How Does Scams to Avoid Work in Peru?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Fake taxi kidnappings in Lima are a top threat, while counterfeit Machu Picchu tickets, overcharging, and short-changing are frequent tourist scams.
2What You Need to Know
Lima's most dangerous scam is pirate taxi express kidnapping — victims are forced to withdraw cash from ATMs at gunpoint; always use ride-hailing apps. Counterfeit Machu Picchu tickets are sold through unofficial channels online and at touts; purchase only through the official government site. The dropped wallet or distraction trick is common in crowded markets — one person distracts you while another picks your pocket. Short-changing is widespread; always count your change and know the current price of common items.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Buy Machu Picchu tickets exclusively from machupicchu.gob.pe — third-party sellers and touts in Cusco frequently sell fakes or heavily marked-up legitimate tickets.
- 2If someone on the street drops something, creates a distraction, or is overly friendly, hold your bag tight and move away — it is almost certainly a setup for theft.
- 3Book tours only through established agencies or your hotel; unofficial 'tour guides' approaching you on the street near major sites frequently overcharge or provide no service at all.
Important Warning
Express kidnapping via fake taxis in Lima is a serious, ongoing risk — a single wrong taxi choice can result in robbery at ATM point; use Uber or InDriver exclusively.
How does this compare?
Scams to Avoid rules in nearby and similar countries:
Watch out for ATM skimming, fake police demanding wallet inspection, the timeshare free-gift trap, and deliberate short-changing.
Key scams to watch for include beach theft (arrastão group robberies), distraction pickpockets, express kidnappings in cities, and people posing as police officers.
Canada is a low-scam destination for tourists, but phone and email scams impersonating the Canada Revenue Agency are rampant — hang up immediately.
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More About Peru
Tip around 10% at tourist restaurants and tip guides generously (50–100 PEN per day), but always check whether service is already included on your bill.
Updated 2025-06
Lima has the Metropolitano BRT and Uber/InDriver for safer city travel, while intercity travel relies on reputable bus companies and pre-booked trains to Machu Picchu.
Updated 2025-06
Lima has good private clinics, but outside the capital medical facilities are limited and altitude sickness is a serious risk at Cusco (3,400 m) and Lake Titicaca (3,800 m).
Updated 2025-06
Drug laws are extremely strict — cocaine possession carries severe penalties — and Machu Picchu has rigorous rules including no drones and mandatory time-slot entry.
Updated 2025-06
Call 105 for police, 117 for ambulance, 116 for fire, and the free iPeru tourist helpline on 0800-11-0000 for tourist-specific assistance.
Updated 2025-06
Dress modestly at churches, pack warm layers for the highlands where temperatures swing dramatically, and bring rain gear for jungle and wet-season travel.
Updated 2025-06
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