Travel Guides: All Countries, South America.
 |  | Fact File : South America |
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| | | South America | | Did you know?
The Bolivian seat of government, La Paz, is the highest in the world at 3,632m.
Language
Spanish, and though in Brazil Portuguese predominates, Spanish is also spoken there. There are also hundreds of native Indian languages.
Visas
None currently required for British citizens but you must have a return ticket and valid passport.
Getting there
Direct flights from London to most capital cities except Lima in Peru (via US).
Flying time from London
11 hours to Rio, nine-and-a-half hours to Caracas, 18 hours to Buenos Aires, 17 hours to Santiago.
Getting around
As distances are so vast, it's often best to hop a plane - Lima to Cuzco is one hour's flying time. In theory, you could get a bus from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Rio, Brazil, but it takes 44 hours. There are plenty of shorter routes but the standard and road quality varies. The railway network is not extensive but if you have time, take advantage of what there is, especially in terms of steam train journeys which feature some spectacular routes. Car hire is worth considering, though driving standards leave a lot to be desired.
Currency
Brazil: Real; Peru: Nuevo Sol; Colombia: Peso; Argentina: Peso; Bolivia: Boliviano; Chile: Peso; Venezuela: Bolivar.
Costs
Vary hugely depending on where you are. A beer can cost as little as 50p but £1 upwards isn't unusual. A roll of film anything from £2 to £6, a moderate restaurant meal around £15, a litre of petrol averages 70p and a four-mile taxi ride is from £2 to £8. In Peru, a cab from the airport to Lima city centre will cost around £16.
Weather
Two-thirds of South America is in the tropics. Most of Argentina and Chile have temperate climates with mild winters and warm summers (seasons are reversed from the UK). The driest areas are Patagonia, northern Chile and Peru. In the high Andes, temperatures often drop below freezing.
Time difference
Between three and five hours behind GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
Brazil 00 55; Peru 00 51; Chile 00 56; Argentina 00 54; Colombia 00 57
Voltage
Most countries use 110v or 220v with two-pin round or flat plugs. In Brazil, where 127v is standard, larger hotels and resorts like Recife offer 220v facilities.
Opening hours
Most shops in larger towns and cities open from 9am to 7pm Mon-Sat. Large shopping malls open 10 am to 10pm and sometimes from 3-10pm on Suns. Many businesses in the provinces will open at 8am and take a long lunch. Banking hours vary but most open Mon-Fri at least 10am to 4pm and some in large cities open Saturday mornings.
Health - Before you go
Take out adequate travel insurance. Many areas of South America are affected by dengue fever (carried by mosquitoes), and by malaria. Some countries, Brazil for example, require children to have proof of polio jabs. Check with your GP well before travelling.
Health - When you are there
In areas affected by dengue fever, avoid mosquito bites by covering up and wearing repellent. In the Andes or altiplano region altitude sickness can strike - ascend slowly, take frequent rest stops and drink extra fluids. Mate de coca, a local tea made with coca leaves, is said to help.
Warnings
Most trips to South America are trouble-free but be sensible. Pickpocketing is likely to be the biggest problem, especially in crowded markets and on public beaches like Copacabana in Brazil. In big cities, avoid obvious displays of wealth. Keep important documents in your hotel safe but carry a photocopy of your passport at all times. Crime can be a problem in Cusco, Peru and in Colombia. The Foreign Office also advise against travel by bus or tram in the Brazilian cities of Rio, Recife, Salvador and Sao Paulo - it's safer to go by metro or taxi. Before travelling, check the latest safety situation on the Foreign Office website at http://www.fco.gov.uk
Emergency
Peru - National Police 105; Brazil - 190; Argentina - 111; Colombia - British Embassy in Bogota - Edificio ING Barings, Carerra 9, No 76-49, Piso 9, Bogota. Tel (57) (1) 317 6690.
Customs
Always ask permission before photographing indigenous peoples. Try and use a little Spanish - it goes a long way in terms of goodwill. Men often greet each other with a kiss in Argentina.
Pets
No way, Jose.
Tipping
Check your bill - in most town and city restaurants and hotels the price will include 10% service. It's not customary to tip taxi drivers but most people usually round up the amount.
Tourist office
Brazilian Tourist Office, 32 Green Street, London W1Y 4AT. Tel. 020 7499 0877. Embassy of Peru, 52 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SP. Tel.020 7235 2545. Argentine Consulate, Tourism Section, 27 Three Kings Yard, London W1Y 1FL. Tel. 020 7318 1340. Chilean Embassy, Tourism Section, 12 Devonshire Street, London W1N 2DS. Tel. 0207580 6392. Embassy of Venezuela, 1 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2HW.
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