Peruvian Etiquette Tips

1. Dress Attire

1. DON'T be surprised if ALL tourists wear outdoor gear. This is very normal in Peru (at least for tourists).

2. Tipping

1. DO give tips to hotel porters and bell boys.
2. DON'T give tips in a restaurant. They already include a 10% gratuity.

3. Gift Giving and Accepting Gifts

1. DO bring a small offering to the host or hostess. Popular gifts are wine, chocolates, cakes, sweets and flowers.
2. DON'T bring a large gift, this is considered rude.

4. Body Gestures

1. DON'T give kisses on the cheek. Even though you see that a lot of people will do it, they only do it with well known relatives.
2. DO shake hands.

5. Greetings

1. DO say something when entering a house/store, like Buenos días (good day), buenas tardes (good afternoon) of buenas noches (good night). Peruvians also shake hands sometimes when you arrive and/or leave.

6. Visitors Etiquette

1. DO come at least 30 minutes later than the time you made the appointment. You can even be up to an hour later.

7. Business Meeting

1. DO speak Spanish. Most Peruvians don’t speak English.
2. DO be informal during business meetings.
3. DON'T dress informal during business meetings. Dress conservative. Women wear business dresses or suits and men wear suits.
4. DO communicate indirect. You can better imply what you want to say instead of saying it directly.

Peruvians are extremely kind and helpful. They love to shake hands and are up for a chit-chat. Enjoy your holiday in Peru!