MONEY. WHAT EVERY TOURIST SHOULD KNOW
Money in Peru: What Every Tourist Should Know
Understanding Peruvian Currency
Peru’s official currency is the Sol, symbol S/ and code PEN.
Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles, while coins range from 10 céntimos to 5 soles.
As of late 2025, 1 USD ≈ 3.7 PEN but rates fluctuate, so always check before you travel or exchange.
Should You Bring Cash or Cards?
The best answer is: both.
Cash is essential in small towns, markets, and for tips — but cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants, and tourist agencies.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each:
Cash
Pros
Accepted everywhere, including small villages or stalls.
Easier for bargaining in markets.
No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
Risk of loss or theft.
Counterfeit bills occasionally circulate, check for watermarks and raised printing.
Exchanging large amounts at airports or hotels gives poor rates.
Tip: Only change money at official exchange offices (casas de cambio) or banks, never on the street.
Cards
Pros
Safer than carrying lots of cash.
Useful for booking hotels, tours, and flights.
ATMs are easy to find in all major cities.
Cons
Some small shops add a 4-6% card fee.
Certain ATMs charge high withdrawal fees (up to 20 soles per transaction).
Connectivity issues can sometimes cause payment errors in rural areas.
Best Cards to Use in Peru
1. Visa:
The most widely accepted card in Peru — works almost everywhere, from restaurants to tour agencies.
2. Mastercard:
Also accepted, though occasionally refused in smaller places.
3. American Express:
Useful in upscale hotels or restaurants but less common elsewhere.
4. Revolut / Wise / Monzo (Travel Cards):
Digital bank cards like Revolut, Wise, and Monzo offer great exchange rates, instant tracking, and low withdrawal fees. These are excellent for tourists looking to avoid hidden costs.
Tip: Always carry a backup card, sometimes ATMs temporarily reject foreign cards or run out of cash.
Using ATMs in Peru
ATMs are widely available in cities like Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and Trujillo.
You’ll find them in banks, malls, and near main squares.
Popular ATM networks:
BCP (Banco de Crédito del Perú)
BBVA
Interbank
Scotiabank
ATM fees:
Local banks often charge 0–25 soles per withdrawal for foreign cards.
Some ATMs (like Scotiabank or BBVA) allow up to 700–900 soles per withdrawal.
Check with your bank or card provider, to check if any fees will be charged from your account.
Tip: Choose “Withdraw in local currency (soles)” and let your bank handle the exchange, if you choose “USD” or “accept conversion,” the ATM uses a worse rate.
Exchange Rates When Using Cards
When you pay by card in Peru:
The exchange rate is set by your card provider (Visa/Mastercard), usually 1–2% better than airport or street rates.
However, your home bank may add foreign transaction fees (1–3%).
Using travel cards (Revolut/Wise) avoids these extra fees and gives near-market rates.
Example:
If 1 USD = 3.50 PEN, a typical card purchase of S/ 350 might cost you around $100, plus card fees, much better than changing cash at the airport.
Exchanging Money in Peru
Casas de cambio: (Exchange offices) Best rates, safe, and fast.
Banks: Reliable, but lines can be long and rates slightly worse.
Hotels & Airports: Convenient but offer the lowest rates.
Tip: Carry only what you plan to spend that day; use hotel safes for larger sums.
Safety Tips for Money in Peru
1. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers, not on the street.
2. Keep small bills for taxis, tips, and rural markets.
3. Split your money between wallet, hotel safe, and a travel pouch.
4. Avoid flashing large sums in public or busy areas.
5. Watch out for fake notes — real soles have raised textures, clear watermarks, and security threads.
6. Inform your bank before traveling so your card isn’t blocked.
Can You Use US Dollars in Peru?
Yes, but only in tourist cities like Cusco, Lima, or Arequipa.
Hotels, some restaurants, and tour companies accept USD, especially for larger payments.
Always carry clean, undamaged bills, torn or marked notes may be refused.
Small purchases (taxis, shops, food stalls) must be paid in soles.
Tip: If paying in USD, check that the exchange rate offered is fair — many businesses give slightly less than the official rate.
Mobile Payments and Digital Options
Mobile payment apps are growing fast in Peru
Yape (BCP) and Plin (Interbank) are popular with locals.
Foreigners usually can’t use these without a Peruvian bank account.
However, you can still use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or contactless cards in many modern establishments.
Tipping in Peru
Tipping isn’t mandatory but always appreciated
Restaurants: 5–10% (some already include service).
Tour guides: 10–20 soles per person for day tours.
Porters/drivers: Small tip in soles.
Example Budget for a Tourist in Peru
Item Average Cost (in Soles) Approx. USD
Local meal S/ 15–25 $4–7
Mid-range restaurant S/ 50–80 $13–22
Taxi (short ride) S/ 8–15 $2–4
Museum entry S/ 10–20 $3–6
Machu Picchu entry S/ 152 ~$41
With a mix of cash and cards, $40–60 per day (excluding tours and hotels) is comfortable for most travelers.
Final Thoughts: Managing Money Smartly in Peru
Handling money in Peru is easy once you know the basics.
Bring a mix of cash and cards.
Use official exchange offices and avoid dynamic currency conversion.
Keep money split and hidden when traveling between cities.
And always have a backup plan, like a spare card or emergency cash.
By managing your money wisely, you’ll travel stress-free and enjoy everything Peru has to offer, from the mountains of Cusco to the coast of Lima and the jungles of the Amazon.
Plan Your Trip with Confidence
Get local tips, secure tours, and reliable currency advice from travel experts at Lets Peru It your trusted partner for safe and authentic Peru travel experiences.
