How Does Taxi & Rideshare Work in Peru?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Always use Uber, InDriver, or Cabify in Lima — never hail a street taxi — as express kidnapping by unofficial taxis is a documented, serious risk.
2What You Need to Know
Lima has a well-documented problem with pirate taxis and express kidnapping (secuestro al paso), where victims are robbed and sometimes harmed after entering unofficial vehicles. Uber, InDriver, Cabify, and the Beat app are safe, tracked alternatives and are widely available across Lima. In Cusco, Arequipa, and other cities, apps are less common but official yellow and orange taxis are generally safe if you negotiate the fare before entering. At airports, only use official pre-paid taxi counters inside the terminal building — never accept offers from people approaching you in arrivals.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Install Uber and InDriver before arriving in Lima — use them exclusively for all taxi trips in the city, day and night, no exceptions.
- 2At Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, use only the official taxi booths inside the arrivals hall where prices are fixed and drivers registered.
- 3In Cusco, hotels can call a trusted radio taxi for you at any hour — always ask the front desk rather than hailing on the street late at night.
Important Warning
Hailing unofficial taxis off the street in Lima is a genuine express kidnapping risk — this is not theoretical; it happens regularly to tourists. Use apps only.
How does this compare?
Taxi & Rideshare rules in nearby and similar countries:
Use Uber or InDriver exclusively in major cities — street taxis in Mexico City and other large cities carry a serious and documented express kidnapping risk.
Use Uber or local app 99 rather than hailing street taxis, especially in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo where unofficial taxis carry real safety risks.
Uber and Lyft operate in all major Canadian cities and are the most convenient option — taxis are available but often more expensive.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Drug laws are extremely strict — cocaine possession carries severe penalties — and Machu Picchu has rigorous rules including no drones and mandatory time-slot entry.
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Call 105 for police, 117 for ambulance, 116 for fire, and the free iPeru tourist helpline on 0800-11-0000 for tourist-specific assistance.
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Dress modestly at churches, pack warm layers for the highlands where temperatures swing dramatically, and bring rain gear for jungle and wet-season travel.
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