By Isabel Prontes
Peru is a nation on
South America's western coast. It is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination because of its stunning scenery, such as the Andes mountains, Macchu Pichu and thick, lush Amazon rainforest. If you are planning to visit this lovely South American nation, it is helpful to learn some
travel tips beforehand.
Currency
The Peruvian currency is called the nuevo sol. One sol is composed of 100 centavos. An easy way to transfer U.S. dollars into nuevo sol is by visiting ATMs that accept credit and debit cards. "Casas de cambio" are good places to look for because they exchange dollars and also cash travelers checks. It is a smart to arrive in Peru with some dollars in your wallet. Be sure to count your money carefully after it has been exchanged to you.
Etiquette
Etiquette is also crucial to understand before visiting a nation. Every country has different social practices and behaviors. In Peru, shaking hands is the acceptable and usual type of greeting. If you are visiting someone in Peru, you should bring a little gift, generally from your home nation. In Peru, the attire is usually casual, but depending on the social occasion or if it's for business purposes, men are expected to wear ties and jackets.
Tipping
Because travelers to Peru will most often eat meals in restaurants, it's important to learn about the country's acceptable tipping practices. In many cases, Peruvian restaurants will tack on a 10 percent service charge to the check. However, some do not, so it's important to review your check carefully. Similarly to the United States, a 15 percent total gratuity will suffice in the majority of cases.
Languages
Bring a Spanish language phrase book or learn some of the language before visiting Peru. Spanish is the nation's official language, and over 80 percent of the Peruvian population consider it to be their first language. However, about 16.5 percent of Peruvians say Quechua, a native language, as their mother tongue. There are a lot of other dialects within the country, including many derived from Amazon rainforest natives.
Health
Before traveling to Peru, you should buy medical insurance, especially if you plan to engage in daring recreational activities, such as paragliding or rafting. No vaccinations are required for entry into Peru, although you might want to consider undergoing immunizations for the following conditions: tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. For entry into the country's jungle region (Manu, Tambopata and Iquitos), it is recommended to get a shot against yellow fever. Malaria tablets are also strongly advised for those who plan on traveling into the jungle.
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
