If you are planning a trip to Peru, understanding the currency in Peru South America can make daily travel easier. From buying food in Cusco to paying for transport, hotels, tours and small purchases, knowing which money to carry can help you plan your budget.
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian sol, written as S/. Its international currency code is PEN. The Central Reserve Bank of Peru is responsible for issuing the country’s notes and coins.
Travelers visiting Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu or the Amazon should carry some local currency because not every business accepts cards or foreign money.
For help planning your Peru trip, manunationalparktour.com can also provide information about Manu tours and travel arrangements. You can contact the team at +51 900 394 399.
What Is the Currency in Peru South America?
The currency in Peru South America is the Peruvian sol. It is commonly shown as S/ before the amount.
For example:
- S/10 = ten soles
- S/20 = twenty soles
- S/50 = fifty soles
- S/100 = one hundred soles
- S/200 = two hundred soles
The currency code is PEN.
The name “sol” became the official name of Peru’s monetary unit in 2015, replacing the earlier official name “nuevo sol.”
For visitors, you may see both soles and S/ used when prices are displayed.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sol | Peru’s currency |
| Soles | Plural form of sol |
| S/ | Currency symbol |
| PEN | International currency code |
| Peruvian Sol | Common English name |
Knowing these terms can help when reading restaurant menus, hotel prices, tour costs and local signs.
What Are the Peruvian Currency Notes and Coins?
Peruvian currency is available in both banknotes and coins.
The Central Reserve Bank’s currency data lists banknotes of S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100 and S/200. Coins in circulation include S/0.10, S/0.20, S/0.50, S/1, S/2 and S/5.
| Type | Denominations |
|---|---|
| Banknotes | S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, S/200 |
| Coins | S/0.10, S/0.20, S/0.50, S/1, S/2, S/5 |
Smaller coins can be useful for small purchases, local transport and other daily expenses.
When you receive cash, check the note and amount before leaving the shop, restaurant or exchange counter. This is a simple habit that can help avoid payment mistakes.
Can You Use US Dollars in Peru?
US dollars are widely familiar in Peru, especially in tourism-related businesses, but the Peruvian sol is the main currency for everyday payments.
Some hotels, tour companies and businesses in tourist areas may display or accept prices in US dollars. However, small shops, local markets, street vendors and many everyday services may ask for payment in soles.
For this reason, travelers should not plan their entire trip around US dollars.
A useful approach is to carry:
- Some Peruvian soles for daily spending
- A bank card for larger payments
- A small amount of US dollars if useful for your travel plans
If you are booking a Manu tour from Cusco, confirm the payment currency and accepted payment methods with your tour company before departure. manunationalparktour.com can provide current information for its own tour arrangements at +51 900 394 399.
Should You Carry Cash or Use Cards in Peru?
Both cash and cards can be useful in Peru.
Cards are commonly used by hotels, larger restaurants, shops and many tourism businesses. Smaller businesses may prefer cash, particularly outside major tourist areas.
Carrying some soles is useful when visiting:
- Local markets
- Small restaurants
- Rural areas
- Local transport services
- Small shops
- Remote rainforest areas
A simple combination of cash + card can give you more payment options during your trip.
Before traveling to remote areas such as Manu National Park, ask your tour operator how much cash you should carry. Access to ATMs and card payment can be more limited in remote rainforest locations than in Lima or Cusco.
How Does Money Exchange Work in Peru?
Travelers can exchange foreign currency into Peruvian soles through banks and authorized exchange services.
Exchange rates change over time. The Central Reserve Bank of Peru publishes official exchange-rate information, including rates between the sol and the US dollar.
The amount you receive can also depend on the provider’s rate and any fees or charges.
Before exchanging money, check:
- The current exchange rate
- The amount you will receive
- Any service fee
- The condition of the notes you receive
- The reputation of the exchange provider
Avoid exchanging large amounts of money with unknown individuals on the street.
