Peru
Currency in Peru: what to use and how to exchange
Peru uses the sol (PEN, S/), roughly S/ 3.4–3.7 per US$ in 2026 (check). Bring some US dollars in clean, untorn notes, withdraw soles from bank ATMs in cities, and change money at casas de cambio or banks rather than street touts. Cards work in Lima, Cusco and hotels; carry cash for markets, taxis and small towns.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
GuidePeru
Key facts
- Currency
- Sol (PEN, S/); 100 céntimos = 1 sol
- Rate
- About S/ 3.4–3.7 per US$ (check)
- Best value
- Bank or casas de cambio in cities; ATMs for soles
- Cards
- Accepted in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa hotels and mid-range restaurants; cash elsewhere
- Cash to carry
- Small soles notes for markets, taxis, buses and tips
- US dollars
- Widely accepted for hotels and tours; notes must be clean and unmarked (check)
- Fake notes
- Check change in busy tourist areas and at night (check)
Details
The sol is the only legal tender. Prices are quoted in soles; you may see "S/" or "PEN". Coins run from 5 céntimos to S/ 5, notes from S/ 10 to S/ 200. Small notes and coins matter: market stalls, colectivos and small shops often cannot break a S/ 100 note.
US dollars are accepted in tourist hotels, some tour agencies and higher-end restaurants, but the rate is usually worse than changing money yourself. If you bring dollars, ask for clean, unmarked, untorn notes — Peruvian banks and casas de cambio can refuse damaged bills (check).
For cash, use bank ATMs in cities and tourist areas. Withdraw in soles rather than dollars to avoid a second conversion. Airport and hotel exchange counters are convenient but usually give a worse rate than a bank or a casas de cambio in the city centre. Street changers who approach you with a calculator are best avoided; use a shop with a posted rate and a receipt.
Cards work for hotels, mid-range and up restaurants, supermarkets and larger shops in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and other cities. Outside those, and for taxis, markets, buses and tips, carry cash. Tell your bank you are travelling, and keep a backup card separate from your main one.
Summary table
| Item | What to expect | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Sol (PEN, S/) | Only legal tender |
| Rate | About S/ 3.4–3.7 per US$ | check |
| Best exchange | Bank or casas de cambio in cities | Compare posted rate |
| ATMs | Bank ATMs in cities and tourist areas | Withdraw in soles |
| Cards | Hotels, mid-range restaurants, supermarkets in cities | Cash needed elsewhere |
| US dollars | Accepted at some hotels and tour agencies | Clean, untorn notes (check) |
| Small change | Keep S/ 10, S/ 20 and coins | Markets, taxis, buses, tips |
Tips
- Change money in the city, not at the airport, unless you only need a small amount on arrival.
- Count your change, especially at night and in busy tourist areas; counterfeit notes circulate (check).
- Carry a mix of S/ 10, S/ 20 and S/ 50 notes plus coins for buses and markets.
- Ask your bank about foreign transaction and ATM fees before you fly.
- Keep a photocopy or photo of your passport and card details separate from the originals.
- Tipping is about 10% in sit-down restaurants; see the tipping page for guides, porters and drivers.
FAQ
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Peru?
The sol (PEN, S/), divided into 100 céntimos. It is the only legal tender. US dollars are accepted at some hotels and tour agencies, but you will usually get a better deal paying in soles.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Peru?
Banks and casas de cambio in city centres usually give better rates than airports or hotels. Compare the posted rate, ask for a receipt, and avoid street changers who approach you. ATMs are a simple alternative for getting soles.
Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Peru?
Both. Cards work in cities for hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, but markets, taxis, buses and small towns run on cash. Bring some US dollars as backup and withdraw soles from bank ATMs.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialBanco Central de Reserva del Perú
- officialSuperintendencia de Banca, Seguros y AFP (SBS)
- secondaryWikivoyage – Peru