Money in Peru Travel Guide

Understanding how money works in Peru is an important part of planning a comfortable and stress-free trip. Although credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major tourist destinations, cash remains essential for markets, small restaurants, local transportation, entrance fees and purchases in rural communities.

Travelers visiting Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Puno or the Amazon should carry a combination of cash and cards. Knowing where to exchange money, how to use ATMs and how to recognize Peruvian banknotes can help prevent unnecessary fees and common travel problems.

This guide explains everything visitors need to know about currency, cash, cards, ATMs, tipping and travel expenses in Peru.

What Is the Currency of Peru?

The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian sol.

The currency code is:

The symbol commonly used for prices is:

The plural form of sol is soles.

Prices may appear in different formats, such as:

S/10
S/25.50
50 soles
PEN 100

When reading menus, transportation prices or entrance fees, confirm whether the amount is listed in Peruvian soles or United States dollars.

Peruvian Banknotes and Coins

Peruvian currency is available in banknotes and coins.

Common banknotes include:

S/10
S/20
S/50
S/100
S/200

Common coins include:

10 céntimos
20 céntimos
50 céntimos
S/1
S/2
S/5

Small coins and banknotes are very useful when paying for local transportation, markets, public restrooms and small purchases.

Large banknotes can be difficult to use in small shops. Vendors may not have enough change, especially early in the morning.

Should You Carry Cash in Peru?

Yes. Travelers should always carry some cash in Peru.

Cards are common in cities and established tourism businesses, but cash is still needed for many everyday transactions.

Cash may be required for:

Traditional markets
Local restaurants
Street food
Small cafés
Taxis
Public transportation
Tips
Public restrooms
Small entrance fees
Rural communities
Souvenir stalls
Local guides
Horse rentals
Optional trekking services

Visitors traveling outside major cities should carry enough soles for the entire day.

Do not depend completely on finding an ATM in remote areas.

Are United States Dollars Accepted in Peru?

United States dollars are accepted by some hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and larger businesses.

However, dollars are not accepted everywhere.

Small shops, local restaurants, markets and transportation services usually prefer Peruvian soles.

Businesses that accept dollars may require banknotes to be:

Clean
Undamaged
Unmarked
Free from tears
In good physical condition

A business may reject a dollar bill because of a small mark, fold or tear.

When paying in dollars, ask:

Which exchange rate will be used
Whether change will be given in dollars or soles
Whether card fees apply
Whether the listed price includes taxes

Carrying soles is generally more practical for daily expenses.

Should You Bring Dollars or Exchange Money After Arrival?

Travelers can bring a small amount of United States dollars and exchange them after arriving in Peru.

However, it is not necessary to carry a large amount of foreign currency.

A practical approach is to use:

A small amount of emergency cash
A debit card for ATM withdrawals
A credit card for larger expenses
Peruvian soles for daily purchases

Travelers should avoid carrying their entire travel budget in cash.

Where Can You Exchange Money in Peru?

Money can be exchanged at:

Authorized exchange offices
Banks
Some hotels
Airports
Established currency-exchange businesses

Exchange offices are common in tourist areas such as:

Miraflores
Barranco
Lima’s historic center
Cusco’s historic center
Avenida El Sol
Arequipa’s central area
Puno
Aguas Calientes

Before exchanging money:

Check the displayed exchange rate.
Count the money carefully.
Inspect each banknote.
Confirm whether a commission applies.
Keep the transaction receipt.
Avoid distractions during the exchange.

Airport Exchange Offices

Airports provide convenient currency-exchange services, but the rate may be less favorable than the rate available in the city.

Travelers may exchange a small amount at the airport for:

Transportation
Food
Tips
Immediate expenses

A larger exchange can be completed later at an authorized city office.

Street Money Changers

Street money changers can be found in some Peruvian cities.

Although many may appear legitimate, travelers should use caution.

