To give you an idea on what to do and better not, here some general recommendations regarding ‘money’ at a glance. Find more detailed information below.

Coming to Lima and Peru you have most probably heard good meant warnings about your safety especially in the capital. The general situation in Lima shouldn't be considered worse than in any other big city around the world, where rich and poor live closely together. If you take a little bit more precautions than at home and are aware of what to take care of, you should be fine.

Always remember that the average income of an employee in Lima is around S/. 600 to S/. 1000 per month (apx. US$ 200 to US$ 300) for working at least 48 hours per week. Few people in Lima earn much more, but many have to live on less. It´s only logical that these differences lead to crimes like rip-offs, pick pocketing, theft and robbery. Therefore just think what it means to some people if you have US$ 200 in your pocket (not to mention the fact that you can afford a trip to Peru). Would you take your whole monthly salary without any safety precautions with you for a shopping or sightseeing tour back home? We don´t think so.

To make you aware of tricks and traps and to avoid dangerous situations, we want to let you know what can happen and give you some tips on either to avoid these situation or on how to handle them. Not to scare or even upset you, but to sensitize you for the local situation. In fact already your appearance or behavior can make you a victim. With taking a little precaution at the right time and knowing or recognizing critical situations you can avoid them or react correctly.

First we recommend only taking the amount of money with you that is needed for the day. Don´t put the main part of your money in a wallet. Better have coins and small bills spread in as many pockets as you have. This has three big advantages. When paying you don´t have to open your purse and while searching for the right amount attracting possible thief's. Second, nobody can grab your purse with all the money inside when paying somewhere. And third, if the unlikely worst case scenario comes true and you are the victim of a robbery, you still have two possibilities: if it´s shortly after a purchase, just give the amount of money from the pocket you paid before. You might have been watched and hopefully the robber is happy with what you give him. Or if you are mugged just open your wallet and give everything what is in there (hopefully not much, but enough to keep someone satisfied).

In the unlikely event that you are attacked please don´t act like a hero. Most thieves are only interested in the money, nothing more; so just give it to them. A few of these criminals are armed and have nothing to lose. No amount of money is worth risking your life. Always report any crime to the police! Best go directly to the Tourism Police either in the city center or in Miraflores. These officers speak at least a little bit of English. Have a look at our Emergencies & Help Chapter (What if you need help in Lima...)

To avoid any type of attack, we can only recommend: Don´t show off, no fancy clothes, no expensive jewelry, watches, cameras and no big bundles banknotes. Don´t tell anybody how much money you have with you, not even officials or boast about your wealth. Try to blend in. Don´t behave helpless or frightened. There is no need for it. Just be yourself and enjoy the scenery Lima has to offer.

Always make sure to have enough change (coins) in your pocket. Particular taxi drivers can´t or don´t want to change. Already ten Soles can be a problem and often smaller shops, kiosk or street vendor’s just don´t have enough change. Magic coins are 50 Centimos and 1 Sol. If you keep some coins in your pocket you don´t have to open your wallet in the middle of a crowded street and easily can pay without any bad feelings.

Basically you should check every banknote and coin for its authenticity when receiving change (Soles or US Dollars). The same should be considered when exchanging money. For a good overview of the Peruvian banknotes and coins have a look at our General Info Chapter (Peruvian Money).

If you are not familiar with US Dollars go to the web site of the ‘United States Department of the Treasury’ (www.moneyfactory.com). You will find here enough documentation describing all banknotes and their security features.

Always check for counterfeit money. Tourists are popular victims to circulate phony notes. There is even quite a lot of faked S/. 2 and S/. 5 coins going around! The quality is sometimes so good that even a local can’t tell the difference. So always take your time and examine your money carefully. Never accept counterfeit money. If there is only the smallest doubt, rather ask for another note or coin.