MONEY
Currency
1 sol = 100 centimos. Currency abbreviation: S /., PEN (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 S /. Coins are worth 5, 2 and 1 S /. as well as 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 céntimos in circulation. (5 and 1 céntimos are rarely in circulation.) Almost everywhere in the cities of Peru, the US dollar is accepted as a means of payment. The euro is also being used more and more frequently as a means of payment in tourist centers.
Credit cards
Most restaurants, hotels and service providers in Lima accept MasterCard and Visa in particular, but also American Express and Diners Club. Outside the capital, credit card payments can be difficult. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec- / Maestro-Karte / Sparcard
In all larger cities and tourist areas there are ATMs at which you can withdraw money (local currency and US dollars), sometimes with restrictions, with ec- / Maestro card and PIN code. Withdrawal fees are set individually by the banks. In Peru, for example, Interbank, Banco de Crédito and Scotia Bank accept German ec / Maestro cards.
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey. Cash withdrawals with bank cards (EC cards with the V-Pay system and with the Maestro system) currently only work to a very limited extent. However, travelers have the option of withdrawing cash with a credit card and PIN number
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 6 p.m., e.g. T. also Sat 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In summer, the opening times may vary slightly.
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions. Obligation to declare the import and export of amounts in excess of US $ 10,000.
Currency Exchange
Travelers should bring US dollars or euros that can be exchanged anywhere. Carry small denominations of US $ bills and local currency with you everywhere. Soles are especially suitable for smaller expenses and transactions. However, damaged banknotes can be rejected. The exchange of other foreign currencies is limited in Lima and not possible outside of Lima. Banks and exchange offices charge high commissions. Officially, only the Banco de la Nación is allowed to change money, but numerous Casas de Cambios and some of the large hotels are authorized branches of the National Bank. The Casas de Cambios are known for their good exchange rates and quick service. There are branches of the Western Union Bank in all major cities,
LANGUAGE
Overview
In Peru, a country located in South America according to internetsailors, the official languages are Spanish and Quechua. Aymará is partially spoken. English is also spoken in many holiday areas.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles may be imported into Peru duty-free:
20 packs of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco (people over 18 years of age);
3 bottles of alcoholic beverages (no more than 3 l in total) (people aged 18 and over);
2 kg of food;
Travel goods and gifts may not exceed a total value of US $ 300.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Knowledge of Spanish is required. Appointments should be agreed and confirmed in advance. Visitors are expected to be on time. Business cards are common.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Economy
Trade department of the Embassy of the Republic of Peru
Mohrenstrasse 42, D-10117 Berlin
Tel: (030) 206 41 03.
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel: (044) 699 54 47.
Internet: www.latcam.ch
Cámara de Comercio de Lima (Chamber of Commerce)
Av. Giuseppe Garibaldi Nº 396, Jesús María, PE-Lima 11
Tel: (01) 463 34 34.
Internet: www.camaralima.org.pe
Business contacts
Trade department of the Embassy of the Republic of Peru
Mohrenstrasse 42, D-10117 Berlin
Tel: (030) 206 41 03.
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel: (044) 699 54 47.
Internet: www.latcam.ch
Cámara de Comercio de Lima (Chamber of Commerce)
Av. Giuseppe Garibaldi Nº 396, Jesús María, PE-Lima 11
Tel: (01) 463 34 34.
Internet: www.camaralima.org.pe
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Winter lasts from June to September. During this time it is clear in the mountains, but often foggy in the coastal areas. On the coast and around Lima it is summer from December to April, in the jungle and in the mountains the rainy season is from November to March.
