Lima: Spanish travel guide
South America's food capital, on the Pacific coast. Peruvian Spanish is clear and fairly slow, which is great for learners.
- MoneySol (PEN, S/)
- TippingAbout 10% in restaurants
- Emergency105 police, 106 ambulance
- VoiceLatin American Spanish
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Greetings and food phrases
- ¿Qué tal?How's it going?Say it: keh TAHL
- ¿Me da un ceviche, por favor?Can I have a ceviche, please?Say it: meh dah oon seh-BEE-cheh, pohr fah-VOHR
- ¿Qué me recomienda?What do you recommend?Say it: keh meh reh-koh-MYEHN-dah
- ¡Qué rico!Delicious!Say it: keh REE-koh
Money and tipping
- Cards work in restaurants and big shops. Carry soles in small notes and coins for taxis and markets.
- Restaurants: about 10%. Check whether service is already on the bill.
- Agree the taxi fare before you get in, or use a ride app.
Five Peruvian words
- chéveregreat, coolSay it: CHEH-beh-reh
- el patabuddy, friendSay it: ehl PAH-tah
- la chambawork, jobSay it: lah CHAHM-bah
- el jatohome, house (slang)Say it: ehl HAH-toh
- ¡Ya!OK! / Right!Say it: yah
Good to know
- Emergency numbers: 105 police, 106 ambulance, 116 fire. Peru is introducing 911, so check before you travel.
- Heading on to Cusco? It's 3,400 m (11,150 ft) up. Rest on arrival, and try mate de coca tea like the locals.
- Drink bottled water.
Keep learning
Take Taco on your trip
The iPhone app adds live conversation practice, Scan & Translate for menus and signs, and works offline.
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