Travellers may experience some setbacks during their stay in Lima. You must remember that it is best to be prepared before the chance of any inconvenience, than regret it after they have caught you unawares.

If you are victim of a theft or lose your passport, report the case to the closest police station.

Go to your consulate or diplomatic mission.

Once you have obtained your new passport or an analogue travel document, go to the Migrations and Naturalisation General Direction of Peru. There, after a simple procedure, you can regularise your entrance to the country by getting an admitted stamp on your document, thus avoiding problems when leaving the territory of Peru.

If there is no diplomatic mission of your country in Peru, go to the Migrations General Direction, where you will be given a departing confirmation.

If you think you have been cheated or deceived whilst purchasing any goods or getting any service, contact the National Institute for the Defence of the Competition and Intellectual Property (INDECOPI).

If you suffer the extortion of any individual, even if it is a civil servant or a police officer, get in contact with the Public Ministry (General's Attorney Office) and file a complaint. You can previously call your consulate in order to get more information or additional help.

Some tips that travellers should bear in mind:

• Keep your money in various different places.
  
• Never pull out a wad of bills in the street; it could be too tempting.
  
• Do not carry bills of high denominations. 20 soles bills are advisable and, businesses rarely have change for larger denominations.
  
• Do not display your jewellery or expensive wristwatch outdoors. The ideal outfit to walk around with, is just a plain watch.
  
• While in Lima, avoid the following districts, especially at night: Ate, Callao, La Victoria, Rímac, San Juan de Lurigancho and Surquillo.
  
• The most common way of stealing from you is by diverting your attention. By spilling a beverage over you or by slightly bumping into your vehicle, for instance.
  
• Carry with you the necessary cash to cover your requirements only.
  
• Obey the law; in order to do so, you must be informed about Peruvian laws and habits.
  
• Use the authorised establishments to exchange your foreign currency. If you rather do it in the streets, be certain that the peddler has a photo-check, delivered by the municipality of the district where he is working.