Money Matters & Budget to visit Peru Peru
Manage your finances in Peru: Tips on currency, cards, and budgets
Essentials
- Currency: Peru uses the Sol (PEN) for daily expenses, but US Dollars (USD) are accepted for larger purchases like tours and hotels.
- USD Condition: Pristine, newer series US dollar bills are essential; any damage may lead to rejection.
- Accessing Funds: ATMs are convenient for Soles, but use those affiliated with major banks and be aware of fees and withdrawal limits.
- Card Usage: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels and larger establishments; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
Money Matters & Budget to visit Peru
Peruvian Currency: Soles (PEN) & US Dollars (USD)
The Official Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
- Symbol: S/
- Common Banknotes: S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, S/200
- Common Coins: 10, 20, 50 céntimos; S/1, S/2, S/5
A practical tip for daily transactions is to always carry a mix of small bills and coins. Vendors at small shops, markets, or in taxis often do not have sufficient change for larger banknotes like S/100 or S/200, and having smaller denominations will make your purchases much smoother.
The Role of the US Dollar (USD)
- It is widely accepted for larger payments, such as tours, hotel stays, and in some high-end restaurants.
- CRITICAL: US dollar bills must be in pristine condition. Any bills with small rips, tears, writing, or heavy creases will likely be rejected. It is also wise to carry newer series bills, as older designs are sometimes refused.
- For your convenience, it is best to use US dollars for pre-arranged payments and rely on Peruvian Soles for daily expenses like local meals, taxis, market shopping, and small souvenirs.
Accessing & Exchanging Money
ATMs (Cajeros Automáticos)
- The most convenient way to acquire local currency upon arrival is by using an ATM.
- They are readily available in all cities and larger towns. However, they can become scarce in remote or rural areas, so plan accordingly.
- For reliability and security, we recommend using ATMs affiliated with major banks such as BCP, Scotiabank, or BBVA. It is best to avoid standalone, non-bank ATMs often found in small convenience stores.
- Fees & Limits: Be prepared for two separate fees per withdrawal: one from the local ATM (approximately S/20, or $5-6 USD) and one from your home bank. Withdrawal limits are typically around S/700 or $200 USD per transaction.
- Safety: For your security, use ATMs located inside a bank or a well-lit store, preferably during daylight hours. Always be aware of your surroundings and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Credit & Debit Cards
- Acceptance: Visa is the most widely accepted card in Peru, with Mastercard being a close second. American Express is accepted far less frequently.
- Where to Use: Major credit and debit cards are generally accepted in mid-to-high-end hotels, restaurants, and large supermarkets within cities. They are not a common form of payment in small towns, local markets, or for taxi fares.
- Surcharges: Be aware that some businesses may add a surcharge of approximately 5% to your bill when you pay by card. It is always best to ask beforehand.
Traveler’s Reminder: Before you depart, please notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations. This simple step helps prevent your cards from being blocked due to suspicious activity alerts when they detect international transactions.
Exchanging Cash
- Where to Exchange: For the best exchange rates and your security, always use official
Casas de Cambio(exchange houses). While you will see licensed street money changers (cambistas) in many cities, we advise against using them to minimize risk. - Airport Exchange: The exchange rates offered at the airport are typically unfavorable. If you must exchange money upon arrival, we suggest exchanging only a small, necessary amount ($50-$100 USD) to cover immediate costs like a taxi.
It is essential to remember that, just as with spending them, only crisp, new US dollar bills will be accepted for exchange. Any bills that are damaged, written on, or from an older series will be rejected by exchange houses and banks.
Daily Budgeting Guide
The following are daily estimates per person, intended to help you plan your spending money. These figures do not include costs for pre-paid accommodation, flights, or multi-day treks like the Inca Trail.
Backpacker Budget
- Daily Estimate: $30 – $40 USD
- Includes: Accommodation in hostel dormitories, eating at local markets or choosing the
menú del día(affordable set lunches), using public transportation, and enjoying free activities.
Mid-Range Budget
- Daily Estimate: $60 – $90 USD
- Includes: Private rooms in 3-star hotels or guesthouses, a mix of meals at local eateries and mid-range restaurants, using taxis or ride-sharing apps, and including some paid tours or museum entrance fees.
