TAXES & TIPPING

     In Peru the sales tax is 18%. This is added automatically to each bill.

     Another tax that you are required to pay is an airport tax. For domestic flights the tax is US $4 per person. For international flights there is an exit tax of US $25 person. This tax only applies when you are leaving Peru and can only be paid in cash.

    When you are paying your bill in a restaurant, look for the words propina or servicio near the bottom of the bill. This means the restaurant has added a tip, usually between 5 to 10%. If you think the service is good, you can give the waiter an extra 10%. The cheapest restaurants usually do not include a tip. If this is the case, leave the waiter 10%. In better hotels you should tip about US $.50 a bag.
     Unlike other countries, Peru does not tip their taxi drivers. Taxis are not metered here so bargain the fare before you get in the car and stick to that price. For tour guides, a recommended tip is approximately $5 a day per person. If you are in a larger group you could pay half of that. If you plan on hiking the Inca Trail, you need to tip your guide, cook and the porters.