Peru
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 34.6 million people live in Peru, on 1,285,216 km². The capital is Lima.
- Capital
- Lima
- Population
- 34,576,665
- Area
- 1,285,216 km²
- Official languages
- Spanish, Aymara, and Quechua
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Peru?
Sockets take plug type A/C, at 220 V and 60 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Peru?
Call 105 for the police, 106 for an ambulance and 116 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Peru?
About 10 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Peru?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Peru?
Prices are in Peruvian Sol (PEN).
What language do they speak in Peru?
Official languages: Spanish, Aymara, and Quechua.
How do I call a number in Peru from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +51.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
