch 12-3 PM, dinner 7-11 PM, with possible closures between.

Banking Access

ATMs are widely available in commercial areas, shopping centers, and petrol stations from BCP, BBVA, Scotiabank, Interbank. Use secure, well-lit locations.

Public Holidays

Banks, government offices, and some businesses close. Public transport may operate reduced schedules. Attractions may have special hours. Check local calendars.

Greeting Customs

Peruvian greetings vary by formality.

Formal & Informal

A handshake is standard in formal settings or when first meeting someone.
Women typically greet other women and men with one kiss on the right cheek.
Men usually shake hands with other men.

Appropriate Attire

Dress appropriately for various situations.

Dress Code Considerations

Casual attire is generally acceptable for most tourist activities and daily exploration.
Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is respectful when visiting churches or religious sites.
Smart relaxed to semi-formal attire is suitable for upscale restaurants or business engagements.

Dining & Photography

Dining Practices

Wait until everyone at the table receives their food before you begin eating.
Keeping elbows off the table serves as a common polite gesture.
Refer to Section 2.3 for detailed information on tipping practices.

Photography Permissions

Generally acceptable to photograph public spaces and attractions.
Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Some sites have restrictions on photography (e.g., no flash, or no photos).

Travel Advisory

Seasonal closures for entire seasons are less common in Lima. However, some smaller businesses might close for national holidays or extended family vacations. Always check ahead for specific venues during holiday periods.

Cultural Sensitivities & Accessibility

Navigating social dynamics and ensuring travel for all.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Approach certain subjects with caution.

Topics to Note

Generally don't get involved in deep political debates.
Be thoughtful to visible socio-economic disparities.
Approach historical events with respect and a receptive attitude.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Social dynamics and inclusivity in Lima.

Social Dynamics

Lima is generally a safe city for solo female travelers.
Standard precautions apply (avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas).
Lima is more progressive than general Peru, especially in Miraflores and Barranco.

Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure develops, yet inconsistencies remain for mobility needs.

Navigating Lima

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is developing.
Many sidewalks are uneven, curbs often lack ramps.
Older buildings may not have elevators.

Accessible Transport & Attractions

Alternatives accommodate accessibility needs.

Options for Access

Museo Larco, Huaca Pucllana, parts of Malecón, Parque de la Reserva are accessible.
Metropolitano buses and Metro Line 1 are more accessible than inestablished public transport.

Specific Needs Information

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specialized services are limited for travelers with visual impairments.
Services for hearing impairments are also limited.
Some museums may offer audio guides.

Resources for Planning

Contact specialized travel agencies that focus on accessible travel.
Check websites of particular attractions for their accessibility details before your visit.
Traveling with a companion or reachable byur operator is advisable.

General Local Practices

Dining Out

Tipping practices are generally 10% in restaurants, if not part of the price.
Round up taxi fares.
Smaller eateries might not expect a tip but it is appreciated.

Public Behavior

Public displays of affection might attract some stares in more reserved areas.
Generally tolerated in liberal areas like Miraflores and Barranco.
Awareness of surroundings is always beneficial.

Traveler's Note

Modern shopping malls, newer hotels, and some major attractions are generally more accessible to individuals with mobility limitations.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Make choices that positively influence both the environment and local communities.

Environmental Awareness

Lima's one-of-a-kind desert ecosystem and urban challenges.

Conservation & Waste

Support Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge, a protected wetland for migratory birds.
Recycling programs exist, especially in upscale districts, but are not always widespread.
Reduce plastic use; bring reusable water bottles and shopping bags (explore Package Free Shop).

Water & Carbon

Water is a precious resource in this desert city.

Conservation & Offsets

Be mindful of water usage; take shorter showers, reuse towels.
Consider offsetting flight emissions through reputable programs like Terrapass.
Support conservation efforts like those at The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood).

Eco-Friendly Travel Choices

Choose services that prioritize environmental stewardship.

Accommodation & Tours

Look for hotels with environmental certifications or sustainable practices (e.g., Ecobnb).
Choose tour operators that promote responsible tourism and respect local ecosystems (e.g., G Adventures).
Consider sustainable outdoor gear from retailers like Patagonia.

Cultural Preservation

Contribute to safeguarding Peruvian heritage.

Supporting Heritage

Support museums, cultural centers, and local artisans.
Respect archaeological sites and historic structures.
Follow rules, do not touch artifacts, stay on the paths.

Respectful Interaction

Local Engagement

Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially children.

Site Etiquette

Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Behave quietly.

Language Effort

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases; even a little effort receives appreciation.

Start learning

Ethical Photography

Avoid intrusive photography. Respect people's privacy, especially in candid moments. Be sensitive when photographing vulnerable populations.

Lima Travel Tips