Traveling to Peru Safety Tips

Traveling to Peru can be a safe and enjoyable experience, but like any destination, it’s important to take steps to ensure your safety by following some traveling to Peru safety tips. Located in South America, Peru is a diverse and vibrant country with a rich history and culture. From the ancient ruins of the Inca civilization to the bustling streets of Lima, Peru has something for every traveler.

However, like any city, there is a risk of petty crime in Peru, especially in larger cities such as Lima and Cusco. To reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals, it’s a good idea to follow a few precautions.

First, try not to over-dress or flaunt expensive jewelry or gadgets in public, as this can make you a target for crime. It’s also a good idea to secure your backpack with a small lock, especially if you are carrying valuable items. When walking around at night, try to stick to well-lit areas and avoid being alone, especially outside of entertainment districts. Additionally, it’s safer to use ATMs during the day, and if you have to use one at night, make sure you are in a well-lit area and have someone with you.

It’s also a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a situation or place doesn’t feel safe, it’s better to avoid it. If you are the victim of a crime, it’s important to remain calm and try to get to a safe place as soon as possible.

While petty crime is a concern in Peru, the country is generally safe for tourists. The vast majority of travelers to Peru have a pleasant and incident-free trip. However, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and take steps to protect yourself and your belongings.

One way to ensure your safety while traveling to Peru is to purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs before traveling to Peru. Respect for the local culture and way of life will not only make your trip more enjoyable, but it will also help you avoid any misunderstandings or difficulties.

Overall, traveling to Peru can be a safe and enriching experience. By following a few simple precautions and being aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.

Traveling to Peru Safety Tip #1: Avoid Attracting Unwanted Attention

When traveling to Peru, it’s a good idea to try not to over-dress or wear expensive jewelry, especially in areas that are not considered upmarket or touristy. This is because Peru is a relatively poor country, and wearing expensive clothing or jewelry can make you stand out and potentially attract unwanted attention. This can increase the risk of being targeted by criminals, who may see you as a wealthy and easy target.

To reduce the risk of being targeted, it’s a good idea to dress appropriately and avoid seeking attention. This means dressing casually and not standing out too much. While it may not be possible for every tourist to blend in with the locals, dressing modestly and not flaunting wealth can help you avoid unwanted attention.

It’s also a good idea to be aware of local customs and dress codes. For example, it’s important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or small villages. Wearing appropriate clothing can show respect for the local culture and way of life, and can help you avoid any misunderstandings or difficulties.

In summary, trying not to over-dress and avoiding wearing expensive jewelry can help you stay safe while traveling to Peru. Dressing modestly and following some basic Traveling to Peru Safety tips when it comes to your appearance can help you stay safe and avoid attracting unwanted attention while traveling in Peru.

Traveling to Peru Safety Tip #2: Be Mindful of your Possessions

When traveling to Peru, it’s important to be mindful of your possessions, especially expensive gadgets such as cameras and smartphones. These items can be attractive targets for thieves, especially in crowded areas or when they are visibly being used. To reduce the risk of having your gadgets stolen, it’s a good idea to keep them out of sight as much as possible, especially in high-risk areas.

By following some basic Traveling to Peru Safety tips and keeping your gadgets secure, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Peru. It’s also a good idea to keep them secure by using a cord or wrist strap, especially when taking photos. This way, you can enjoy using your gadgets without worrying about them being taken. Additionally, make sure to keep your gadgets close to you at all times and to be aware of your surroundings. With these simple precautions, you can help ensure that you and your possessions stay safe while traveling in Peru.

Traveling to Peru Safety Tip #3: Secure your Valuables

It’s a good idea to take steps to secure your backpack or bag to help prevent theft of your valuables. One way to do this is to use a small lock to secure the zippers or compartments of your bag. This can help prevent someone from easily opening your bag and taking items without your knowledge, especially if you are in a crowded area or if your bag is left unattended for a period of time.

While it’s important to be aware of the potential for theft, it’s also important not to become paranoid or overly concerned about it. Most travelers to Peru have a safe and enjoyable trip without any problems, and by following some basic precautions, you can help ensure that your trip is a positive and memorable experience.

Traveling to Peru Safety Tip #4: Stick to Safe Neighborhoods

Be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to ensure your safety, especially at night. While many areas of Peru are safe and welcoming, there are certain areas that can be more dangerous, particularly after dark. If you are outside of entertainment districts such as Miraflores or Barranco, it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking alone late at night. Instead, try to walk with a friend or stick to the brightly lit areas of the neighborhood you are exploring. This can help reduce the risk of becoming a target for crime, such as robbery or assault.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to pay attention to any potential warning signs, such as dark or poorly lit streets, groups of people who seem to be loitering or acting suspicious, or areas that seem abandoned or rundown. If you do find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, try to remain calm and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Instead, try to quickly and calmly move away from the area and seek help from authorities if necessary.

