Travelers Cheques, Credit Cards & ATM's

Travelers Cheques

Traveling brings along that you need money. Taking cash with you in large amounts is dangerous. Normally everybody would recommend bringing travelers cheques along. Even if they are safe and can be cashed at least in Lima you have to expect very high fees and a bad exchange rate.

Credit Cards, Credit Card Companies & ATM's in Lima - Peru

Credit cards come very handy. All well known international credit cards (just known as "tarjetas") are accepted nearly everywhere in Lima. You can pay with your "tarjeta" in hotels, restaurants, shops, supermarkets... Make sure you have your ID or passport with you. One tip: don't give your credit card to anyone unless you can watch closely what they are doing with it. If for example the waiter in a restaurant doesn't bring this little machine to your table, better follow him to where they have it. Where your credit card goes, you do as well!

For paying your taxi, entrance fees for example to museums, paying in small shops or markets you need cash (coins or notes in small nominations!). With your credit card you can withdraw money (Soles or US Dollar) at one of the countless ATM's in Lima. Please check with your local bank / credit card provider what fees you have to expect when withdrawing money in Peru. Sometimes they are ridicules. At most ATM's you can change the language from Spanish to English, German or French. So you don't need any help from locals in case your Spanish isn't that good. Don't forget the usual safety precautions: Don't write down your PIN Number anywhere and when withdrawing money don't let anybody look over your shoulder while entering the PIN.

We recommend using guarded ATM's only and preferably inside buildings / banks at daytime. Don't withdraw money at night. Most ATM's aren't guarded by police or security companies at night and therefore an increasing number of locals and tourists have been mugged when withdrawing cash at this time. Sometimes it's only possible to withdraw US$ 100 or US$ 200 or the equivalent in Soles. This has nothing to do with your actual limit on your card, but with the precautions of some banks here in Peru.

Lost / Stolen Credit Card

Despite all precautions, if your credit card gets stolen or you lose it, cancel it immediately (Make sure to check the correct phone number with your provider at home)! Most credit card companies have offices or local representatives in Lima (these are the most common ones as well)