What is the currency in Peru?

Planning a trip to Peru is an exciting adventure filled with ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Before you head off to explore Machu Picchu or enjoy a coffee in Cusco, it’s important to understand how money works in the country. Knowing about the Peru currency—the Peruvian Sol (PEN)—can help you avoid extra fees, confusion, and stress while traveling.

The Peruvian Sol, written as S/, is the official currency used across the country. In popular tourist areas, some places may accept U.S. dollars. However, most local businesses, markets, and smaller towns prefer to be paid in Soles.

Having a bit of local currency is always useful. You’ll need cash for taxis, small meals, souvenirs, and tips—especially in areas where cards aren’t accepted. It’s also a good idea to carry a mix of payment options, including a card for larger purchases and Soles for everyday expenses.

In short, understanding how the Peru currency works will make your trip smoother, help you manage your money wisely, and let you focus on enjoying all that Peru has to offer.

What is the official currency of Peru?

The Peruvian Sol is the currency of Peru. Our currency rankings show that the most popular Peru Sol exchange rate is the USD to PEN rate. The currency code for Nuevos Soles is PEN, and the currency symbol for this unit of account (or money) is S/.

Is it advisable to carry dollars to Peru?

This is a difficult question to answer, because it can depend on many factors. Generally speaking, it is advisable to bring U.S. dollars with you when travelling to Peru, but not all places will accept payment in USD.

Currency exchange offices are relatively inexpensive and plentiful throughout Lima and other cities, so using them will give you peace of mind that if you need to change money, there is most likely one nearby. Some places may only accept cash payments and won’t take credit cards or debit cards, so it’s important to carry some of those as well. You should also keep an eye out for scams involving counterfeit money – as counterfeiting is a major industry in Peru – and keep your wallet close at all times if possible.

Currency in Peru – denominations

The Peru Sol (currency code PEN) has denominations of 10 soles, 20 soles, 50 soles, 100 soles and 200 soles.

Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 soles.

