Money in Peru
Peru uses the Peruvian sol. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- PENPeruvian sol
- Symbol
- S/
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Peru
US dollars are accepted at some tourist sites. Soles work better elsewhere.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Cash is still preferred in markets, public transport and small shops, so carry small bills and coins. A tip may not be added to a card bill, so keep some cash.
- ATMs
- ATMs are in almost all cities and most take Visa, Mastercard and Cirrus. Fees depend on your bank and the ATM, daily limits apply, and you can choose soles or US dollars (Wendy Wu Tours, Tierras Vivas).
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are accepted in some shops, restaurants, hotels and gas stations, mostly in tourist areas, but Tierras Vivas recommends paying in soles because change comes back in soles.
- Exchanging money
- Use banks or authorized exchange offices and avoid exchanging on the street. Airports exchange money at less favorable rates (Tierras Vivas).
- Watch out for
- Many businesses refuse torn, worn or taped soles and dirty or damaged US dollars. Check suspect notes for the watermark and color-shifting security strip and ask for a replacement before leaving.
Tipping in Peru
Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Tip guides and porters on treks.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Wendy Wu Tours, Tierras Vivas, Premier Tours, Andean Trails, Jacada Travel, Peru for Less.
Convert to and from PEN
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.46 PEN | 3.88 PEN | 4.65 PEN |
| 10 | 34.63 PEN | 38.80 PEN | 46.47 PEN |
| 50 | 173 PEN | 194 PEN | 232 PEN |
| 100 | 346 PEN | 388 PEN | 465 PEN |
| 500 | 1,731 PEN | 1,940 PEN | 2,323 PEN |
What each amount is worth in PEN. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Peru use?
Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN).
Do you need to tip in Peru?
Appreciated. Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Tip guides and porters on treks.
Can you pay by card in Peru?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash is still preferred in markets, public transport and small shops, so carry small bills and coins. A tip may not be added to a card bill, so keep some cash.
Are there ATMs in Peru?
ATMs are in almost all cities and most take Visa, Mastercard and Cirrus. Fees depend on your bank and the ATM, daily limits apply, and you can choose soles or US dollars (Wendy Wu Tours, Tierras Vivas).