Timezone
In October 2010 the local time in Lima is GMT-5.
For more detailed information, please visit: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=131
Weather
Please inquire at: www.weather.com
Currency, traveler checks, credit cards ad exchange rates
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.) sol
The official exchange rate is available from daily newspapers, hotel cashiers, banks and travel agencies. Cash and travelers checks are easily exchanged at these locations.
Almost everywhere (hotels, restaurants, night clubs, shops) accept Credit Cards. The exchange has been around S/. 2.8 to the US Dollar during this year, 2010. This makes the country an attractive destination not only for its natural beauty, but also now for its very accessible prices to foreign tourists.
- 1 USD = 2.80 S/.
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1 EUR = 3.60 S/.
You can cash traveler checks in banks or a Money Exchange Office (called Casa de Cambio).
Cash withdrawal machines (ATM), banks and exchange offices are available city-wide. Well-known credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Diners Club) are accepted in hotels, most of the restaurants and shops.
You can exchange money in banks and money exchange offices. Banks may offer a more convenient exchange rate, although the procedure could take longer. Undoubtedly, the easiest foreign currency to exchange is the U.S. dollar (USD), thus, making it convenient to first exchange your money to dollars in your country. For information on exchange rates check: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electricity
Electric power in all Peru is 220 volt, 60-cycle alternating current. Power outlets have 2 cylindrical holes or 2 flat holes with (or without) ground connection. It is convenient to bring an adaptor for these outlets to use your electric devices without problems. Some hotels may offer 110volt too, 60-cycle.
Business hours
- Bank Hours: Banks open at 9 am and close at 6 pm, from Monday to Fridays; Saturday is open until 1p.m.
- Shop Hours: Shops are opened Monday through Fridays, from 10 am to 8 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm; however, shops located in important avenues are sometimes open on Saturday afternoon. Malls are usually open from 9 am to 10 pm, except on Sundays, when it closes at 3 pm.
Tourism in Lima and Peru
Official Website of the Peru Tourism: www.peru.info/
Official Website of the Lima Tourism: www.munlima.gob.pe/Turismo/index.htm
