LANGUAGE
The official languages are Spanish and Quechua, although the former is more commonly used. The Aymara language is also recognized by the Peruvian State, as well as 48 other native languages. English is spoken by people who provide tourism services.

LOCAL TIME
Peru has the same time as the east cost of United States.

CURRENCY AND MODES OF PAYMENT
Peru's currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.), divided into 100 cents (céntimos). Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and notes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles. The US dollar and the credit cards: Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express are accepted in most commercial establishments, restaurants and service stations at the exchange rate of the day.

CHANGING MONEY
It is preferable to change money in hotels, banks and authorized exchange bureaus. The US dollar exchange rate varies. Check before changing your money. For other currencies, check with the exchange bureaus. To know the exchange rate, please visit:
www.sbs.gob.pe

ATM
Automatic teller machines are available at the different banks in the main cities.

ELECTRIC POWER
220 volts. 110 volt power is available in most four and five-star hotels.

TOURIST VISAS
Citizens of most American and Western European countries do not require a visa. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil and Chile do not require a passport or a visa. In those cases, the maximum authorized stay is 90 days (which can be extended by the immigration service). For more information, check with the Peruvian diplomatic mission in your country. www.rree.gob.pe

ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Altitude sickness (soroche) may be prevented by resting on your first day in the highlands and eating light food. Drinking coca leaf tea is recommended. Nowadays, there are a great variety of pills to prevent it.

VACCINES
If you plan to travel to the Amazon region, it is recommended to get a Yellow Fever vaccine ten days before traveling.

COMMUNICATIONS
It is possible to make international and domestic calls from pay phones. Country and city codes are listed in most phone booths.

INTERNET
Public Internet booths are available in all major cities.

AIRPORT FEE
Payment must be made in cash before boarding. International flights: US$ 30.25 Domestic flights: US$ 6.05