Flag Peru
 

     
     

  • Register with the British Embassy when you arrive in Peru and inform them of your travel plans, particularly if you are a long-term visitor. Tell them if your travel plans change. The incidence of terrorism has declined in recent years, although parts of Peru remain difficult and dangerous to visit.  
     
     
  • Travel in organised groups whenever possible, using only reputable air, rail and bus companies. Don't travel by road outside major cities after dark. Use private taxi companies when travelling within major towns and cities and be extremely cautious when hailing taxis in the street. Remain vigilant at all times, particularly in Cusco, as the level of crime is on the increase. Don't travel alone to areas outside Cusco at night. Use the local Tourist Protection Service, whose operators can handle calls in English. They can be contacted 24 hours per day on +51 1 224 7888.  
     
     
  • Carry some form of identification at all times. Don’t wear expensive jewellery or carry large sums of cash. Take care with credit cards. Thieves and pickpockets are active in all tourist areas and urban centres, particularly Cusco. Don’t take photographs of anything of a military nature.  
     
     
  • Take out full holiday insurance. Make sure that you are covered for medical treatment, local hospitalisation and medical evacuation, as well as unexpected losses (eg cancelled flights, lost luggage, stolen cash and credit cards). Good medical treatment can be expensive and not always available in some parts of the country. Seek medical advice on vaccinations at least two months before departure.  
     
     
  • Bring enough funds with you. US Dollars are used alongside local currency. Dollar traveller's cheques can easily be changed.  
     
     
  • Be aware of fraudsters and counterfeit notes. Sterling is less easy to change. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants.  
     
     
  • Don’t get involved with drugs. Drug trafficking is a serious crime and smugglers face severe penalties in arduous conditions if caught. Don't carry anything through Customs for anybody else. Pack your bags yourself and keep them with you at all times.  
     
     
  • Don’t take any valuable artefacts from Peru without proper authority.  
     
     
  • Don’t expect to find work in Peru. It is illegal to work unless you have a work permit.  
     
     
  • Don’t drink tap water. Keep to bottled water. Don’t eat food bought from street vendors as many people catch hepatitis or typhoid this way.