Currency

Peru has a duel currency with both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles as legally used throughout the country. You can make purchases in either currency, withdraw cash from ATM's in either currency and exchange cash between the currencies at exchange agencies found in most large cities.

 

Money exchange

The exchange rate commonly fluctuates around 3.7 Soles to the Dollar, but the exact daily exchance rate is commonly shown at any currency exchange agency or you can ask at the desk. Banks are a less appealing place to change money, because the exchange rate offered is lower than exchange agencies and service can be slow. 

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Cash

You can obtain local currency from ATM's and exchange agencies, which is useful as most businesses are much more accustomed  to use local currency for small purchases. You might use dollars for larger cash purchases in expensive tourist shops, boutiques and hotels. But be aware that small businesses often do not have a supply of cash in order to give alot of change, so it is a good idea to obtain plenty of coins and small denomination bank notes whenever possible. One good way is to withdraw dollars from an ATM and then change them into local currency at a currency exchange, asking the teller to provide you with as much small denomination notes as possible.

 

Credit cards

They are widely accepted in most businesses throughout the country; in all hotels, most restaurants and shops for medium to large purchases.  Visa is the most widely accepted card, also American Express and Mastrecard but to a lesser degree. Some shops which are more accustomed to use cash, may charge a 5% surcharge for credit card purchases. Do not forget to follow basic security guidelines such as keeping your card in sight and keeping your pin number hidden.