Have anyone ever visited peru?

Question

Hows airport security and the people over there? I keep hearing stories about Americans get harrassed by airport customs and police. That i have to be careful. Is this true?

Answer 1

I am peruvian but my boyfriend is american, and he came to Peru for the first time a few months ago. For some reason he had the same idea..but I will tell you what i told him.

Airport security in Peru is like any other airport security. There will be officer police and employees that will be all around the place, some of them will be nice and some of them will be grouchy or too serious. Some of them will look at you like "welcome to the country" and some of them will look at you like they dont like you..but probably its because they are tired and working late. (trust me...a lot of peruvian people look grouchy because they work hard and th dont get paid enough), but its not about "hating american people" not at all. Actually, peruvian people (all around the country)like tourists and they will always try to help you. You will see there are more tourists than you thought. The airport is packed of tourists and most people speak english, you dont have to worry about being lost there.

The airport is very safe and it has all its signs in spanish and english, so you will easily follow them to get to the end. It is very easy and you have to walk just for a few minutes. It will be over REALLY REALLY SOON.

Depending on the airline you will leave the plane tube and you will walk likefor 5 minutes to get to the customs room. If you are the only plane at that time it will be really fast(5 minutes), if not then it will take you between 10 and 20 minutes to finish there, depending on how fast you are to walk and go stand in line.... all the signs are in english and spanish so you will easily find the line that is for you.

The person there will ask you normal and regular custom questions and they will probably ask in english, if not they wll look for a translator. (most of them speak english)

After that...and a few steps away there is the baggage claim... Its not a big airport (actually its VERY VERY SMALL) so its easy to get out of there soon. Baggage claim is small too so its very easy to find your bags. After this and in same room, there is a door (kind of like metal detector door) where you have to cross and push a buttom (red or green) if you get green you leave and if you get red they will ask you to open your bag. Even if they have to open it, its very easy and pretty fast, so you dont have to worry about it either. Just open it and unless you are bringing alot of new stuff (with store packages) or electric stuff , they will just check and leave you alone.

THERE IS ONE IMPORTANT THING you have to have in mind. Peru (from the airport to the city...wherever your destination is) is not the safest place on earth...you CANNOT leave your baggage unattended....or far from you..they have to be next to you AT ALL TIMES. Dont bring your camera or laptop in your hands or arms....If you have them with you HAVE THEM IN A SAFE PLACE OR ACROSS YOUR CHEST . Dont put your backpack in your back....especially if u are carrying important stuff ....Documents and wallet HAVE TO BE IN FRONT POCKET. Passport too!!!!!!

Just be careful..and try to look around all the time..dont leave your stuff behind you..... and follow advices. Try not to look scared of people (hard after my last explanation....I KNOW!!)... but well....just try!

One last advice.... when you leave the airport try to have someone picking you up. It can be friends or a pre arranged taxi (safe taxi) most hotels or accomodations offer you a safe taxi from the airport when you do the reservation....THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. There are not safe taxis outside the airport that will offer you a great deal but they are not safe AT ALL.

well.... i hope it helped you... I have to tell you my boyfriend thoght the airport was MUCH EASIER THAN HE THOUGHT it would be.

Hope its a good experience. Peru has very nice places to visit!!

Good luck!!

Answer 2

No one innocent is harrased at the airport, only people who are transporting drugs (as in any country) Peru is awesome and I love to live here. I have lived in the States and Chile and I'd rather live here (no offense!)

Answer 3

I was there in December.

I had no problems at all, everyone was very courteous towards myself and my Girlfriend. It helped me that she is from Peru, so she knew where to go, etc at the airport so I didn't hold things up by "being a tourist".

Have fun.

Answer 4

The two times I have gone to Peru I had no issues with the airport/security/customs whatsoever. As long as you try to have a good idea of where you are going without loitering, you should not have any problems.

Sometimes customs will give travelers grief when they become nervous when asked simple questions. I think that applies to anyone and not just those from the US. If you bring electronic equipment like a laptop, I'd advise you to not keep it in its original box or packaging. Sometimes they can get the impression you are bringing an item in to sell (this happened to a friend of mine who had left her laptop in its original box and had to pay a fine - and she's Peruvian!).

*However* (without trying to throw generalizations out there) some Americans do get the idea in their heads that just they are entitled individuals or "special" when compared to other travelers. That sort of behavior is more common than you would think, and airport security and customs do not put up with it. So maybe that plays a part in the "harassment" stories.

I would tell you that if you're planning to travel to a foreign country, try to know a little of the language (or have a guide / keep a handbook) so that you can direct yourself within the airport. Also just act cool, don't get nervous if they ask to look in your bags. As long as you haven't brought in anything illegal, there isn't much they can do to you.

Be careful in the sense of keeping track of your bags at all times, not speaking with too many strangers, and just keeping your head on straight. This is the kind of warning I'd give to any person flying to any part of the world. Don't sweat going through the airport; it's over sooner than you think. :)

Answer 5

Hi

We are from Canada and we have been to peru 3 times in the last 2 years.

We had no hassles or challenges at all at the airport.

I would be careful leaving the airport and make sure you take a taxi that is safe.

Answer 6

im from peru

n my sister just recently came back from there

n no its not true lol

but theres some really nice places there though

so if u go there hope you'll lik it

Answer 7

Yes go to Jasmins Malibu Drive Inn Trujillo,Peru  9 de Octubre Mz. "C" Lt.8 Urb.La Molina