FAQs
Question
Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Lima?
Answer
No specific vaccinations are legally required to enter Peru if you are staying in Lima. Standard up-to-date routine vaccines are highly recommended. Note: If you plan to extend your trip to the Peruvian Amazon jungle before or after the wedding, you will likely need a Yellow Fever vaccination, which must be administered at least 10 days before entering the jungle region.
Question
Do I need to speak Spanish to get around Lima?
Answer
Not necessarily, but a little goes a long way! In major tourist areas like Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco—as well as at hotels and high-end restaurants—many staff members speak excellent English. However, rideshare drivers and local market vendors may only speak Spanish. We recommend downloading the Google Translate app.
Question
Can I drink the tap water?
Answer
No, please avoid drinking tap water in Peru. Always stick to bottled or filtered water, even at your hotel.
Question
What currency is used, and can I use my credit card?
Answer
The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted; AmEx less so) are taken at almost all major restaurants and shops in Miraflores and Barranco. However, I'd recommend to carry some cash (soles) for small purchases, street markets, or tips. Some local and smaller shops don't take cards US Dollar (USD): $1 USD is usually worth around 3.40 to 3.50 Soles.
Question
How should I get around the city? Is there Uber?
Answer
Uber and Cabify work great in Lima and are the safest, easiest options for international travelers. We strongly advise against hailing random taxis on the street. Please note that Lima traffic is notoriously heavy, so always add an extra 30–45 minutes to your estimated travel time when heading to wedding events. Do not use any other apps (Didi or Indriver) that are not the recommended before.
Question
What is the tipping culture like in Peru?
Answer
Tipping is common practice in tourist areas but lower than in the US and it's also not mandatory. Restaurants: A 10% tip for good service is standard at sit-down restaurants. Rideshares & Taxis: Tipping your Uber is not common. Hotels: If you'd like to tip baggage handlers and housekeeping staff around 5-10 Soles (about $1.50 –$3 USD) is good.
Question
Where can I get my hair and nails done for the wedding?
Answer
Lima has a thriving beauty industry with fantastic, high-end salons for reasonable prices. Many are located right in Miraflores and San Isidro. This are some recommendations around Miraflores: MONTALVO Miraflores: 1. https://maps.app.goo.gl/XioqLo4ygysJkT8F6 2. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q26qVtEQPoaKnXQL6 MOTIVOS SPA https://maps.app.goo.gl/3i7VDo8yUQg5qRZk6 HAIR&HANDS https://maps.app.goo.gl/9wmGuu6rpUYW7XCb6 SPABAR https://maps.app.goo.gl/ADVV38pCK9STQ6kv7 As the reception is on Saturday, we highly recommend booking at least 3 days in advance. Prices should go around 80-120 soles (30USD) for a blowout and 60-80 (25 USD) soles for gel manicure.
Question
Where can the men get a haircut or a hot shave?
Answer
Lima has a fantastic modern barber shop culture. If the gentlemen need a fresh fade, beard trim, or a relaxing hot towel shave before the wedding, look for upscale barbershops (barberĂas) around Miraflores or Barranco EL TURCO (David's favorite) https://maps.app.goo.gl/2uSeSPZFNzaGeTC97 BARBA NEGRA https://maps.app.goo.gl/KkMDoYEobzW2sR4i6 BARBER HOUSE https://maps.app.goo.gl/uwGnjMuikMgKnX876
Question
Are there any good spas where I can relax before or after the wedding?
Answer
Yes! If you want to sweat out the jet lag or recover after a night of dancing, Lima has incredible luxury spas. The spas inside the major 5-star hotels are spectacular and open to non-guests with a reservation like The Spa at Belmond Miraflores Park. We highly recommend Body Balance for massages after a long walking day around the city : https://maps.app.goo.gl/mi8kQA6FV96T6TM4A Prices should de around 120-150 soles (40USD) for a massage experience.
Question
What is "Traveler’s Belly," and how can I avoid it in Lima?
Answer
Changing environments and adjusting to new local microbes can sometimes disrupt your digestion—a common travel quirk colloquially known as "traveler's diarrhea." To keep your stomach happy: 1. Stick to filtered or bottled water (even for brushing your teeth). 2. Avoid eating raw salads or unpeeled fruits from casual street markets, as they may have been washed in tap water. 3. Save the heavy, rich meals for lunch rather than late dinners, giving your body plenty of time to digest before you go to sleep. David's recommendation - get a bottle of Pepto (known as Bismutol in Lima) in any Mifarma or Inkafarma.
