LOST PASSPORT

 

Should You loose your passport,please do as follows:Go to any Banco de la Nacion branch and buy an " Especies Valoradas " For,Take this form to the District Police Station and file a complaint.Approach your Consulate with any personal document and your pictures.Pay the required fees.

 TIPPING

Tips for the porter are optional.Taxi do not expect to be tipped.Most restaurants add to the bill,under the heading " service " a 10 % service charge which goes to the waiter,tipping, therefore,is optional.

 CURRENCY

The official currency is  " Soles ", usually written as s/. Daily fluctuations in the rate of exchange are very limited. $1.00 = S/.3.40

 CHANGING MONEY

Foreing currency can be exchanged at banks and casas de cambio ( currency exchange agencies ) in all major districs.In addition,most hotels and money changers doing brisk business in all avenues,will also do the job.Remember that,in general street,money exchanges should be avoided,unless they beat a proper ID.

 And perhaps it is a good idea not to change your currency at all,as US Dollars are accepted just about everywhere ( in restaurants,shops,hotels and the like ) at a rate of exhange slightly below the prevailing market rate.Damaged or torn bill are not accepted or exchanged at a much lower rate.All major crdit cards are generally accepted,although it is advisable to check in advance.

AIPORT TAXES

All passangers leaving Lima on international flights are subject to  an airfare tax of US $25.00 which can be paid at any bank agency at the airport.Passanger on domestic flights pay a USA$5.00 airport tax.This tax is payable at all Peruvian airports.

 SOME SECURITY TIPS

* Take with you just the money you will need for your expected daily expenses

* It is advisable to carry an ID with you at all times. Do not leave Lima without your passport

* If  at  possible,keep a picture of your passport which may be useful in case of loss.Should this happen,contact your consulate

* Do not wear any jewerly when sightseeing or  on tour

* When outside the hotel,always keep a watchfull eye on your belongings,such as cameras,video equipment,walkmans and the like.

*  Keep your money and valuables at the hotel safe.

*  Always agree beforehand with drivers,guides and anybody providing services,the cost of taxis,food and / or tours

*  Do not eat food or drink bevarages which are not packed / canned or bottled,

  CLIMATE

 Summer starts in December and, in general,seasons are the opposite of  those  in the USA.Local time is GMT- 5

There is very little rain on the coastal area.In Lima it rains very seldomly.Only during the winter there are very light showers,thin drops of water called " Garua " Humidity,however,is high and the sky is covered most of the time.

In the mountains " La Sierra " in Spanish, the climate is dry from May to October,with occasional showers.From December to  March,on the other hand,the climate is humid,Average temperatures for the year range from as low as 47° f ( 8° C )  for June / August  to 51° f ( 10°C ) for the September / May season.Contrasts are most noticeable between day and night,with abrupt  falls in temperature after sunset; figures as low as 16° f are sometimes recorded.

In the jungle areas ( " La Selva " ), it rains all years round and temperatures are high. From November to May rains are heavier. The climate is cool from May to September and warm the rest of the year.