Peru - US $$ denominations
 

In one of the trip reports, someone mentioned that they wish they had taken additional smaller bills (currency). It has been awhile since I read that report so I do not remember the writer. I am collecting crisp bills and have noted that the stack is getting quite large.
What denomination bills did you wish you had taken more?
What denomination did you use more frequently?
What is the largest bill that you would suggest that I take?

Thank you

Brenda

I think a $20 is the largest I would find useful. Unless you are being asked to pay hotel bills in USD cash I wouldn't bring a whole lot, just get Peruvian money at the ATM. Small bills and change tend to be scarce everywhere except in Lima, so occasionally the $1 bill can be useful, but bear in mind that it is expensive for locals to change those $1 bills back into Peruvian money. Hoard your small Peruvian bills (the cambios at the airport are handy for starting off with a supply of smaller denominations.) Supermarkets are a good place to get change for larger bills.

$20 is the largest I take

Capitalone.com no fee CC

To ATM local $ at big banks only

Counterfeiting of USD in Peru is the best in the world

Many will not take $100 or $50 due to this

Forgot new bills best absolutely no tears even small tears or they will not take them

Peru is not an "everybody takes dollars" country. You're mostly going to need to be dealing in local currency for everyday purchases. I agree: Withdraw soles from ATMs as you go along. The U.S. bills you do bring should be no larger than $20 and in decent condition.

Although it often is not recommended, if I was running low on Peruvian money, I would on occasion change a USD $20 on the street. That way it was easier to know roughly how much I should get back, to check for the reflective stripe, and not to look like I was rich enough to rob.