August 25th, 2009

Observations from Studying Abroad in Peru

By Jamie F., Guestblogger from Cusco, Peru SALUD program

So as I’ve been spending the past 3 weeks in Cusco I’ve definitely noticed quite a few things that are different from the US some of which are great some of which just need to be remembered before coming here so need to be taken into consideration…

The smog here is awful. Supposedly they have smog checks but they aren’t really heeded and many people just have horrible smog. Try to avoid main streets when walking because the smog is really bothersome especially if you have any sort of allergies, or bring things like Claritin or whatever else you may use for your allergies.
Most of the traffic is with mini busses and taxis. The mini busses (combis) are crammed with a ton of people commuting. The taxis are everywhere.
Taxis are supposedly safe for locals but for tourists they suggest you only take the ones with a number on top or with a checkered flag on the side. I’ve taken all sorts and not had a problem with any. However at night I definitely stray away from the non-marked type but my friends have taken them and have never had a problem. Hail the taxis just like you would in NYC, by sticking out your hand and if they pull over they’re empty. Taxis during the day should only cost 2.5 soles sometimes 3 if I ask for change. I don’t really make a big deal if they charge me 3 soles. During the night they supposedly go up to 4 soles but sometimes if you ask, they’ll ask for less, sometimes more since you’re a tourist but don’t give more than 4 soles unless its 4 in the morning. I normally give them 3 or 4 in the night.
Taxis also like to honk. A lot! I’ve figured out some of the reasons they honk… 1. They don’t have anyone in them and are available to take you 2. They want you to get out of the street 3. They are warning you they are coming towards you 4. They are honking bc they are trying to tell you they think you look good
Pedestrians do not have the right of way here!!! And since there are not many crosswalks you just need to walk halfway sometimes and wait in the middle of the road. Cars will honk at you if they think you are walking too slowly across the street but don’t be alarmed.
Even though its winter and cold that doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburnt. In fact since it’s closer to the sun the UV radiation is much more intense and you definitely need some sunblock. Also its really dry (seco), so bring some lotion. However if you forget anything there are a bunch of pharmacies all over the city. (farmacia or botica) which sell pretty much every medicine you need including some of the general meds you would normally need a prescription for in the US.
There are many police standing around on the corners and if you are ever in danger supposedly they will take you to a safer place. Regardless, you can always ask them for help or directions (donde esta… or necessito ayudar por favor…)
There are a gazillion internet places all over the place here. Many of the locals use them too. Sometimes the prices will be listed, sometimes not, but you can always ask how much they are (cuanta cuesta) and they’ll tell you. Sometimes I ask if they have skype (tiene skype) and if they don’t know what you’re talking about they don’t have it. There are also plenty of places to make photocopies (of your passport for example-it’s not necessary to carry it around) or to copy a SD card to a CD. So if you run out of space or really need anything here, they have it.
Some people speak English, especially in the touristy places like the Plaza de Armas, but don’t completely count on it. Learn your key phrases!
Honestly from my experiences the city is pretty safe but I have definitely heard about incidents. There is really no reason to carry around important documents or lots of money or credit cards. (People here don’t really use credit cards as much and most pay in cash) however when you get change from a casa de cambio ask for small bills if you are going to need them because sometimes people are stingy on changing big bills but if you’re paying for lots of things, don’t worry about it. You can get out money in dollars or soles from ATMs. There are plenty of ATMs and banks around as well as casa de cambios.