10 Things to Think About Before Traveling to Peru — Part 6: Money in Peru (What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why Improvising Is Risky)

Money is one of those details many travelers plan to figure out later. After all, cards are common, phones work, ATMs exist — so it feels safe to decide on the spot.

In Peru, that assumption often leads to small but avoidable stress. Not because the system is broken, but because it doesn’t always work the way people expect.

Cards in Peru: Reliable, But Not Universal

In Lima, paying by card is easy. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, malls — card machines are everywhere, and they usually work. This creates the impression that cash is optional.

Once you leave the capital, that impression changes quickly.

In smaller towns, local cafés, markets, taxis, guesthouses, and family-run shops often rely on cash. Sometimes a card terminal exists but “isn’t working today.” Sometimes there’s no terminal at all.

Travelers often say:
“Everything worked in Lima, and then suddenly no one accepted cards.”
“We thought cards would be enough, and ended up hunting for an ATM at night.”

ATMs: Available, But Not Always Convenient

Yes, there are ATMs across the country. But they’re not all the same.

• Some have low withdrawal limits
• Some charge noticeable fees
• One ATM accepts your card, the next one doesn’t

This becomes more obvious outside large cities. Relying on a single card, or assuming you’ll always find a working ATM, adds unnecessary risk.

The best approach?
Bring two cards from different banks, and carry a reasonable amount of cash as backup.

Cash in Peru: Soles, Dollars, and What Works

Everyday life in Peru runs on soles. You’ll need them for:

• Taxis
• Small restaurants
• Street food
• Tips
• Local services

US dollars are useful mainly for exchange. They’re accepted at currency offices in most tourist areas, though airport rates are often worse than those in town.

You don’t need to carry large sums — just enough to cover daily needs. With a balanced plan, a mix of cash and cards works well and keeps you comfortable.

Yape: Very Popular, But Not for Tourists

Yape is a local mobile payment app you’ll see everywhere — in taxis, cafés, small shops, even markets. People use it constantly, often via QR code.

But here’s the catch:
Yape is linked to Peruvian bank accounts and phone numbers. For short-term visitors, it’s usually not an option.

This causes confusion. Tourists see a QR code, try to pay, and realize it doesn’t work for them.

In conversations, this comes up often:
“Can I pay with Yape?”
“No, only cash.”

This doesn’t mean paying is hard. It just means that cash remains essential for travelers — even when locals use Yape for almost everything.

A Common Mistake: Solving Money Too Late

One of the easiest ways to feel stressed abroad is trying to figure out money in the moment, without understanding local limitations.

Typical problems include:

• A card being blocked after one transaction
• A confirmation request from your bank that you can’t answer while abroad
• Needing cash when no ATM is nearby

These aren’t emergencies — but they usually happen when you’re tired, in transit, or trying to enjoy your day.

Why Planning Your Money Means Peace of Mind

Money issues don’t often ruin a trip. But they quietly drain energy. Instead of focusing on what’s in front of you, you’re thinking about machines, limits, fees, backups.

When your money setup is planned in advance, it stops being a topic.
You pay, move on, and stay present.

At Peruvisit, we always explain:

• Where cards work reliably
• Where cash is essential
• How much to carry
• Why tools like Yape are for locals, not visitors

That way, money never becomes a source of tension — and your attention stays where it belongs: on the experience.