THINGS TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO!
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Tour Director Flynn traveling on the canpoy walk on the jungle tour. |
TIPS for TRAVEL
time
Time is the same for the United States
and Peru, except when the United sTates
goes to Daylight Savings Time. Peru time
stays the same all year round, which is
Central Standard Time.
money
You might want to exchange some U.S. dollars
into Spanish
Peruvian money before leaving.
Go
to your bank to ask to purchase currency of Peru.
The
service charge is nominal. All major American
credit cards are accepted in Peru. Increasingly
common in Peru are ATMs outside banks, the quickest
way to exchange money;
also, you can exchange dollars
in "cambios" at airports and large hotels.
spending money
The best way to travel is with traveler's checks
kept safely tucked away in a money belt or pouch at all times.
passport
Carry your passport with you at all times in a safe location,
like a security pouch worn around neck or a money belt. You will need it to cash
traveler's checks. It's good to make copies of the data page of your passport. Then, leave
one at home and keep another separate from you on the trip. If you lose the passport, you
must call the embassy or consulate and the local police, promptly. Replacement is speeded
up with a copy of the data page.
travel gear
Use a sturdy backpack, luggage with tags.
air travel
If you want to know about space limitations, air sickness, noise, food, temperature, jet
lag, fear of flying and more, check out TRAVELING BY AIR. Also, ear plugs
are a good idea for the often noisy plane trip.
luggage
Pack only essential items.
You are allowed only one suitcase and one carry-on. You will have to manage your luggage
on and off of busses and through airports and hotels - you'll be glad you packed light!
For tips on luggage, try
SELECTING
LUGGAGE. Put your medicine, personal items, etc in carry on if you might need them
during the long flight.? Carry your bag (packed) on a walk through your neighborhood to
see how you'll get along overseas . . . then lay out the items again and see what you can
do without. Another good site,
HOW TO PUT YOUR STUFF IN YOUR
LUGGAGE!
Whether you're traveling for three weeks or three months in Europe, you'll pack exactly
the same things. Rather than take a huge supply of toiletries, bring just enough to get
started. You can find anything you need in Europe. If you can't, ask yourself how 370
million Europeans have gotten by without it. Need help packing for an international
trip? Try
PACKING FOR A TRIP.
hotels
The hotel in
Iquitos is a 5 Star Hotel.
telephones
It's usually best on
international calls to go the local telephone office where you will sit in a
quiet cubicle and be charged according to a meter.
restrooms
"Los servicios" or rest rooms can be hard to find. The best chance is in a large
department store, some museums or places of interest. Bars and restaurants have facilities
for customers.
tipping in general
Most bills in hotels and
restaurants include a service charge, but it is customary to leave a 5% to 10%
gratuity. Small tips are often given in bars and to taxi drivers.
arrival at the destination
We go first to baggage claim, then through
customs. Our tour contact will be waiting for us on the other side of customs
gate.
medical problems
If you have ear/sinus trouble, take sinus medicine before you board the plane. It will
open your tubes and keep you from feeling bad on the plane. If you have or anticipate
motion sickness, take a supply of Dramamine.
crime
Like in any large city, being extra careful is a must. As
tourists, you are often a target, so use they same caution that you would anywhere: avoid
dark and lonely areas; keep your eye on your luggage; purse and backpack; carry wallets in
your front pants pocket; don't wear handbags, cameras, over one shoulder-try putting it
over your head, next to your chest; buy a money belt or a neck pouch to keep traveler's
checks, passport, cash in. Be careful with valuables, as there are pickpockets living all
over the globe. Never set your purse/travel backpack on the table and turn away to chat;
keep your arm through it, just in case. In other words, never relax too, too much. You
will obviously a tourist, assumed to have money! NOTE: petty crime is the norm, the risk
of violence or personal injury is small.
temperature
Iquitos and Amazon - hot and
humid, like Mississippi
Lima - a little cool at night - it's winter in the southern hemisphere!
It's time to get excited about our tour of the Amazon!
Return to home page Peru's Amazon Rainforest Tour