Money & Duty Free for Peru

MONEY & CURRENCY

Currency information: 
Nuevo (new) Sol (PEN; symbol S/.)
Nuevo 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 best to use local currency wherever possible, and 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.

Credit cards: 
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. It is also sensible to carry some cash rather than rely on cards.

ATM: 
ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru. They are found almost everywhere, including in small towns, although when travelling in remote places it is best to have some cash just in case the nearby ATMs are not working or have run out of money. In bigger cities, use ATMs inside banks for greater security, especially at night. Many banks have gun-carrying security guards.

Travellers cheques: 
Banks will exchange traveller’s cheques although it can be a slow process outside Lima. The ability to use traveller's cheques 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. The use of ATMs is generally preferable, but if you do decide to bring traveller's cheques, the best currency to bring them in is US Dollars.

Banking hours: 
Mon-Fri 09:00 -18:00, Sat 09:00-13:00 (may vary during the summer).

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

Currency exchange: 
There are many exchange houses in the cities where you can exchange foreign currency (US Dollars and Euros). Always try to carry small bills / notes or coins with you as larger bills / notes can be hard to break at times. 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.

PERU DUTY FREE

The following items may be imported by visitors over 18 years of age into Peru without incurring customs duty:

• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• Alcoholic beverages not exceeding 3L.
• Items for personal use including cameras, laptops, and travel gear can be brought in for personal use.
• Gifts or new articles for personal use up to a value of US$300.
• 2kg of processed food.

Note: If importing sausages, salami, ham or cheese, a sanitary certificate from the manufacturer is required.

Banned imports: 
The import of raw ham from Italy and Portugal is prohibited.

Banned exports: 
The export of artistic or cultural articles is prohibited. Taking protected plant and animal species out of Peru is also prohibited – this can include products containing seeds and feathers. It is illegal to take any pre-Columbian art out of Peru and it is usually illegal to enter into most countries with these artifacts. If you are going to buy reproductions, do so from a reputable dealer and obtain documentation from the National Institute of Culture Vendors to show to customs officials. In the jungle vendors also sell live exotic birds and animals. It is illegal to take these endangered species outside of the country. Bags of cocoa leaves are sold in Peru and are legal, but they are not legal in most other countries. Although it would be impossible to produce any significant amount of cocaine from one of these bags, it's not worth the risk in bringing them back home.