Getting Peruvian Soles for Your Trip

Peru is South America's most popular destination, and getting your money sorted is essential for a smooth trip from Lima's culinary scene to the heights of Machu Picchu. The Peruvian Sol (plural: Soles) is a relatively stable currency, making budgeting straightforward.

One advantage of visiting Peru is that US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, giving you flexibility. However, you'll get better value and avoid confusion by paying in Soles whenever possible. The exchange rate is typically around 3.7 Soles to 1 US Dollar.

Best Ways to Get Peruvian Soles

Based on rates and fees for UK travellers (per £1,000 converted)

Using Cards in Peru

Where cards work well: Lima (especially Miraflores and Barranco), upmarket restaurants, hotels, supermarkets like Wong and Metro, and international chains. Visa and Mastercard are accepted; Amex is less common.

Where you'll need cash: Local markets, street food, taxis (except official apps), small restaurants, Cusco's historic centre shops, Aguas Calientes, and rural areas. The Sacred Valley and most trekking routes are entirely cash-based.

Tip: Many Peruvian card machines ask "Con propina?" (with tip?) or show tip options. You can add a tip here or decline and tip separately in cash.

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs

ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are plentiful in Lima and Cusco, less common in smaller towns. Best options:

• Globalnet ATMs: Found in many locations, often lower fees, accepts international cards reliably
• BCP (Banco de Crédito del Perú): Largest bank, ATMs everywhere, charges around 22 Soles per withdrawal
• Interbank: Good availability, similar fees to BCP
• Scotiabank: Reliable, slightly higher fees

Important tips: Maximum withdrawals are typically 400-700 Soles per transaction. Always decline the ATM's offer to convert to your home currency. Use ATMs inside banks during daylight hours. In Cusco, ATMs often run low on cash on weekends – withdraw early.

Exchanging Cash in Peru

Peru has excellent cash exchange options, and USD is by far the easiest foreign currency to exchange:

• Casas de cambio: Currency exchange offices throughout Lima and Cusco offer competitive rates. Compare a few before exchanging
• Street money changers: Official money changers wear vests and carry calculators. They're legitimate and often offer good rates, but count carefully. Found around Plaza San Martín in Lima and Plaza de Armas in Cusco
• Hotels: Convenient but rates are typically 5-10% worse than exchange houses
• Avoid: Lima Airport exchanges (terrible rates) and unofficial changers without vests

Bring crisp, unmarked US dollar bills. Damaged, marked, or pre-2006 notes may be refused or exchanged at worse rates.

Money for Machu Picchu

Planning for Machu Picchu requires extra preparation:

• Entry tickets: Must be purchased online in advance at machupicchu.gob.pe – card payment only. Book well ahead during high season
• Train tickets: Book and pay online via Peru Rail or Inca Rail
• Aguas Calientes: Limited ATMs that frequently run out of cash or have technical issues. Withdraw in Cusco or Ollantaytambo
• Cash needs: Meals cost 30-60 Soles, drinks 8-15 Soles. Budget 100-150 Soles per person for your time in Aguas Calientes
• Tips: Have small notes ready for guides, porters, and restaurant staff