Lima Warnings and Dangers

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Not only was seeing some of the human billboards one of my favorite things about Lima it was also one of the most dangerous. Traffic moves in Lima like there are no rules of the highway at all. Every inch and foot is coveted by drivers of cars, motorcycles and taxis.

However near the central city there are many people dressed up as billboards or clowns that suddenly appear at intersections. Some of them only appear to be advertising a product. Others are begging for money and in some cases will not leave until you either provide them with some coins or ask them to get out of the way. While being a passenger in a taxi we had several close encounters with these billboard folk who appear out of nowhere when the light changes. I didn't find them to be a threat but was more startled than anything. A coin or two given how difficult it is for some to make a living in Lima is very much appreciated.

Please be careful and do not assume you are safe.

(1) Know that if you bring more than one computer you will be taxed by customs
(2) Be careful when using an ATM machine – having your card ‘eaten’ by the machine is more common than you think
(3) Avoid displaying any valuables/computers or discussing them in a taxi
(4) Assume Taxi drivers understand English although may not speak it
(5) Before you arrive print out your embassy 24 hour emergency number.
(6) Create a Skype account; do not assume you will be able to easily make a collect call back to your country of origin.
(7) When entering or exiting your hotel and Taxi be aware of your surroundings and who is doing what. Do not be distracted with the days events.

Within 24 hours of our arrival we were robbed at gun point as we entered the hotel lobby of a boutique hotel. We will never know the truth but somewhere between the Airport and the Hotel someone took notice of us and planned accordingly.

We found walking around in downtown Lima and Miraflores really safe, and we were not even hassled by beggars or other, but crossing roads, even at pedestrian crossings is quite a challenge. Do not assume they will stop, and be prepared to sprint, gold medal style, to avoid being hit by either the newest Ford F-150, or any run down, delapidated bus. Crazy traffic. We saw also three major protest-processions, and lots of riot police, but nothing troublesome happened. A safe place during daylight for sure, and one with very beautiful, old, colonial buildings. Worth the trip!

My family and I arrived at the Jorge Chavez airport and took a taxi by the main highway outside it (Perhaps mistake #1). I was sitting by the left side window and decided to text my bf to let him know I had arrived safely (mistake #2). From time to time I noticed the driver texting but I didn't think much of it. A motorcycle came out of nowhere and although it almost hit us, it stayed behind for some time. Suddenly the car slowed down, a man ran up to my window, smashed it and grabbed my messenger bag which had been on my lap (mistake #3).

After some struggle we managed to pull it back and the thief gave up and ran off. The taxi driver, however, did not move even though we had a green light and there were no cars in front of behind. He just kept looking at his rear-view mirror. Needless we made him drive and told him to drop us off at the nearest hotel.

So, follow common sense, which I did not. Taxi drivers can be involved in these types of situations, as they probably tip off criminals, and split the money from the stolen goods. BE ALERT!

The Foreign Affairs Office and International Trade Office of Canada is a site I visit when entering a country. There recent advice on Lima is something I wish potential travelers to review. It was last updated October 28, 2011. The following is pulled verbatim from their post.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=238000

"Violent crimes such as carjacking, assault, and armed robbery are frequent. Canadians arriving at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport should use a secure taxi service to go into the city, and should exercise particular caution en route to their hotel. You may find further information on registered taxi companies on the Lima Airport Partners Website. Attacks and robberies on vehicles occur regularly along the route from the airport, and even upon a taxi's arrival at the hotel."

As with other cities in South America it is best to speak in Spanish. If you speak in English and do not have a specific price in mind the fare can be as much as triple what a local might be charged. Be firm and willing to negotiate a price starting at what half the driver offers. While some drivers were flail their arms in the area and say "Es imposible," most will come back with a second offer.

In Lima you can imagine a higher number of crimes just thinking in the size of the city and the obviously also existing poorness of a big number of citizens.
Nevertheless I´ve never had problems with it although I´ve been walking through the streets of centro de Lima at 3 o´clock in the morning.

In general I would say, take always care of pickpockets, especially in Lima centrum and also at the beaches in the south of Lima (like "el Silencio", "Pulpos" etc)

I would NOT go to see the Nasca lines. If you do, read the report about the flying companies before you go. There has recently been another air disaster going over there. One of many.... You can go, but you might not come back ....