Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ers) grabs someone out of a taxi or abducts them off the street, then forces them to go to
the nearest bank to withdraw cash using their ATM cards. Victims who do not resist their
attackers generally don't suffer serious physical harm.
The
policía de turismo
(tourist police, aka Poltur) can be found in major cities and tour-
ist areas and can be helpful with criminal matters. If you are unsure how to locate them,
contact the main office in Lima. If you are the victim of a crime, file a report with the
tourist police immediately. At some point, inform your country's embassy about what has
happened. They won't be able to do much, but embassies do keep track of crime geared at
foreigners as a way of alerting other travelers to potential dangers.
If you have taken out travel insurance and need to make a claim, Poltur will provide
you with a police report. Airlines may reissue a lost ticket for a fee (though this is increas-
ingly unnecessary, since most airlines use electronic tickets). Stolen passports can be reis-
sued at your embassy, though you may be asked for an alternative form of identification
first. After receiving your new passport, go to the nearest Peruvian immigration office to
get a new tourist card. For more on legal issues,
Click here
.
For issues of safety affecting female travelers, turn to
Click here
.
Corruption & Scams
The military and police (even sometimes the tourist police) have a reputation for corrup-
tion. While a foreigner may experience petty harassment (usually to procure payment of a
bribe), most police officers are quite courteous to tourists, or just leave them alone.
Perhaps the most pernicious thing travelers face are the persistent touts that gather at
bus stations, train stations, airports and other tourist spots to offer everything from dis-
counted hotel rooms to local tours. Many touts - among them, many taxi drivers - will
say just about anything to steer you to places they represent. They will tell you the estab-
lishment you've chosen is a notorious drug den, it's closed down or is overbooked. Do not
believe everything you hear. If you have doubts about a place you've decided to stay at,
ask to see a room before paying up.
Moreover, it is not advisable to book hotels, travel arrangements or transportation
through these independent agents. Often, they will demand cash up-front for services that
never materialize. Stick to reputable, well-recommended agencies and you'll be assured a
good time.
Transport Issues
When taking buses, choose operators carefully. The cheapest companies will be the most
likely to employ reckless drivers and have roadside breakdowns. Overnight travel by bus
