Ways & customs

Without wishing to tell you how to behave in Peru, sometimes it is better to know local mentalities; better knowing people is sometimes better appreciating them, even better understanding them. Know that:

In general, people use the "tu" form, no matter the social standard but not with older people.
Kisses and hugs are usual between men and women.
Always respect law people (police officers). We call them Jefe (chief).
To be called El Gringo is not pejorative at all and it's not only for Americans.
If you go to a restaurant and your order is bigger than your appetite, the waiter will ask you maybe if you'd like to take the rest with you, it's normal here. Don't be too proud and accept so you can give it to someone needy outside. A happy person is worth any personal embarrassment. Of course, do not give only a little bit of sandwich because everybody has a certain pride.
Peruvians use to put a stone on top of the hill they pass; you could see then monticules, sometimes impressive along the roads.
Peruvian is very "first degree". Speak always in first degree, trying to avoid negative sense; "it is not bad" will be understood as "it is almost bad". "It's not far" should be just said "it's near".
If a Peruvian shakes your hand is that he appreciates you. If he hugs you, he is a cousin or he likes you very much.
There are lots of salesmen and beggars in the streets, in general they expect a coin for a given service or sold item (clean the window, sell candy). There is not a special recommendation, just remember this is always to eat.
Tip is always given in restaurants and bars, even if it's already included in the check. If you wish, you can tip for 5 to 10% of the total amount.
Indians not generally appreciate to be taken in pictures; most of them believe that the picture takes away their soul. Ask for authorization before, they will often ask in return a small reward. Obviously, this is not about very pretty Indians, very well dressed, with a llama on one hand, they are there just for that.
Driving in Peru deserves a whole page; you need to know that on a very largo road with multiple lanes on the same way, everybody changes lane very often not only for trespassing. Turning warnings are not respected and some drivers prefer to use their arm: when it's extended, is for a left turn, when it's up is for a right turn and when it's down is to stop.
Every family or house of a certain social group has house keepers or nannies (ni�eras). We recognize these ones by their blue or white uniforms.
One of the most important financial incomes of the country is tourism: it provides money and a bit of dream. Even if you don't buy anything, people will enjoy talking with you about your country, which most of them will never know. Anyway you will be well treated because the Peruvian has a jovial and welcoming character.