Possible risks include:

Counterfeit banknotes
Incorrect calculations
Distraction techniques
Theft
Unfavorable rates
Receiving damaged notes
Personal-security concerns

Authorized exchange offices or banks are generally safer for international visitors.

How to Use ATMs in Peru

ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist destinations.

They can be found at:

Banks
Shopping centers
Airports
Supermarkets
Tourist districts
Hotel areas

ATMs may allow withdrawals in:

Peruvian soles
United States dollars

The available currency depends on the bank and machine.

ATM Withdrawal Fees

ATM withdrawals may involve several different charges:

The local ATM operator’s fee
Your bank’s international withdrawal fee
Currency-conversion charges
Foreign transaction fees
Dynamic currency-conversion costs

Before traveling, ask your bank:

Whether your card works in Peru
What international withdrawal fees apply
Whether daily withdrawal limits exist
Whether the card must be activated for foreign use
How to contact the bank from abroad

Making fewer, carefully planned withdrawals may reduce the total number of fees.

However, avoid withdrawing an unnecessarily large amount of cash at once.

ATM Safety Tips

Use ATMs located inside:

Banks
Shopping centers
Supermarkets
Airports
Secure hotel areas

Avoid using isolated street ATMs late at night.

When withdrawing money:

Cover the keypad.
Do not accept help from strangers.
Check the card slot.
Keep your receipt.
Put away the money before leaving.
Avoid counting cash on the street.
Monitor your bank account afterward.

If an ATM keeps your card, contact the bank immediately.

Choose Soles or Your Home Currency?

Some ATMs and card machines may ask whether you want the transaction processed in Peruvian soles or converted into your home currency.

This automatic conversion is known as dynamic currency conversion.

The displayed conversion may include an unfavorable exchange rate or additional fee.

Travelers often prefer to select payment in Peruvian soles and allow their own bank or card provider to complete the conversion.

Read the screen carefully before confirming the transaction.

Are Credit Cards Accepted in Peru?

Credit cards are accepted at many established businesses, especially in major destinations.

Cards are commonly accepted at:

Hotels
Tour agencies
Upscale restaurants
Supermarkets
Shopping centers
Airline offices
Train companies
Larger souvenir stores
Modern cafés

Visa and Mastercard are generally the most widely accepted.

Other cards may have more limited acceptance.

Card Surcharges

Some businesses may add an additional fee for card payments.

The surcharge may vary depending on:

Card type
Payment platform
Business policy
International processing costs

Before paying, ask:

Is there an additional card fee?
Is the amount charged in soles or dollars?
Does the price include taxes?
Will I receive a receipt?

A listed cash price may be lower than the card price.

Debit Cards in Peru

Debit cards can be used for ATM withdrawals and purchases.

However, travelers should not depend on only one debit card.

Possible problems include:

Card blocks
ATM rejection
Daily limits
Network interruptions
Fraud alerts
Lost or damaged cards

Carry at least one backup payment method and store it separately.

Contactless and Mobile Payments

Contactless card payments are increasingly available in modern businesses.

Some restaurants, hotels, shops and supermarkets accept:

Contactless credit cards
Contactless debit cards
Digital wallets
Mobile payment systems

However, these methods are less dependable in smaller towns and rural areas.

Local mobile-payment applications may require a Peruvian bank account or telephone number, making them less practical for short-term international visitors.

Cash in Cusco

Cusco has many banks, ATMs and exchange offices, especially around the historic center and Avenida El Sol.

Cards are accepted by many tourism businesses, but cash is useful for:

San Pedro Market
Local lunch restaurants
Taxis
Small shops
Day-tour entrance fees
Tips
Souvenir stalls
Public restrooms
Small cafés

Before departing for a day tour, carry small banknotes and coins.

Drivers and small vendors may not be able to change S/100 or S/200 notes.

Money in the Sacred Valley

The main Sacred Valley towns have ATMs and some card-payment facilities.

