Atm & credit card use in Peru
 

My tour company is advising us to bring US$ on our upcoming trip to Peru. They say that many places do not take credit cards and there are limited Atms. I'm used to traveling with little cash, using my cards for purchases and withdrawing cash as needed, but I've never been any where in SAmerica.

Can anyone confirm the info from the tour company?

Thank you

Cindy

Your tour company is spouting absolute nonsense!

ATMs are everywhere many will dispense both Nueve Soles and USD. Most places, except the basic will accept cc and dc.

I would bring a small supply of USD cash and use ATMs to withdraw cash as and when needed or to pay hotel bill directly.

Make sure you notify your bank of when and where you are going just in case they try to block international transactions.

Thank you. I had a feeling they were wrong. Ive already notified nmy banks but thanks for the reminder. Not sure why they would be telling people this.

Crellston is so right. I don't understand why tour companies give such misinformation either, but many seem to do it. We found almost everywhere took credit cards. For street markets, of course you will need local currency.

"Not sure why they would be telling people this." no, me neither! The cynic in me leads me to believe that one reason could be that they themselves like to price in dollars as a way of securing an extra margin on the fx.

Depending on the type of accomodation you are using, many will price their rates in dollars, in which case pay with cc. Restaurants nearly always price in Nueve Soles. Cards are accepted in the mid range and above places ( and some of the smaller ones).

It is really easy to travel in Peru independently. Is there a particular reason you are using a tour operator? Are you going well off the beaten track?