If you are planning a Peru trip that includes Cusco, Machu Picchu and Manu, it can be useful to arrange your main spending money before entering remote areas.
How Much Money Do You Need in Peru?
Your daily budget depends on your travel style, destination and activities.
A traveler staying in budget accommodation will have different expenses from someone using private transport, higher-priced hotels and organized tours.
Common travel costs may include:
| Expense | Payment to expect |
|---|---|
| Local food | Often soles |
| Markets | Usually soles |
| Local transport | Often soles |
| Hotels | Soles or USD depending on the property |
| Tours | Soles or USD depending on the operator |
| Restaurants | Soles, cards or sometimes USD |
| Souvenirs | Usually soles or cards |
Tour prices should always be checked directly with the provider because rates can change based on the itinerary, season and services included.
For example, travelers booking through manunationalparktour.com should confirm the current price and payment method for their selected Manu program. The team can be reached at +51 900 394 399.
Currency in Peru for Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon
The currency in Peru remains the Peruvian sol throughout the country, but your payment needs can change depending on where you travel.
Cusco
Cusco has many hotels, restaurants, shops, banks and exchange services. Cards are useful, but keeping some soles is still a good idea for smaller purchases.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu and the surrounding tourist area are heavily visited by travelers. You may find card payment more common at established hotels and restaurants, but local currency can still be useful.
Amazon and Manu
Cash planning becomes more important when traveling toward remote rainforest areas. Some locations have fewer ATMs and limited card facilities.
If your itinerary includes Manu National Park tours, ask about payment options before leaving Cusco.
For travelers arranging their rainforest journey with manunationalparktour.com, the team can explain the payment details for the selected program. Call +51 900 394 399 before your trip.
Money Tips for Travelers Visiting Peru
Knowing the Peru currency is only one part of managing money during your trip. A few simple habits can make payments easier.
Keep Smaller Notes
Smaller notes and coins are useful for food, transport and small purchases. A shop may not always have enough change for a large note.
Check Your Change
Count your change after making a cash payment. This is especially useful in busy markets and transport areas.
Keep Cash Secure
Carry only the amount you need for the day and keep the rest of your money in a secure place.
Tell Your Bank About Travel
If your bank requires travel notification, complete it before leaving home. Also check foreign transaction fees and cash withdrawal charges.
Keep a Backup Payment Method
A second card or some emergency cash can be useful if your main payment method does not work.
Carry Some Soles Outside Major Cities
If you plan to travel into rural or rainforest areas, carry enough local currency for the services and purchases you expect to make.
What Is the Currency in Peru South America?
The official currency in Peru South America is the Peruvian sol. It is written as S/ and has the international code PEN.
Can I Use US Dollars in Peru?
US dollars may be accepted by some hotels, tour companies and businesses in tourist areas, but the Peruvian sol is the main currency for everyday payments. Carrying some soles is useful for local purchases and smaller businesses.
Should I Carry Cash in Peru?
Yes, Cards can be useful in hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, but cash in Peruvian soles is useful for markets, local transport, small shops and travel outside major cities.
What Currency Should I Take for a Peru Amazon Tour?
Carry some Peruvian soles for your Amazon trip and confirm the payment terms of your tour company before departure. Remote areas can have fewer ATMs and card payment options. For current Manu tour payment information, contact manunationalparktour.com at +51 900 394 399.
Plan Your Peru Trip With the Right Currency
Understanding the currency in Peru South America can help you manage everyday travel costs with less trouble. The Peruvian sol is the local currency, while cards and US dollars may also be useful in certain tourism settings.
For a trip covering Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon, plan your payment methods according to each part of your route. Carry some soles, keep a reliable card available and arrange enough cash before entering remote areas.
If your Peru itinerary includes Manu National Park, manunationalparktour.com can help with information about rainforest tours, routes and payment arrangements.
Call +51 900 394 399 to discuss your Manu trip and current tour details.