peru trip facts & info
THE NUTS AND BOLTS
Communications
Internet is widely available throughout Peru, and many hotels provide free Internet stations. If you would like to use an Internet cafe, ask at the front desk of your hotel. They can recommend the closest cafe.
To make international or domestic phone calls, your best option is to buy a phone card. In Peru, the Telefónica 147 card is reliable; it is available in grocery stores and street kiosks. You may also consider buying an online phone card like Alo Smart (www.alosmart.com). The top Peruvian cell phone companies are Telefónica, Claro, and Nextel. While it is likely that your US cell phone will work in Peru, your roaming charges are bound to be enormous. If you would like to travel with a cell phone, you should consider renting one from one of the large carriers, several of which have stands in the Lima airport.
Serpost is the Peruvian postal system. While letters and postcards sent via Serpost almost always arrive at their destination, the service is relatively expensive and slow. The alternative option is DHL, which is available in Lima and the provincial capitals.