Peru Money and Currency Guide 2026

Peru’s currency is the Peruvian Sol (symbol S/, ISO code PEN). It is a stable, fully convertible currency that has traded in a relatively narrow range against major currencies in recent years. Day-to-day costs in Peru are moderate — lower than Western Europe and comparable to or slightly below other South American tourist destinations — but knowing how to access money efficiently saves unnecessary fees and exchange losses. For a full breakdown of what to budget per day, see our Peru travel costs guide.

The Peruvian Sol

The Sol divides into 100 céntimos. Notes in circulation: S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, S/200. Coins: S/0.10, S/0.20, S/0.50, S/1, S/2, S/5.

Exchange rate context: The Sol has traded at approximately S/3.70–S/3.85 per USD and approximately S/4.50–S/5.00 per GBP in the period around 2025–2026. Rates fluctuate — check XE.com or Google for the current mid-market rate before exchanging any money. The figures in this guide are approximate and are stated as context only; verify current rates before travel.

S/1 is worth roughly USD 0.26–USD 0.27 at the rates above. As a rough guide: a meal at a local lunch restaurant (menú del día) costs approximately S/12–S/20; a coffee in a Miraflores café approximately S/8–S/15; a taxi across central Cusco approximately S/8–S/12.

ATMs in Peru

ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are the most practical way to access Soles. They are widely available in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and other cities, and less common in small towns and rural areas.

Recommended Banks

Interbank: The most foreigner-friendly ATM network. Accepts Visa, Mastercard, and most international cards. Fee for international withdrawals typically S/12–S/15 per transaction as of 2026 (charged by the ATM, separate from any fee your home bank charges).

BCP (Banco de Crédito del Perú): Widespread network, accepts major international cards. ATM fees approximately S/12–S/18 per withdrawal as of 2026. ATMs found throughout city centres and shopping malls.

Scotiabank: Reasonable coverage in major cities. Accepts Visa and Mastercard. Comparable fees to BCP.

ATMs to Avoid

GlobalNet ATMs appear in airports, hotels, and tourist-facing locations across Peru. They charge significantly higher fees than bank ATMs — often S/20–S/30 per withdrawal plus an unfavourable dynamic currency conversion (DCC) rate if you accept the offered conversion to your home currency. Decline DCC when asked: always choose to be charged in Peruvian Soles, not your home currency. The DCC rate typically adds 3–5% to the real exchange cost.

Minimising ATM Fees

Each withdrawal incurs fees on both ends — the Peruvian ATM charges approximately S/12–S/18, and your home bank may charge an additional foreign transaction fee (typically 1–3% plus a fixed fee of USD 2–USD 5). To minimise total fees:

• Withdraw larger amounts less frequently rather than small amounts daily. A single S/400–S/600 withdrawal is significantly cheaper per Sol than four S/100–S/150 withdrawals.
• Use a fee-free card if possible. UK travellers with Starling, Monzo, or Chase current accounts avoid most foreign transaction fees. US travellers with Charles Schwab debit accounts are reimbursed for international ATM fees. These cards make meaningful savings over a two-week trip.
• ATM maximum withdrawal limits in Peru typically range from S/400–S/1,000 per transaction depending on the machine and your card’s daily limit.

Exchanging Cash

Carrying USD or EUR cash as backup is sensible, and the exchange rates at proper exchange houses can be competitive.

Best Place to Exchange in Lima

The concentration of casas de cambio (exchange houses) on Avenida La Paz in Miraflores is the best location in Lima for competitive cash exchange rates. Compare rates at 2–3 offices before exchanging; rates are displayed in the window. Street money changers (wearing orange vests in some areas) are not recommended — although some are legitimate, the risk of short-changing or receiving counterfeit notes is higher.

Airport Exchange

Jorge Chávez airport exchange desks offer poor rates — typically 5–10% below the mid-market rate. Exchange only a minimal amount at the airport (e.g. S/100–S/150 to cover a taxi and initial expenses) and use an ATM or casa de cambio in the city for the rest.

Hotel Exchange

Hotels generally offer worse rates than casas de cambio. Use them only in emergencies.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in:

• Lima: Widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and shops in Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro. Even many mid-range establishments take cards.
• Cusco: Accepted in most hotels and tour operators, many restaurants near Plaza de Armas. Less consistent in smaller restaurants and markets.
• Arequipa: Similar to Cusco — reliable in tourist-facing businesses, patchy elsewhere.
• Smaller towns and markets: Cash is the norm. Do not count on card acceptance outside the main tourist cities.
• Trekking areas and remote sites: Cash only. Withdraw adequate Soles before heading to the Sacred Valley, Colca Canyon, or the Amazon.

American Express is accepted at some upscale Lima restaurants and international chain hotels but is not reliably accepted elsewhere. Visa and Mastercard are universally more useful.

Dynamic Currency Conversion: When paying by card at some terminals, you may be asked whether to pay in Soles or your home currency. Always choose Soles — the “convenience” of paying in your home currency comes at a poor conversion rate typically set by the merchant, not the card network.

Tipping in Peru

Tipping is not mandatory in Peru but has become standard practice in tourist areas.

Restaurants: Tipping approximately 10% of the bill is a reasonable practice in tourist-facing restaurants in Lima and Cusco, if service was attentive. Check your bill before tipping — higher-end Lima restaurants sometimes add a 10% service charge (servicio) automatically. If that is already included, a small additional tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.

Tour guides: Approximately S/20–S/50 per day per guide as of 2026 for a half- or full-day city or site tour. For multi-day treks (Inca Trail, Salkantay), the equivalent of USD 5–USD 10 per day per guide is standard.

Porters (Inca Trail and Salkantay): Approximately S/10–S/20 per day per porter as of 2026 is standard practice. Most reputable tour operators provide guidance on tipping norms in their pre-trip information.

Taxis: Not customary to tip taxi drivers in Peru. Rounding up to the nearest Sol is fine but not expected.

Hotels: Tip housekeeping approximately S/5–S/10 per night as of 2026 if you wish. Porters at upscale hotels typically receive S/5–S/10 per bag.

Counterfeit Notes

Counterfeit Peruvian Soles circulate, primarily in S/50 and S/100 denominations. The risk is highest when receiving change in busy markets, from street vendors, and at some smaller shops.

How to identify genuine notes:

• Watermark: Hold the note up to light. A watermark of the note’s featured portrait (or a geometric pattern on lower denominations) should be visible.
• Security thread: A vertical metallic or holographic thread embedded in the paper, visible when held to light.
• Colour-shifting ink: The denomination numeral on S/50 and S/100 notes shifts from gold to green when tilted.
• Paper feel: Genuine notes are printed on a distinctly fibrous cotton-blend paper. Counterfeits often feel thinner, smoother, or slightly different in texture.

If you receive a note that does not pass these checks, politely decline it and ask for a different note. Banks and large supermarkets have UV scanners at tills and will refuse counterfeits; receiving one at a market means you absorb the loss. Check S/50 and S/100 notes carefully each time you receive them as change. For other practical planning, see our Peru SIM card guide and our first-time in Peru guide.