These towns include:

Pisac
Urubamba
Ollantaytambo
Chinchero

However, small communities and local markets may operate mainly with cash.

Carry soles when visiting:

Traditional weaving centers
Craft markets
Small restaurants
Community attractions
Local transportation
Archaeological entrance points
Rural villages

Do not assume every stop on a Sacred Valley tour will accept cards.

Money in Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes has ATMs, hotels, restaurants and shops that accept cards.

However, travelers should arrive with enough cash because:

ATMs may temporarily run out of money.
Withdrawal fees can be high.
Network connections may fail.
Small businesses may accept only cash.
Optional services may require soles.

Cash can be useful for:

Meals
Tips
Snacks
Bus-related expenses
Small purchases
Local markets
Luggage storage
Public restrooms

Complete essential withdrawals before leaving Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

Money on the Inca Trail

There are no normal ATMs or banking services on the Inca Trail.

Travelers should carry a limited amount of cash for:

Tips
Small purchases before the checkpoint
Optional drinks
Snacks
Expenses in Aguas Calientes
Emergency needs

Cash should be kept in a waterproof pouch.

Avoid carrying an unnecessarily large amount.

Money on the Salkantay Trek

Some Salkantay itineraries pass through small communities where travelers may purchase:

Water
Snacks
Soft drinks
Wi-Fi access
Hot showers
Horse services
Additional food
Optional activities

These services usually require cash in Peruvian soles.

Small banknotes are preferable.

How to Identify Counterfeit Banknotes

Counterfeit banknotes can circulate in busy tourist areas, markets and informal businesses.

Travelers should inspect the notes they receive.

Security features may include:

Watermarks
Security threads
Raised printing
Color-changing details
Transparent windows
Detailed designs
Numbers that change appearance when tilted

Compare unfamiliar notes with banknotes received from a bank or official ATM.

Be cautious when receiving large notes as change.

If a banknote appears suspicious, politely ask for another one before leaving the business.

Damaged Banknotes

Businesses may reject Peruvian or United States banknotes that are:

Torn
Heavily marked
Missing sections
Taped
Extremely worn
Stained

Check every note you receive.

Do not accept damaged money unless you are confident it can be used or exchanged through a bank.

Avoiding Money Scams

Most travel transactions in Peru are completed without problems, but visitors should remain attentive.

Common risks include:

Incorrect change
Counterfeit banknotes
Hidden card fees
Unfavorable exchange rates
Inflated tourist prices
Unauthorized card charges
Distraction during payment
Charges in the wrong currency

Protect yourself by:

Confirming prices before accepting a service
Counting change immediately
Requesting receipts
Keeping your card visible
Checking the card terminal amount
Reviewing bank notifications
Avoiding informal currency exchanges
Using established travel companies

Negotiate Before Using a Taxi

Many local taxis do not use meters.

Before entering, confirm:

The destination
The total price
The currency
Whether the price applies to everyone
Whether luggage costs extra

Pay after reaching the destination.

Carry small banknotes because drivers may not have change.

Transportation arranged by a hotel or trusted company may cost more but can provide greater predictability.

Tipping in Peru

Tipping is appreciated in the tourism industry, but practices vary depending on the service.

Restaurants

Some restaurants include a service charge, while others do not.

Check the receipt before leaving an additional tip.

When service is good, travelers may leave a modest percentage or round up the bill.

Tips are generally higher in upscale or tourism-focused restaurants than in local lunch establishments.

Tour Guides

Tips for guides are usually voluntary and depend on:

Service quality
Tour duration
Group size
Level of assistance
Personal budget

Private guides generally receive a larger tip than guides leading large shared groups.

Drivers

Travelers may tip drivers who provide:

Airport transfers
Full-day tours
Multi-day transportation
Trekking transfers
Exceptional assistance

A tip is not always expected for a short taxi ride.

