(Last updated: 28 July 2012)
Security and health
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Peru. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.
It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.
Security
Personal safety is an ongoing concern in Lima. Poverty, unemployment and congestion have led to theft, vandalism and assaults. The most common crimes are bag snatching, pick pocketing and break-ins of parked cars.
Combined with the normal safety precautions, some extra tips include:
- Keep expensive watches, jewellery and other valuables in the hotel safe.
- When travelling by car or taxi, bags and briefcases should be kept under the seat or in the boot and keep the doors locked.
- Travel by road outside the major cities after dark is not advisable.
- Motorists rarely stop at pedestrian crossings.
Health
Avoid eating from the vendors cooking in pushcarts along the streets – cases of typhoid and cholera among their customers is high.
Tap water is processed differently in Peru, so we recommend you drink mineral water, either ‘con (with) gas’ or ‘sin (without) gas’. Care should also be taken with fresh fruit juices if there is a possibility that water may have been added.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.