You are traveling to Machu Picchu and… you don’t know which currency to use?

Are you traveling to Machu Picchu and don’t know whether to bring dollars, soles, or your card? Many travelers get confused and end up overspending because they don’t do their research beforehand. In this blog, we’ll tell you what type of currency you should bring, where to exchange your money, and what mistakes to avoid to make your experience easier and safer.

Currency and exchange rates in Peru

What is the official currency in Peru?

The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian sol, represented by the symbol S/ and with the ISO code “PEN.” Although it was formerly known as the “nuevo sol,” since 2015, its official name has simply been “sol.” This currency is used for all transactions within the country, including payments in hotels, restaurants, stores, and transportation.

The Peruvian sol is available in coins of 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1, 2, and 5 soles, as well as in banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles. It’s advisable to carry small change if you plan to travel through rural areas or local markets, where large bills or cards are sometimes not accepted.

What exchange rate is used in Cusco and Machu Picchu?

In Cusco and Machu Picchu, the exchange rate varies depending on where you exchange your money. Exchange offices in Cusco often offer more competitive rates than banks or at the airport.

It’s advisable to exchange your money in Cusco before traveling to Machu Picchu, as you’ll find more options and better rates there. Additionally, many travel agencies and small businesses only accept soles, so bringing the local currency will avoid any inconvenience.

Can you pay with dollars in Machu Picchu?

In Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes), some hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops accept dollars, especially if they’re geared toward foreigners. However, not all businesses do, and it’s common to receive change in soles at a less than favorable exchange rate.

Therefore, it’s best to bring soles for your purchases, especially if you plan to shop at local markets or use basic services. Dollars can be useful as a backup or for emergencies, but they shouldn’t be your only form of payment.

Cards and payment methods

Do they accept credit or debit cards at Machu Picchu?

Of course! Take note: Machu Picchu has a variety of establishments such as cafes, restaurants , bars, shops, hotels , and nightclubs that accept debit or credit card payments.

On the other hand, if you visit part of the market and want to buy an item, you should keep in mind that most don’t have POS terminals for card payments, so you’ll definitely need to carry cash in soles to facilitate your transaction.

Is it safe to pay by card in Peru?

Of course. Most companies that offer card payments for their services have very secure payment gateways, such as IZIPAY, PAYPAL, NIUBIZ, etc., which are managed through a POS terminal. Upon completion of your transaction, they issue you a payment receipt so you can be sure of your payment.

However, you should be extremely careful when making card payments on websites, as you could encounter fraudulent sites. To ensure your payment is secure, you can check the comments or reviews of the company whose services you wish to use and, if possible, contact them to confirm whether you can make the payment through their website.

Which cards are most widely accepted: Visa or MasterCard?

In Peru, and especially in tourist areas like Cusco and Machu Picchu, both Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted. However, Visa tends to be slightly more widely accepted, especially at ATMs and large commercial establishments.

That said, it’s important to keep in mind that many small businesses, markets, and services in rural areas still prefer cash payments. While you can use your card at major hotels or restaurants, always carry some cash just in case.

Can I withdraw money from an ATM in Cusco?

Yes, you’ll find numerous ATMs in Cusco, especially in the historic center. The country’s major banks, such as BCP, BBVA, Scotiabank, and Interbank, have ATMs that accept international cards. You can withdraw both soles and dollars, depending on the ATM configuration.

Before withdrawing money, check with your bank if your card is enabled for international use and review the withdrawal fees. Some cards charge an additional transaction fee, while others allow free withdrawals, depending on your account type or bank.

Helpful Money Tips

Where to exchange money in Cusco or Aguas Calientes?

Take note! One of your best options is to exchange currency in the city of Cusco. Why? In the town of Aguas Calientes, exchange offices rarely appear to help you with this procedure, but despite this, there are many establishments that accept payments in dollars.

In Cusco, you’ll find many currency exchange offices on Avenida El Sol, which is quite close to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Take note! Under no circumstances should you exchange currency with people offering this service on the street, as they don’t have offices and exchange money on public streets, which poses a high risk to your safety.

