Peru - USD or Soles?.
 

We are planning a trip to Peru, my local bank, in Canada has Soles, should I exchange currency before I leave Canada, or will I get a better rate exchanging currency in Peru? Are Canadian dollars easy to exchange, and from time to time, can I pay for things in USD?

Thanks in advance.

i would just use your ATM card and get money at the airport when you land. some people have used US dollars there but i always used soles.

Canadian dollars are never as easy to exchange in Peru as U.S. dollars are. Exchanging outside Peru will always get you a poorer rate. Wait until you get there to change money or withdraw it from an ATM.

I've never found Peru to be one of those "everybody takes dollars" places. Things like tours and hotel bills you can possibly pay for with U.S. dollars, but for purchases at small businesses, you'll be expected to pay in soles.

The best to do is to use the ATM when you get to the airport. Then exchange for small bills by asking in a store or buying something.

If you are bringing cash, be sure to bring only clean bills. They won't take dirty or torn bills. ((*))

I assume you get a better rate by using the ATM instead of exchanging cash, can anyone confirm? I have US$.

While you need Soles for most places, the bus that goes up to MP from Aguas Calientes ($12 roundtrip) takes only US dollars-so make sure you have some for that! ;-)