Safety in Peru
Peru requires common-sense precautions. Crime exists but most expats live without serious incidents by following established safety practices.
Current Safety Situation
US Travel Advisory: Level 2 - "Exercise Increased Caution"
- VRAEM region is Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") due to drug trafficking and remnant Shining Path activity
Reality for expats:
- Petty crime (pickpocketing, phone snatching) is the primary concern
- Violent crime against foreigners is less common but occurs
- Express kidnappings reported, particularly from unlicensed taxis
- Lima declared a State of Emergency in March 2025 due to security concerns, deploying police and military jointly
City Safety Ranking (for expats)
Arequipa - Safest:
- Lowest crime rates among major cities
- Relaxed atmosphere, well-policed historic center
- Strong expat satisfaction with security
Cusco - Generally Safe:
- Tourist areas well-policed (Plaza de Armas, San Blas)
- Petty crime in crowded markets and on public transport
- Reports of drink spiking in nightlife areas
- Altitude-related vulnerability when first arriving
Lima - Requires Most Awareness:
- Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco: Well-patrolled, safest districts
- Statistics show significant petty crime across the city
- Phone snatching by motorcycle riders is increasing
- Avoid: Callao, some Centro areas at night, outskirts
Common Crimes to Avoid
Phone snatching:
Motorcycle riders grab phones from pedestrians. Don't use your phone at the curbside.
Express kidnapping:
Unlicensed taxis take victims to ATMs. ONLY use ride-hailing apps.
Pickpocketing:
Crowded markets, public transit, tourist sites. Keep valuables secure and close.
Drink spiking:
Reported in bars and nightlife, particularly in Cusco. Never leave drinks unattended.
Taxi scams:
Fake meters, inflated prices, wrong destinations. Use Uber, Beat, or Cabify exclusively.
Safe Practices
- Use ride-hailing apps only - Uber, Beat, Cabify. Never street taxis
- Don't use phone at curbside - motorcycle snatching is common
- Keep valuables out of sight - no flashy jewelry or cameras
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas at night
- Learn basic Spanish - helps in emergencies
- Share location with trusted contacts
- Use hotel safes for documents and valuables
- Cover ATM keypad and use ATMs inside banks during daylight
Areas to Avoid
- VRAEM region (Level 4: Do Not Travel)
- Lima's Callao district (except airport with direct transport)
- La Libertad region (mining-area kidnapping risk)
- Amazon river areas without established tour operators
- Venezuelan border areas
- Downtown Lima late at night
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 105
- Medical Emergency: 117
- Fire: 116
- General Emergency: 911
- Tourist Police (POLTUR): (01) 460-1060
Pro Tips
- •Arequipa is the safest major city - great for risk-averse expats
- •Never use street taxis - Uber, Beat, or Cabify only
- •Don't use your phone at the curbside - motorcycle snatching is real
- •Miraflores and San Isidro are Lima's safest neighborhoods
- •Tourist Police (POLTUR) have English speakers for crime reports
Have questions about safety in Peru?