Capital: Lima

Population: 29,164,883

Language: Spanish and Quechua are the official languages. Aymara is spoken in the Lake Titicaca area. Many other dialects exist in the jungle regions. English is spoken in major tourist areas.

Border Countries: Bordered to the north by Ecuador, to the south by Chile and Bolivia, to the east by Colombia and Brazil and to the west by the Pacific Ocean.

Visas: A visa is not required by UK citizens for tourist stays of up to 3 months.

Time Difference: GMT -5 Hours.

International dialling code from the UK: 00 51

Voltage Requirements: 220 volts. Visitors from the UK should bring Intercontinental Adaptor plugs. If you have a laptop, do not plug it in to the mains without a surge protector.

Currency: Nuevo Sol.

Money Exchange: All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside Lima and tourist areas. ATMs are the best way to obtain money in Peru.
Banks open Monday to Friday - 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 6.30 pm.  Saturday 9 am to 12 am.

Tipping: In Peru, the tipping amount varies from one place to another and will depend on your satisfaction with the service you receive.

Petrol Costs: One litre of petrol 70p, moderate meal £3, four-mile taxi ride £1.75, a beer - 86p. All costs will vary.

Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Yellow Fever Vaccination and anti malarial tablets recommended for travellers visiting jungle areas. Drink only bottled water. International travellers are strongly advised to take out full health insurance and should be prepared to pay up front for medical services.

Emergencies: In Peru, you can call the emergency services (fire and ambulance) by dialling 116. You can call the police by dialling 105.

British Embassy in Lima: Torre Parque Mar (22nd Floor) Avenida Jose Larco, 1301 Miraflores, Lima.
Switchboard: (51) (1) 617 3000 Phone: (51) (1) 617 3000 Main (51) (1) 617 3030

Internet: Peru has good Internet connections with cyber cafés and Internet cabins in even the most unlikely of small towns. Lima and Cusco have abundant Internet facilities, many hotels now offer access too.