Luxury Budget
- Daily Estimate: $150+ USD
- Includes: Stays in 4-5 star hotels, dining at fine restaurants, hiring private transportation, and engaging specialized or private guided tours.
Tipping & Bargaining Etiquette
Tipping Guidelines
- Restaurants: Tipping is not obligatory but is certainly appreciated for good service. In mid-to-high-end restaurants, a tip of 10% is a welcome gesture. At smaller, family-run eateries, a tip is generally not expected.
- Tour Guides: It is customary to tip your guides for their service. For a full-day group tour, a guideline is S/20-S/30 per person. For private guides or the team on multi-day treks, a larger amount is appropriate and often pooled among the group.
- Drivers: For a private driver on a full-day trip, a tip of S/15-S/25 is suitable. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but it is common practice to round up the fare to the nearest Sol.
- Hotel Staff: For a porter who assists with your luggage, a tip of S/3-S/5 is customary.
Bargaining in Markets
- When to Bargain: Bargaining is an expected and integral part of the shopping experience in artisan and souvenir markets. However, it is not appropriate to bargain in food markets, supermarkets, boutiques, or restaurants where prices are fixed.
- How to Bargain: The key is to remain polite, friendly, and to smile. A respectful starting point is to offer a price that is 20-30% lower than the initial asking price and negotiate from there.
- Tip: Learning a few basic numbers in Spanish can be very helpful in the negotiation process and is often appreciated by vendors.
We encourage you to approach bargaining not as an aggressive contest, but as a friendly interaction. The goal is to arrive at a price that feels fair to both you and the artisan, respecting their craft and livelihood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Peru offers exceptional birdwatching lodges across its diverse habitats. In the Manu region, the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge is famous for sightings of Peru’s national bird, while the Manu Wildlife Center provides access to spectacular macaw clay licks. For those seeking remote wilderness, the Tambopata Research Center within the Tambopata National Reserve is a top-tier destination for rare Amazonian species.
In the northern Andes, the Abra Patricia Owlet Lodge is essential for spotting the rare Long-whiskered Owlet and other endemics. For a mix of comfort and biodiversity, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica near Puerto Maldonado is highly recommended. These lodges are distinguished by their strategic locations and expert birding guides, ensuring high species counts for visitors exploring Peru’s avian diversity.
Peru is a premier global destination for birdwatching, featuring diverse habitats that support over 1,800 species. Manu National Park and the Tambopata National Reserve are world-renowned for their Amazonian biodiversity and vibrant macaw clay licks. For those seeking high-altitude species, the Colca Canyon provides the best opportunity to see the Andean Condor, while Abra Malaga is a hotspot for unique Andean endemics. On the coast, the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands offer sightings of Humboldt penguins and numerous marine birds. Additionally, Northern Peru’s Abra Patricia reserve is a must-visit for rare species like the Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird and the Long-whiskered Owlet.
The best time for birdwatching in Peru is generally from September to November. During these months, many species are in their breeding season, making them more active, vocal, and easier to spot. This period also coincides with the arrival of migratory birds from the northern hemisphere, which significantly increases species diversity across various habitats.
The dry season from May to September is also a prime time, particularly for exploring the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. Lower rainfall during these months ensures better trail conditions and easier accessibility to remote birding sites. For those interested in coastal species, the southern summer between December and March is ideal for observing shorebirds and seabirds. While Peru offers productive birding opportunities year-round, the transition between the dry and wet seasons typically provides the most rewarding experience
Yes, a mirrorless camera can withstand a trip to high mountains with subzero temperatures if it is designed for durability and weather resistance. Many manufacturers produce models with tough, weather-sealed bodies that can handle cold, moisture, and dust. However, it is essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications for operating temperature ranges to ensure reliability in subzero conditions. Additionally, cold temperatures can affect battery performance, so carrying extra batteries and keeping them warm is advisable. Some users also carry silica gel packs to minimize internal condensation when moving between temperature extremes. Proper care and preparation can help ensure the camera functions well in high-altitude, cold environments.
Sharp, pointed mountain peaks are primarily formed by the processes of erosion and tectonic activity. When tectonic plates collide, they push the earth’s crust upward to form mountains, and peaks get sharper over time as erosion by wind, rain, and ice wears away the softer rock. This geological activity sculpts the dramatic, sky-pointing shapes seen in many mountain ranges.