Trekking Teams

Multi-day treks may involve:

Lead guides
Assistant guides
Cooks
Porters
Horse handlers
Support staff

Groups often organize a collective tip at the end of the trek.

Ask the tour operator for general guidance before departure.

Tipping should remain voluntary and reflect the quality of the service.

Hotel Staff

Travelers may tip:

Bell staff
Housekeeping
Concierge staff
Drivers
Employees providing special assistance

Small denominations of soles are useful for this purpose.

Restaurant Bills and Taxes

Established restaurants generally include taxes in their listed prices, but travelers should confirm when reviewing menus or service quotations.

A receipt may contain:

Food and drinks
Taxes
Service charge
Voluntary tip
Card fee

Read the bill before paying and ask about any unfamiliar charge.

How Much Money Should You Carry Each Day?

The amount depends on your itinerary and travel style.

For a normal city day, carry enough cash for:

Local transportation
One or two meals
Entrance fees
Drinks
Small purchases
Emergency expenses

For a rural day tour, carry additional cash because card payments may not be available.

Avoid carrying:

Your complete travel budget
Every bank card
All emergency cash
Your passport and all money in the same pocket

Divide your money between secure locations.

How to Store Money Safely

Use more than one secure location.

Possible options include:

Hotel safe
Money belt
Hidden travel wallet
Locked luggage
Secure internal backpack pocket
Separate card holder

Keep your daily cash accessible while storing backup money separately.

Do not repeatedly open a wallet containing large amounts of money in public.

Should You Carry a Money Belt?

A money belt can be useful for:

Backup cash
Emergency card
Passport copy
Important documents

It should not be opened frequently in public.

Use a regular wallet for small daily transactions and keep the main reserve hidden.

Inform Your Bank Before Traveling

Some banks automatically monitor international card activity.

A transaction in Peru may be blocked when it appears unusual.

Before departure:

Update your travel information if required.
Confirm international usage.
Save the emergency contact number.
Check withdrawal limits.
Verify your card’s expiration date.
Enable transaction notifications.
Confirm your personal identification number.

Do not write the PIN directly on the card.

Bring More Than One Payment Method

A reliable travel-payment plan may include:

One main credit card
One backup credit card
One debit card
Emergency cash
Peruvian soles for daily expenses

Store the backup card separately from your main wallet.

When one card is lost or blocked, another payment method becomes essential.

Travel Budget Categories

When planning a trip to Peru, divide your budget into several categories.

Accommodation

Accommodation options include:

Shared hostel rooms
Private hostel rooms
Guesthouses
Mid-range hotels
Boutique hotels
Luxury properties

Prices vary by city, season, location and room type.

Accommodation near Plaza de Armas or major attractions may cost more.

Food

Food expenses depend greatly on where you eat.

Travelers can choose from:

Market meals
Local set lunches
Casual cafés
Tourist restaurants
Fine-dining experiences

A balanced food budget can combine affordable lunches with occasional special dinners.

Transportation

Include money for:

Domestic flights
Long-distance buses
Trains
Airport transfers
Taxis
Local buses
Tour transportation
Machu Picchu buses

Transportation to Machu Picchu can represent a significant part of the total travel budget.

Tours and Entrance Tickets

Budget for:

Machu Picchu tickets
Cusco Tourist Ticket
Museums
Archaeological sites
Guided tours
Trekking packages
Mountain entrances
Community fees
Optional activities

Check what is included before paying for a tour.

A low tour price may exclude entrance tickets, meals or transportation.

Tips and Optional Expenses

Include extra money for:

Tips
Souvenirs
Laundry
Drinks
Snacks
Equipment rental
Hot showers
Wi-Fi
Horse services
Train upgrades
Additional tickets

These smaller expenses can accumulate during a multi-day trip.