What mistakes should you avoid when exchanging money in Peru?

One of the most common mistakes is exchanging money at airports, where the exchange rate is unfavorable. Another mistake is accepting torn or severely damaged bills, as many places don’t accept them. Always check the bills you receive and try to use them promptly or exchange them for others in good condition.

It’s also important to avoid exchanging money on the street with unauthorized individuals, as you could fall victim to scams or receive counterfeit bills. It’s best to go to established exchange offices or banks, even if the rate isn’t the highest, to ensure security.

What are the best apps for monitoring exchange rates?

Some of the most useful apps for tracking the exchange rate of the dollar and other currencies in Peru are “Cambista,” “Western Union,” and “Dólar Perú.” These apps show you the average daily exchange rate, and some even allow you to compare rates between official exchange offices.

Additionally, you can use banking apps like BCP or Interbank, which also display the exchange rate for card transactions or ATM withdrawals. Having one of these apps on your phone can help you decide when and where to exchange your money.

Should you bring cash from your country or exchange it in Peru?

Bringing some cash from your home country can be helpful, especially if you need money as soon as you arrive at the airport. However, it’s best to exchange most of your money in Peru, where the exchange rate is usually better than what you’d get in your home country.

The ideal option is to combine cash with a card. Bring dollars in good quality, unbroken bills and exchange them at exchange offices in Cusco. You can also use your card to withdraw soles at ATMs or pay directly at some stores. This combination will give you greater flexibility and security during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of currency is used to pay for admission to Machu Picchu?

  Traveler, the established rates for making your reservation are in soles, but if you have another currency, there’s no problem. You’ll be able to complete your transaction without any issues because the payment gateway will automatically convert the currency, ensuring that your purchase isn’t affected.

• Can I use dollars to pay for hotels in Cusco?

  Of course. Most hotels have rate cards in dollars, allowing you to pay in that currency either with your card or in cash.

• How reliable are currency exchange offices in Cusco?

  If you’re going to exchange your currency for soles at exchange offices in Cusco or Lima, be sure to carefully inspect the bills you receive to make sure they’re not damaged or show signs of counterfeiting. Also, remember where you exchanged your money in case there are any issues with the money you received.

  Note: It is preferable to exchange money in formal offices and not with people offering change in public places.

• How much cash should I bring if I’m only going to Machu Picchu for 1 day?

  Traveler, if you’re only going for a day and you’ve already got everything ready—trains, buses, tickets, a guide, etc.—you’ll only need 200 soles on hand to cover food and perhaps a few items.

• Can I pay for taxis with a card in Cusco?

  No, traveler. You should keep in mind that not all taxi drivers have POS terminals for card payments, so it’s very important to always carry cash when using these services.

• Do street vendors accept dollars?

  Dollars are rarely accepted. Therefore, it’s important to carry cash in soles to make your purchases easier, whether in Cusco or Machu Picchu.

• Can you pay in euros in Peru?

  Take note! It’s very difficult for them to accept euros directly, as most people are used to dollars and soles. If you have euros, you’ll need to exchange them at a currency exchange office, which you can find in Cusco or even in your home country before traveling.

• Where can I exchange money without losing too much in commission?

  In Cusco, you can find several currency exchange offices on Avenida El Sol, which is very close to the Plaza de Armas. There are several options with varying fees, so you can choose the one that best suits you.

• Is it better to exchange money in Lima or Cusco?

  If you’re planning to visit Lima before Cusco, it’s recommended to exchange your money in Lima. However, if you’re not staying in Lima, you can also exchange money in Cusco without any problems, as both cities offer good money exchange options.

• What should I do if I run out of cash in Machu Picchu?

  It’s important to avoid running out of cash in Machu Picchu, as there are no ATMs that accept foreign bank cards. In case of emergency, you can ask your hotel or a restaurant for help with cash transfers. However, be aware that you may be charged a fee for this service.