South America

Money, cards and tipping in Peru

Capital: LimaSpanish, QuechuaUpdated October 2026

PENSol

Money in Peru

Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in Lima and Cusco; carry soles for markets, taxis and small towns. Show your passport at hotels to skip 18% IGV. US$1 ≈ S/3.44 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Around 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge. Budget tips for trek guides, cooks and porters; taxis aren't tipped.
ATMs: ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee per withdrawal, higher at airports; many also dispense US dollars.
Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work in cities; Yape and Plin QR payments need a Peruvian account.
Price level: about 52% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
Lima	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards and contactless work in Miraflores, Barranco and malls; carry soles for markets, small eateries, taxis and tips.
Cusco	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in restaurants, hotels and tour offices; carry soles for markets, taxis, colectivos and small shops.
Machu Picchu	Mixed: cards and cash	Hotels and bigger restaurants take cards; small shops, buses and some tours want soles. ATMs in town can run out.
Arequipa	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards accepted in restaurants and hotels; carry soles for markets, picanterías, taxis and tips.
Sacred Valley	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in hotels and some restaurants; carry soles for markets, colectivos and small villages.
Huacachina	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work at some hostels and tour desks; carry soles for buggies, snacks, taxis and tips.
Máncora	Mostly cash	Many hostels and restaurants take cards, but cash is needed for mototaxis, market food and small beach stalls.
Huaraz	Mostly cash	Many tour agencies and restaurants accept cards, but cash is needed for park fees, taxis, markets and small cafés.
Puno	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards accepted at larger hotels and restaurants; carry soles for boat trips, markets, mototaxis and island stays.
Paracas	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards accepted at hotels and many restaurants; cash is needed for boat fees, reserve entry, taxis and small shops.
Iquitos	Mostly cash	Cards work in some hotels and tour offices; cash is needed for mototaxis, markets, river boats and jungle lodges.
Nazca	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in hotels and a few restaurants; small shops, mototaxis and flights often need soles. ATMs are limited.
Puerto Maldonado	Mostly cash	Mostly cash; cards at a few hotels and restaurants. ATMs exist in the centre but can run out; lodges often prepaid.

Quick answers

Do you tip in Peru?

Around 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge. Budget tips for trek guides, cooks and porters; taxis aren't tipped.

Is Peru cashless?

Mixed: cards and cash. Cards work in Lima and Cusco; carry soles for markets, taxis and small towns. Show your passport at hotels to skip 18% IGV.

What currency does Peru use?

The Sol (PEN). US$1 ≈ S/3.44 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.