We will be paying for all our hotels by cash and was wondering if $50 bills are generally accepted?

I know to avoid bringing $100's, and was hoping to avoid the bulk of having to carry all $20's in my money-belt. Only planning on using the $50's for hotels and tours.

Have read about other payment options, but am leaving this week so am only interested in knowing if I can use close-to-new $50 bills. Any info on this much appreciated.

Enjoy-la!

We never bring anything over a $20 because that seems to be most commonly accepted, but I'd e-mail your hotel to check with them - they may be fine with it.

You might want to ask this question of the hotels and tours that you will be paying.

I agree. Check with them. I don't think there's a universal answer to your question.

I would break the $50's into smaller bills. If you need change from a $50, people often won't have it. Bring $10's and $20's to be on the safe side.

Often vendors won't take $50's or $100's because of counterfits, and many check the $20's under special lights to be sure.

Your hotel will most likely take the larger bills, but others will be hesitant.

Have a great trip,
Ballardo Diaz - Jungle Guide

Too much counterfeit coming out of Peru

bring new $20s no tears

for bigger transactions for me

www.capitalone.com no foreign fee Visa

taken widely also ATM Colones with it at great rate.

Have fun,

I agree there's no universal answer to the question. I am noticing more and more businesses with signs saying that they don't accept $50 or $100 bills. To be on the safe side, I'd say nothing higher than $20s.

I've noticed even here at home, at various grocery stores in particular, the clerks holding up $50 bills, giving them an extra inspection.

If you are paying a hotel bill or tour that is more than $50, it shouldn't be a problem. The only thing would be a suspicion that it might be counterfeit. But there are some pretty good techniques for looking at bills these days so I don't think this will really be an issue.

The problem arises when you give someone a fifty for a $2.50 purchase and they just don't have the change. Many stores and restaurants in tourist areas will have signs - no $50's or $100's.

It really is better to use all 20's or smaller. There are many other options to bringing a whole big wad of 20's, including using ATM's and credit cards.

Thx a mint for the replies all!

Enjoy-la!