Money & Payments in Lima (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Always notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks on foreign transactions
Carry small bills and coins (S/ 1–10) for tipping and small purchases; large notes create change issues
Check your ATM screen for fee disclosure before completing withdrawal; fees vary by machine
Decline any ATM offer to charge you in USD (Dynamic Currency Conversion) — this hides poor exchange rates
Street taxis are unmetered and negotiate fare before entering; prefer ride-hailing apps (Uber, Didi) or official taxi stands
Many restaurants in Lima's tourist areas include a 10–13% service charge ('servicio') — check your bill before adding tip
Avoid unofficial airport porters who aggressively grab luggage; use official services or say 'no gracias' firmly
USD is accepted in some tourist areas and hotels, but exchange rates offered are often poor; soles give better value
Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) accepted at select upscale merchants but not yet widespread; carry cash backup
If your card is blocked, unblock via phone call to your bank; keep a backup debit card in case one ATM rejects your card

Cash Needs

Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Recommended Daily Cash: S/ 100–200 in small bills (S/ 10–20) covers taxis, market snacks, and tips in city

Where Cash Required

Street food and market vendors
Small kiosks and informal shops
Street taxis (metered services accept cards but are rare)
Tipping (preferred over card)
Small purchases in local neighborhoods

ATM Details

Hours: Most ATMs 24/7; those inside bank branches follow banking hours
Availability: ATMs abundant in Lima; found in banks, plazas, pharmacies, shopping centers, and airports
Currency Choice: Most ATMs offer PEN or USD withdrawal; choose PEN to avoid poor exchange rates and DCC fees
Language Option: English language option available on most machines
Typical Fee Range: PEN 18
Typical per-transaction surcharge (S/ 18–36) charged by Peruvian banks on foreign cards
Card Types Accepted: Visa (most common), Mastercard, American Express at some, Cirrus/Plus

ATM Networks

Bcp

Status: No fees for some international cards; variable
Per Transaction Limit: PEN 700

Globalnet

Status: Part of large network; charges withdrawal fee
Fee Estimate: PEN 25

Interbank

Status: Standard fees apply
Fee Estimate: PEN 22

Scotiabank

Status: Member of Global ATM Alliance; some fee-free options
Fee Estimate: PEN 18
Per Transaction Limit: PEN 400

BBVA Continental

Status: Charges higher fees
Fee Estimate: PEN 20

Banco De La Nacion Multired

Status: Fee-free for foreign cards
Per Transaction Limit: PEN 400

Withdrawal Limits

Per Transaction: Typically S/ 400–700
Note: Some ATMs have daily limits; try another machine or bank if limit reached

Fee Structure

Exchange Rate Markups: Banks typically markup mid-market rate 2–5%; ATMs may add additional markup
Home Bank Fees: Varies by bank; check in advance
ATM Operator Fees: Peruvian bank charges (S/ 18–36 typical per withdrawal)
Dynamic Currency Conversion: Avoid DCC (charge-in-USD option) — usually 3–8% worse rate than local currency

How To Minimize

Use Banco de la Nación MultiRed for fee-free withdrawals (S/ 400 limit)
Use Scotiabank if your home bank is part of Global ATM Alliance (may waive some fees)
Make fewer, larger withdrawals to reduce per-transaction charges
Always choose 'Decline Conversion' or 'PEN' option at ATM prompts
Avoid airport and hotel ATMs (higher fees)
Withdraw in local currency, not USD

Tipping Norms

Tip Currency Preference: Soles (PEN) preferred over USD; bring small bills S/ 1–10
General Note: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Customary in tourist areas; less rigid than US system

Hotels

Housekeeping: S/ 5–10 per day (leave on bed daily, as staff rotate)
Room Service: Included in service charge typically
Bellhops Porters: S/ 3–5 per bag

Bars Cafes

Food Service: Apply 10% rule
Counter Service: Round up or leave S/ 1–2
Table Service Cocktails: S/ 3–5 per round or 1–2 soles per drink

Restaurants

Mid Range: 5–10% if no service charge; service charge typically 10–13% if included
Casual Local Joints: Not expected; round up or leave S/ 1–3 for friendly service
Upscale Fine Dining: 10% if 'servicio' (service charge) not included; 5–10% extra for exceptional service if charge already on bill
Servicio Charge Note: Many restaurants already add 'servicio' (10–13%) or 'recargo'; check bill before adding tip

Guides Tours

Day Tour Guides: S/ 10–20 per person
Multi Day Treks: Pooled tip: S/ 75–100 total per traveler (covers porters/cooks); guide separately S/ 50–100 per person for exceptional service
Free Walking Tours: S/ 20–40 per person

Transportation

Street Taxis: Not expected; round up S/ 1–2 for luggage help
Airport Porters: S/ 3–5 per bag (avoid unofficial porters who grab bags aggressively)
Ride Hailing Apps: No tip expected but rounding up appreciated
Intercity Bus Drivers: Not tipped; terminal porters S/ 1–2 per small bag (optional)

Spas Salons Haircuts

Luxury Spa: 5–10% of total cost
Standard Salon: Not expected; a few soles appreciated for good service

Card Acceptance

Summary: Cards widely accepted in Lima's city center and restaurants; cash essential for markets and small vendors

Major Cards

Amex: Accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants; less common elsewhere
Discover: Rare
Visa Mastercard: Most widely accepted; Visa especially prevalent

Acceptance By Venue Type

Hotels: All accept cards
Markets: Cash almost always required
Taxis Street: Cash only
Digital Wallets: Accepted at select merchants in Lima; not widespread
Ride Hailing Apps: Card-capable
Restaurants Casual: Mixed; many card-capable, small kiosks cash-only
Restaurants Upscale: Cards standard

Banking

Overview: Peru has a stable banking sector with major players: BCP, Interbank, BBVA Perú, and Scotiabank. Digital banking is increasingly common, and branches are widely available.
Mobile Payment: Many banks offer Yape or Plin (peer-to-peer payment systems similar to Venmo) if account maintained with BCP or Interbank.
Account Features: Can open accounts in PEN or USD separately; many expats maintain both. Debit and credit cards available; online banking offered.
Digital Alternatives: Wise.com allows account opening remotely with multi-currency card; Revolut and N26 available as alternatives.
International Transfers: Expensive through traditional banks; Wise recommended for cheaper peer-system transfers. Banco de la Nación ATMs offer fee-free international withdrawals for Revolut users.
Account Opening Requirements: Requires in-person visit and legal residency (Carné de Extranjería foreign resident card). Most banks will not open accounts for non-residents.

Required Documents

Carné de Extranjería (foreign resident ID)
Valid passport
Proof of permanent address (rental contract)

Popular Banks For Expats

BCP (Banco de Crédito del Perú)
Interbank
BBVA Perú
Scotiabank

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Lima

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Lima