Where to exchange US dollars in Peru?
US dollars are very popular currency in Peru. Even salary was paid in USD instead of Peruvian soles (probably because of inflation).
What is the best way/place to change dollars to soles?
Best Answer
It depends on the location in Peru, but from my trip there:
- at the airport, there are official money exchange spots
- at the border - there are official, 'official', and very unofficial ('dodgy') money changers. Each with different rates, each with different levels of risk. Licensed money changers are your best bet, although potentially a lower rate, at least they're official.
- some shops - supermarkets, for example, will change
- almost all banks will change money for you
- some tourist spots will change small amounts of money for you
- some hostels will change money for you. Presumably hotels will too - but I stayed in hostels.
- other travellers! There are always travellers going in and out of Peru, who you'll meet who want to get rid of sols and get their next currency, or vice versa. And you won't have to pay exchange fees like you might at a bank.
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Do they accept U.S. dollars in Peru?
Who Accepts U.S. Dollars in Peru. Many businesses in Peru do accept U.S. dollars, especially within the tourism industry. Most hostels and hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies will happily take your dollars (some even list their prices in U.S. dollars), while also accepting the local currency.Where is the best place to exchange dollars?
Your bank or credit union is almost always the best place to exchange currency.- Before your trip, exchange money at your bank or credit union.
- Once you're abroad, use your financial institution's ATMs, if possible.
- After you're home, see if your bank or credit union will buy back the foreign currency.
Is the US dollar strong in Peru?
The cost of Peru Despite this, the Machu Picchu trip cost is still quite accessible, especially if you know the prices and rates of international attractions. In the same way, the US dollar, the euro, and the pound are strong currencies that can be used on your trips to Peru.Should I take cash to Peru?
Peru is still largely a cash society. In villages and small towns, it could be impossible to cash traveler's checks or use credit cards. Make sure that you have cash (both soles and U.S. dollars) on hand. If you pay in dollars, you will likely receive change in soles, so be aware of the correct exchange rate.Where to exchange your currency in Peru (Video 19)
More answers regarding where to exchange US dollars in Peru?
Answer 2
The other posts give great places to change money. But be aware that there are a fair number of counterfeit notes in Peru (and other South American countries). You will often see locals holding the money upto the light and feeling it to check for fakes. The fakes here can be very good - even having watermarks and that metal thread thing. I have seen several during my stay in Peru in 50 and 100 sole values usually but also in 10s and 20s. (Coins too). It is not easy to spend fake bills if you do get them (and is illegal to do so).
So I recommend checking for counterfeit notes when ever you change money or even just get change. Here are things to look for:
- clear watermark of the amount of the note eg "50" for a fifty sole note
- the big purple amount number changes to green as you rotate the note against the light
- there is raised print at the top of the note
- metal thread in middle of note
- really tiny print at top of note (that is hard to photocopy)
- the ink is slightly wet (rub on a sheet of white paper) - the copies have dry ink and don't leave a mark
- the paper just feels different
Counterfeit dollars exist here too in case you every change soles back into dollars.
I think it is more likely to get stiffed by more informal money changers, so take that into account when comparing rates.
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