Lima's Airport - arriving / leaving Lima

Lima's airport didn't use to be very nice, but now it's a very good one. It's well organized and clean - well surroundings aren't that nice, but inside is neat.
I can say that's a different world inside and outside it. If you are coming for 1st time to Peru, it might be a shock leaving the airport because there are so many people outside and it's located in the industrial area of the city, so don't expect a nice view.

If you are arriving from an international flight, you must do customs, with might not take long, unless there are many flights arriving at same time. Once you are done, you have to pick up your bags. The are free carts to help you carrying your heavy luggage. You don't need to pay anything for using them. The officers will check you are taking your bag instead of someone else's one. Then have to do another line. This one if funny. You have to press a button. If the light turns green, you are free to go. But if it turns red, they have to check your stuff.

You'll see a lot of taxi drivers and people waiting for their friends and relatives. I highly recommend to arrange an airport transfer with the hotel/hostel or with a friend. Taking any taxi at the street can be dangerous, also this area is not so nice.

If you have to do a transfer and stay at the airport, it won't be so bad. There is wi-fi and there are new restaurants and shops, so you won't get too bored.

One thing you have to keep in mind when you are leaving Lima is that we have to pay an airport fee - yes, it's crazy!
If you're taking a domestic flight, it costs: US$6. And if you're taking an international one, it costs: US$31. They don't take a credit card, so just save some cash for your departure.
At the entrance they will ask you for your passport and the flight ticket.

The airport has a good website (www.lap.com.pe), where you can find useful info and also the timetable from all the flights. Before arriving to Lima, check it, so you'd be able to give the correct details to the person who's gonna meet you there.

Welcome to Lima!