In case of emergency,
you should call 105 or 116. It can be called toll-free from all landlines or mobiles and it will connect you to the emergency services (national police and fireman service).
They will provide you an ambulance and technical rescue.Clearly state the location of where the assistance is required. The emergency numbers are free of charge and should only be used in case of authentic emergency. Services are usually only available in Spanish, although the operator will try their best to assist in case of emergency.
Helpline Phone Numbers in Lima:
- Fire Fighters National Headquarters 222-0222
- Theft Vehicle Prevention and Investigation Department (DIROVE) 328-0207 or 328-0351
- UDE (Explosives deactivation) 481-2901 or 481-5118
- Paediatric emergencies 474-9790
- Cruz Roja (Red Cross) 475-5787
- 24h Alcoholics Anonymous centre (Perú) – 7249 4697
- Peruvian Tourist Assistance Service - 980 - 122 – 335 and iperu@promperu.gob.pe It also provides 24h whatsapp service
- Domestic Violence Resource Centre - 100
The country code for Perú is +51. To call Peruvian numbers from abroad or with a foreign card, you should dial the number after the country code. Exempt for 105 and 116 emergency numbers.
Dial 00 + 51 (country code) + area code (ex: Lima area code is "1") + number
Safety in Perú
Perú and its capital, Lima, are suffering from low-level crimes such as muggings and robberies, particularly crimes targeting tourists. Luckily, violent crime is uncommon. For example, gun crime is usually limited to interaction between gangs or drugs dealers.
If you are aggressively approached or attacked, do your bets to avoid confrontation and back off.
Here is a list of recommendations for staying safe in Lima:
- Avoid carrying valuables: You should avoid displaying excessive money, phone, cameras or jewellery if possible. Cash withdrawal from banks and money transfer companies must be done with the utmost discretion. Leave your passport and travel documents locked and safe at your accommodation and carry copies instead.
Be careful travelling by bus: Be especially careful with your belongings when traveling long journeys by bus. If you are taking a bus, wrap your backpack under your seat with the strap hooked around your leg.
- Watch your belongings: Keep handbags in view in public establishments, such as bars, restaurants, cyber cafés, etc.
- Using Taxis: When choosing a taxi, use official transport companies instead of cheaper taxi drivers without a license. Make sure you get a registered taxi at a registered drop-off or book one in advance from a well-known company. Hotels usually have reliable taxis.
- Leaving Airport: Leave your luggage in the trunk to avoid catching criminals' attention.
- Watch your drink at the Bar: Consume only drinks that have been purchased by you and keep an eye on them all time.
- Rape: Sexual assault and rape are a problem in Perú. If you are a victim of a sexual assault, contact your consulate or embassy in Lima as fast as possible as well as the police.
In case of an emergency, contact the authorities at once. They can be reached from any phone by dialling 105 or 116. You can also contact tourist support services through your embassy.