Voltage is Higher
The voltage here is 220 while in the US it is 120. So your phone will charge a lot faster, but you’ll also notice that it will heat up quite often while doing so. To be on the safe side, be sure to charge up your devices when you need to and unplug them when you’re done so you don’t create any unnecessary fire hazards.
No Visa Required
According to the U.S State Department website, you don’t need a visa to enter Peru as a US citizen. You just need a valid passport and evidence of onward or return travel, so no one-way tickets. You’re usually allowed to stay for 90 days at a time with a total of 183 days per calendar year. If you by chance overstay your visit don’t worry you won’t be in any trouble you’ll just have to pay a $1 fine for each day you overstay when you finally decide to leave the country.
Seasons (Weather)
Lima, year-round has a quite moderate temperature that usually stays above 65°F (18°C). Lima’s summer is from December through March and it is usually sunny all day every day so please make sure to bring sunscreen as the sun burns intensely! When summer is over, winter here is not bad as it’s usually covered with grey clouds. On rare occasions, there will be light rain drizzles but nothing compared to the downpours that you may be used to in the U.S or Europe.
Airport Transporation
Before you fly out to Lima make sure to book with Quickllama as they can drop you directly off at your home in Miraflores for just 20 soles ($7 USD). If you by chance did not reserve transportation don’t worry because after you collect your checked bags and start heading out there will be several taxi service desks that will vie for your business however they offer inflated prices. There is also another transportation service called Airport Express where they drop you off at Miraflores or San Isidro however they don’t offer door to door services.
Don’t Drink Tap Water
Unfortunately, Peru’s public water system has not caught up to modern standards of filtering water contamination, so avoid sipping tap water. Make sure that the ice in your drink was made with purified water and wash any fruit that you plan to eat. Luckily, most upscale hotels will leave you bottles of water in your room but also don’t be afraid to ask for additional bottles either since most hotels are happy to oblige. If you accidentally ingest a surmount of water be ready for at least a painful stomach ache!
Transportation Options
Commuting around the city is simple as you have several options to choose from it all depends on where you’re going and the experience you want to have. There are 2 main car-sharing services, Uber and Beat that offer surprisingly low fares. When it comes to rush hour the price tends to go up but nothing compared to the U.S. On average fares will range around $2-10 and $10 is going to distances as far as 8 miles!
There is also the cities public bus/train transportation system, Metropolitano where each fare is 2.50 soles ($0.80 USD) that goes all the way north of Lima (Los Olivos) down to the south (Villa El Salvador). There are also the street buses, taxis, and combis which are vans filled with 6-15 passengers that drop you off in certain streets. It’s a good way to experience how the locals commute but if you are just visiting. You’re better off with ride-sharing and the cities public transportation system to get by.
