Money in Peru: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
A little money know-how saves a lot of hassle in Peru. Which currency to use, where to withdraw cash, when cards work and how much to tip are the questions every first-time visitor asks. Here are the practical answers for a trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
The currency: the Peruvian sol
Peru’s currency is the sol (code PEN, symbol S/). Notes come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 soles, and there are coins of 1, 2 and 5 soles plus smaller céntimos. Prices in shops and restaurants are almost always in soles; some hotels and agencies also quote in US dollars.
Keep small notes and coins: taxi drivers, market stalls and small shops often cannot change a 100 or 200 note.
Cash or card?
| Where | Cash (soles) | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Markets, street food, taxis | Yes | Rarely |
| Small restaurants and cafés | Yes | Sometimes |
| Mid-range and upscale restaurants | Yes | Usually |
| Hotels and tour agencies | Yes | Usually (sometimes with a surcharge) |
| Rural villages, trailheads, toilets on tours | Yes | No |
Know exactly what is included
Our tour pages list what is included and what to budget for on the day — no surprises.
ATMs and fees
- ATMs are easy to find in Cusco, Lima, Arequipa and Puno, but scarce or absent in villages, on treks and in the Sacred Valley’s smaller towns.
- Most dispense soles and some also US dollars. Many charge a fee per withdrawal, on top of your own bank’s fee, so withdraw larger amounts less often.
- If the machine offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and choose soles: the conversion rate is usually worse.
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres, during the day.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup card kept separately.
Bringing and exchanging US dollars
US dollars are easy to exchange in Peru. Change them at banks or official exchange houses (casas de cambio), never with street changers, and count your money before leaving the counter. Bring notes in perfect condition: torn, marked or very worn bills are often refused. Euros can be exchanged in large cities, usually at a less favourable rate.
How much cash to carry
Your tours, hotels and trains are usually paid in advance, so day-to-day cash covers meals, taxis, snacks, entrance fees not included in your tour, souvenirs and tips. As a rough guide in Cusco, a local set lunch (menú del día) costs from around S/10–15 in simple restaurants, and much more in tourist restaurants; a short taxi ride in the city is a few soles.
Before a day trip or trek, take enough cash for the whole day: there are no ATMs at Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, and small payments such as toilets or a horse are in cash. For the big costs of the trip, see how much a trip to Machu Picchu costs.
Tipping in Peru
- Restaurants: around 10% if service is not included; a little more for great service.
- Guides and drivers on day tours: optional, a small tip in soles is a welcome thank-you.
- Multi-day treks: tips for the guide, cook and porters are customary; the group usually collects them on the last day.
- Taxis: no tip expected; just round up.
Keeping your money safe
Split your cash and cards between your bag and your hotel safe, carry only what you need for the day and be discreet when paying in crowded places. Check notes as you receive them, and refuse damaged bills. More in our guide to safety in Cusco.
Frequently asked questions
The Peruvian sol (PEN, symbol S/). US dollars are accepted by some hotels and agencies, but day-to-day life runs on soles.
Both work. ATMs are convenient in cities; dollars in perfect condition are easy to exchange at banks and official exchange houses. A mix of both, plus a backup card, is the safest option.
Yes, in most hotels, agencies and mid-range restaurants. Markets, taxis, small shops and rural areas are cash only.
Around 10% in restaurants if service is not included; tips for guides, drivers and trek staff are optional but appreciated.
There are ATMs in Aguas Calientes, but none at the citadel or at mountain trailheads such as Rainbow Mountain and Humantay. Carry cash for the day.
