Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
» The value of the bill written on the side should appear metallic and be slightly
green, blue and pink at different angles - fake bills are only pink and have no holo-
gram.
» The metal strip running through the note has the word 'Peru' repeatedly written
along its length in tiny letters when held up to the light - fake bills also have this, but
the letters are messier and difficult to read.
» The tiny pieces of colored thread and holographic dots scattered on the bill should
be embedded in the paper, not glued on.
by Rafael Wlodarski
Changing Money
Carrying cash enables you to get the top exchange rates quickly. The best currency for ex-
change is the US dollar, although the euro is increasingly accepted in major tourist cen-
ters. Other hard currencies can be exchanged, but usually with difficulty and only in major
cities. All foreign currencies must be in flawless condition.
Cambistas
(money-changers) hang out on street corners near banks and
casas de cam-
bio
and give competitive rates (there's only a little flexibility for bargaining), but are not
always honest. Officially, they should wear a vest and badge identifying themselves as
legal. They're useful after regular business hours or at borders where there aren't any oth-
er options.
Credit Cards
Many top-end hotels and shops accept
tarjetas de crédito
(credit cards) but usually charge
you a 7% (or greater) fee for using them. The amount you'll eventually pay is not based
on the point-of-sale exchange rate, but the rate your bank chooses to use when the transac-
tion posts to your account, sometimes weeks later. Your bank may also tack on a sur-
charge and additional fees for each foreign-currency transaction.
The most widely accepted cards in Peru are Visa and MasterCard, although American
Express and a few others are valid in some establishments, as well as for cash advances at
ATMs. Before you leave home, notify your bank that you'll be using your credit card
abroad.