Budget Travel in Peru

Budget travelers can reduce costs by:

Eating menú del día lunches
Using shared tours
Staying in hostels
Traveling by long-distance bus
Walking within historic centers
Using public transportation
Buying snacks at local markets
Carrying a reusable water bottle
Comparing tour inclusions
Avoiding unnecessary card fees

Do not choose the cheapest service without checking safety, quality and legal authorization.

Mid-Range Travel in Peru

Mid-range travelers may combine:

Comfortable hotels
Shared or small-group tours
Domestic flights
Standard train services
Established restaurants
Private transfers for important connections

This travel style provides more comfort without requiring luxury services.

Luxury Travel in Peru

Luxury travel may include:

Five-star hotels
Premium trains
Private guides
Private transportation
Fine dining
Upgraded rooms
Customized itineraries
Exclusive cultural experiences

Luxury services should be booked early during the busiest travel periods.

Paying Travel Agencies

Before paying a travel agency, confirm:

Legal business name
Complete itinerary
Inclusions
Exclusions
Cancellation conditions
Refund policy
Payment currency
Card fees
Remaining balance
Contact details

Request:

Payment confirmation
Booking voucher
Passenger details
Tour date
Amount paid
Outstanding balance

Avoid sending large payments without receiving written confirmation.

Soles or Dollars for Tour Payments?

Tour companies may price services in dollars while accepting payment in soles.

When paying in a different currency, confirm:

The exchange rate
The final amount
Card-processing charges
Whether the balance will change
Which currency appears on the receipt

The exchange rate used by a business may differ from the official or bank rate.

Student Discounts

Some attractions may offer reduced prices for eligible students.

Requirements can include:

Age limits
Original physical student card
Photograph
Full name
University name
Validity date

Digital images, enrollment letters or unofficial cards may not be accepted.

Confirm the exact requirements before purchasing a discounted ticket.

Money During Emergencies

Keep an emergency reserve for situations such as:

Transportation delays
Medical assistance
Additional hotel nights
Missed connections
Rebooking tickets
Lost luggage
Unexpected route changes

The emergency reserve should be separate from daily spending money.

Travel insurance can also reduce the financial impact of major problems.

Useful Spanish Money Phrases

Travelers may find these phrases helpful:

¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost?
¿Aceptan tarjeta? — Do you accept cards?
¿Hay una comisión? — Is there a fee?
¿Puedo pagar en soles? — Can I pay in soles?
¿Puedo pagar en dólares? — Can I pay in dollars?
¿Tiene cambio? — Do you have change?
Necesito un recibo. — I need a receipt.
¿Cuál es el tipo de cambio? — What is the exchange rate?
¿El servicio está incluido? — Is the service included?
La cuenta, por favor. — The bill, please.
Este billete está dañado. — This banknote is damaged.
¿Hay un cajero cerca? — Is there an ATM nearby?

Common Money Mistakes in Peru

Avoid these frequent mistakes:

Carrying only large banknotes
Depending completely on cards
Accepting damaged money
Exchanging a large amount at the airport
Using an isolated ATM at night
Selecting automatic currency conversion without reading the rate
Forgetting to check card fees
Carrying all cards together
Failing to count change
Paying before confirming the total price
Traveling to remote areas without cash
Assuming every price is in soles
Forgetting to keep emergency money

Final Recommendations

Managing money in Peru is relatively simple when travelers prepare a combination of cash and electronic payment methods.

The most important recommendations are:

Carry Peruvian soles for everyday expenses.
Keep small banknotes and coins.
Use cards for larger purchases.
Withdraw money from secure ATMs.
Decline unfavorable automatic currency conversions.
Inspect all banknotes.
Confirm prices before accepting services.
Ask about card fees.
Store backup money separately.
Carry cash when visiting rural areas.
Keep receipts for tours and major payments.
Review bank transactions regularly.

Peru has a modern tourism economy, but cash remains an important part of everyday life. By planning ahead and using money carefully, travelers can avoid unnecessary fees, reduce security risks and enjoy a smoother journey throughout the country.