Peru Travel Guide

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Shopping

There are many attractive Peruvian handicrafts such as alpaca wool sweaters, alpaca and llama rugs, Indian masks, colorful weaving and silver jewelry. Galleries and handicraft shops abound in Cusco and the Miraflores, Pueblo Libre and downtown districts of Lima. Handicrafts markets are located in Miraflores (Avenida Petit Thouars, blocks 52 to 53) and Pueblo Libre (Avenida La Marina, blocks 8 to 10), as well as Cusco (Avenida El Sol) and Arequipa (the streets leading from the plaza). The best deals can generally be had at outdoor Andean craft markets in places such as Pisac near Cusco and the Mantaro Valley near Huancayo. Bargaining (regateo) is an expected practice with beach vendors and at markets.

Shopping hours: Hours vary significantly, but the standard is Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1600-2000.

Currency

New Sol (PEN; symbol S/.) = 100 céntimos. New Sol notes are in denominations of S/.200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of S/.5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 céntimos.

Note: US Dollars are also in use and accepted for payment, particularly in tourist areas. While effectively interchangeable, it is always good for tourists to have some local currency in small denominations, to pay for buses, taxis and goods in some small establishments.

Currency Exchange

Only a few bureau de change in Lima and Cusco will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and many shops also readily accept US Dollars (although very old, torn or damaged notes are usually rejected). It is not recommended to exchange money from street vendors.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside of Lima and tourist areas. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted. ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru.

Travelers Checks

Banks will exchange traveler's checks although it can be a slow process outside Lima. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars. The ability to use traveler's checks is also quite limited in some areas so you should check whether or not they will be accepted in the area you are visiting prior to travel.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300 (may vary during the summer).

Exchange Rate