Cultural Resume of Peru

Customs and Courtesies

Greetings: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara are officially recognized. Many speak Spanish and an indigenous language; those with higher education often also speak English (International YMCA, n.d., p. 2). It is polite to greet all people you meet. Greetings such as "Buenos Dias" ("Good Day") and smiling are important. The address of "Gringo/Gringa" ("Foreigner") is meant politely. The most common man/woman and man/man greeting is the handshake (International YMCA, n.d., p. 2); women friends may give/receive a kiss on the right cheek but because it's slightly less formal, only the Peruvian should initiate (Debenham, 2011); men may also pat each other on the shoulder and children may be greeted with an arm around the shoulder or a pat on the shoulder (International YMCA, n.d., p. 2).

Visiting: Passports are required for all international visitors except some citizens of Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador who are...
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