Do You Tip in Peru?

Do you tip in Peru?

Tipping in Peru is customary and, for tours, genuinely important. In restaurants, leaving around 10 percent for good service is standard, though check the bill, as some tourist-area restaurants add a service charge plus tax. Where tipping matters most is on tours and treks: guides, drivers, and especially the porters and cooks on multi-day hikes like the Inca Trail rely on tips, so budget a meaningful amount to give at the end, often pooled for the crew. Tip hotel housekeeping and porters small amounts in soles, and round up for taxis after agreeing the fare. Carrying small soles notes makes it easy to tip the many people who help along the way.

What currency is used in Peru?

Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN), sometimes written as nuevo sol. US dollars are accepted in some tourist areas, hotels, and tours, but you generally get better value paying in soles, and local shops, markets, taxis, and smaller restaurants require them, so carry soles for daily spending. If you bring US dollars, make sure the bills are crisp and undamaged, since worn or torn notes are often refused. Cards are accepted in cities and larger establishments. Withdraw soles from a bank ATM for a fair rate, keep a mix of small notes for taxis and tips, and use a card with no foreign transaction fees for bigger purchases.

What power adapter do you need for Peru?

Peru is a case where you must watch the voltage, not just the plug. Outlets commonly accept Type A and Type B plugs, the same flat-prong shapes as the United States, along with Type C, but the electricity runs at 220 volts, nearly double the US 120 volts. This means a US plug will physically fit, but plugging in a single-voltage US appliance like a hair dryer can destroy it or be dangerous. Always confirm your devices accept 220-volt input; phone and laptop chargers are almost always dual voltage and fine, but check anything else and use a voltage converter for single-voltage items. Do not assume that because the plug fits, the device is safe.

Can you drink the tap water in Peru?

No, tap water in Peru is not recommended for drinking. The water is not treated to a standard reliable for visitors, and this includes higher-altitude areas like Cusco, so stick to bottled or purified water for drinking and for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. Bottled water is cheap and widely available, and boiling water for a minute, longer at high altitude, also makes it safe. Avoid ice unless you know it is from purified water, and be cautious with raw produce and street drinks. These precautions help you avoid stomach illness, which is especially worth preventing when you have altitude to contend with too.