Coins: 10 cents, 20 cents; 50 cents, 1 sol, 2 soles and 5 soles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are Peruvian Sols?
   Peruvian soles (code PEN, symbol S/) is the unit of currency used in Peru and it’s abbreviated with a S. The Peruvian sol is equal to 100 cêntimos.
2. How much does one US Dollar cost today? One USD can buy about S/ 3.50 PEN at the time of writing. You can check the exchange rate at this link.
3. Where can I exchange my money for Peruvian soles? There are several places you can go, but it’s best if you check their exchange rates first so you know how much money will be left after exchanging your money. Places like Travelex and Moneygram usually offer good rates, but they’re only available in major cities or airports; while banks also offer good rates on exchanges, they’re only available during banking hours on weekdays, making them inconvenient for travelers on weekends or evenings.
4. What other currencies are often used when traveling abroad?
   The Euro (EUR) and the British Pound Sterling (GBP) are also common international currencies. The Euro, for example, can be used throughout Europe without having to use a different currency for each country.
5. Where can I get Peruvian currency? You can exchange your US dollars for Peruvian Soles at any of the currency exchange offices that are located in the banks, airports, and some hotels. You can also withdraw money from ATMs that have a Visa or Mastercard logo on them. If you’re looking to withdraw money from an ATM that doesn’t accept either of these cards, you’ll need to contact your bank for more information.
6. Can I use dollars in Peru? Many stores and restaurants accept dollars, but you may not be able to get change from them because they are not accepted by banks or ATMs. You can exchange your money at a local bank or at an authorized money exchanger. Make sure to have your passport on hand when exchanging cash and always count your money carefully before leaving.
7. Where can I exchange US dollars for Peruvian currency in the US?
   You can exchange US dollars for Peruvian Soles at:
   Major banks in the US that offer foreign currency services (especially large national banks).
   Specialized travel-money/foreign-exchange shops.
   Online travel-currency services that deliver to your home or for pick-up.
   (Then bring or carry the Soles with you to Peru.)
   Note: The rates and fees in the US may be less favorable than in-country.
8. What are the best currency exchange services for Peruvian Sol in the US?
   While I cannot endorse specific providers, some good practices:
   Use a bank you already trust that offers foreign currency — check their published rates and fees.
   Use reputable online FX / travel-money services that allow you to order Soles ahead of travel. For example, Xchange of America offers online ordering of foreign currencies including Soles.
   Compare total cost (rate + shipping + service fee) rather than just the “headline” rate.
   Avoid last-minute airport kiosks or hotel exchanges, which tend to have worse rates.
9. How to convert Peruvian currency to US dollars online?
   To convert Soles to USD (or USD to Soles) online:
   Use a currency-converter website/app (for example XE Currency or Wise) to check live mid-market rates. (Xe)
   If you have Soles and want to convert to USD, you would need to use a bank or foreign-exchange service that accepts returning that currency. Some online services allow you to “sell” foreign currency and have the USD deposited to your US bank account.
   Note: If you’re in Peru with Soles and want USD back, the rate and fees may be less favourable.
10. What is the current exchange rate for Peruvian Sol to USD?
    As of the latest available data:
    1 PEN ≈ 0.295 USD (approximately). (Wise)
    Or inversely, 1 USD ≈ 3.387 PEN. (Xe)
    Keep in mind the rate you receive when exchanging will be worse than the mid-market rate due to fees/mark-ups.
11. Which ATMs in Peru accept US bank cards for cash withdrawal?
    Yes — many ATMs in Peru accept foreign (including US) bank/debit cards, but you should keep these tips in mind:
    Look for ATM machines inside banks, malls or secure buildings rather than standalone street machines.
    Cards from major networks (Visa, MasterCard) are the most likely to work.
    Your US bank may charge international-withdrawal fees; the Peruvian ATM may charge its own fee. (Wise)
    Choose to withdraw in Soles (local currency) rather than USD, to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) which often gives a worse rate. (Wise)
    It’s wise to alert your bank before travel to avoid your card being blocked. (Follow Alice)
    Example-specific bank/ATM names are not guaranteed to accept all US cards — always carry backup options.
12. Are credit cards widely accepted in Peru or should I carry local currency?
    In larger cities (e.g., Lima, Cusco) and at many hotels, restaurants and tour operators, credit cards are widely accepted.
    However, in smaller towns, local markets, taxis, bus rides, remote villages and less-touristy spots you will very likely need cash in Soles.
    Recommendation: Use a card for big purchases, but carry some Soles for everyday small things and places where cards may not work.
13. How to avoid currency exchange fees when traveling to Peru?
    Here are several strategies:
    Use a debit or credit card that has no foreign transaction fee and minimal ATM withdrawal fee.
    Withdraw cash from ATMs in Peru less frequently but larger amounts (to amortize any fixed fee per withdrawal) rather than many small ones. (Wise)
    Choose to be charged in Soles (local currency) at the ATM/point-of-sale to avoid DCC (dynamic currency conversion).
    Avoid exchanging money at airport kiosks, hotels or tourist-only exchange booths, because they tend to have much worse rates. (Investopedia)
    Check your US bank’s partner networks (Global ATM alliances) which may reduce foreign ATM fees. (Wikipedia)
    Pre-order foreign currency in the US so you have some local currency on arrival — this can save on immediate airport exchange mark-ups.
14. What mobile apps can I use to track Peru currency exchange rates?
    Some useful apps you can use:
    XE Currency Converter (live rate tracking for PEN ↔ USD)
    Wise (formerly TransferWise) app (live conversion tool, historical charts) (Wise)
    Your bank’s mobile app may also offer foreign-currency rate alerts or ordering options.
    Some travel-money services have apps that let you “lock in” a rate or order currency ahead of travel.
15. Where can I buy Peruvian currency before traveling from the US?
    Yes—you can buy Peruvian Soles before traveling:
    Through your US bank’s foreign currency service (if they offer PEN) — order in advance and pick up or have delivered.
    Through online travel-currency/exchange services that support PEN and deliver to your address. For example, the US-based Xchange of America offers ordering foreign currency online. (xchangeofamerica.com)
    Some specialized foreign-exchange bureaus allow you to reserve Soles and pick up at a branch.
    Note: You may pay shipping/handling fees; inventory of certain currencies may be limited; and the rate may not be as good as exchanging in-country.