Another important precaution to take when traveling in Peru is to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items with you. Instead, try to keep a low profile and only carry what you need for the day. This can help reduce the risk of becoming a target for crime. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your personal belongings, such as your wallet, passport, and phone, close to you at all times, and to be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Finally, it’s a good idea to research your destination before you travel and to be aware of any potential safety concerns or areas to avoid. This can help you better prepare for your trip and feel more confident and secure while traveling in Peru. By following these simple precautions, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Peru.

Traveling to Peru Safety Tip #5: Know When to use ATMs

Using ATMs while traveling can be a convenient way to access cash and manage your finances, but it’s important to be mindful of your safety while doing so. In Peru, as in many other countries, it’s generally a good idea to use ATMs during the day rather than at night. This is because ATMs that are located in secluded or poorly lit areas can be more vulnerable to crime, especially after dark. If you do need to visit an ATM at night, it’s a good idea to have someone with you for added security, and to choose an ATM that is located in a well-lit area where it is less likely that someone could follow you unnoticed.

When using ATMs in Peru, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and to pay attention to any potential warning signs, such as groups of people who seem to be loitering or acting suspicious, or any unusual or unexpected activity. If you do feel uneasy or uncomfortable at an ATM, it’s better to cancel the transaction and choose a different location.

Another important precaution to take when using ATMs in Peru is to be mindful of your personal belongings and to keep them close to you at all times. This includes your wallet, phone, and any other valuable items that you might be carrying. It’s also a good idea to be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and to take steps to protect your cash and credit cards. For example, you might consider using a money belt or other secure location to store your valuables while you are using an ATM.

Finally, it’s a good idea to be aware of the potential risks associated with using ATMs, such as skimming or card cloning, and to take steps to protect yourself from these types of scams. For example, you might consider using a debit card instead of a credit card at ATMs, as debit cards are generally less vulnerable to fraud. Additionally, you can protect yourself by covering the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN, and by checking your bank statements regularly to ensure that there are no unauthorized charges. By following these simple precautions, you can help ensure that you have a safe and secure experience while using ATMs in Peru.

Traveling to Peru Safety Tip #6: Use Transportation Apps

Take precautions to protect yourself, especially when it comes to transportation. While there are many local taxi companies in Peru, not all of them may be reliable or safe, particularly if you are hailing a cab from the street. Instead, it’s generally a good idea to use app-based services such as Uber or Indriver to find and book a ride. These services are generally more secure than hailing a taxi from the street, as they use GPS tracking and other safety features to help ensure the safety of their passengers.

One of the main benefits of using app-based services like Uber or Indriver is that you can see the driver’s name, photo, and license plate number before you get in the car. This helps ensure that you are getting into a legitimate, licensed taxi and not a potentially dangerous or untrustworthy vehicle. Additionally, these apps allow you to track your ride in real-time, so you can see exactly where you are and how far you are from your destination. This can be especially helpful if you are traveling in an unfamiliar area or if you are feeling uneasy about your surroundings.

Another advantage of using app-based services is that you can easily rate your driver and provide feedback about your experience. This helps to ensure that the service remains safe and reliable for all users, as drivers who consistently receive low ratings may be removed from the platform. Additionally, these services often offer in-app safety features such as the ability to share your trip with a friend or family member, or to call emergency services directly from the app if you feel unsafe.

Download Whatsapp for the quickest communication in Peru as most people, services and lodging use this app to stay in touch with customers. Karikuy even has a Whatsapp Travel Group for tips and instant help for our customers only!

Of course, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using app-based services, and to take steps to protect yourself. For example, you might consider sharing your trip details with a trusted friend or family member, and avoiding getting into a car with a driver who seems to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, you can protect yourself by staying alert and aware of your surroundings, and by being mindful of your personal belongings while riding in a taxi. By following these simple precautions, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience while using app-based services in Peru.

These were the Traveling to Peru Safety Tips that we most recommend, of course there are more and if you need more information we recommend you visit the following links:

1. The U.S. Department of State’s website has a section on safety and security in Peru, including tips on how to reduce your risk of crime while traveling in the country: https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/peru/
2. You can keep up to date with all the current travel advisories on our own Peru Travel Restrictions page. We keep it updated as much as possible.
3. The SmartTraveler.gov.au website has a page on safety in Peru, including information on common types of crime, areas to avoid, and safety tips for travelers: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/peru
4. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s website has a page on travel advice for Peru, including information on safety and security, as well as other important considerations for travelers: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/peru/safety-and-security

If you would like to read even more tips and guides about traveling to Peru, we recommend you check out our Guide Category on our Blog.