Does Peru Accept Credit Cards?

Before I went to Peru I probably got a little too comfortable traveling without cash. Nowadays you’d be surprised how many remote huts in the middle of nowhere proudly display the Mastercard and Visa logos with their Apple Pay chip reader. 

When I landed in Peru I had $20 USD in my wallet. I had my debit card I figured I would draw some Sols from the nearest ATM and call it good. However, there are a few things I wish I would've researched more before landing. 

Does Peru Accept Credit Cards? 2022 Update 

Yes - Peru does accept credit cards. All major credit cards, such as Mastercard and Visa, are widely accepted throughout the country. 

However, there are some important things to note before taking off for Peru without planning to have Sols in your pocket. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding where in Peru accepts credit cards:

Do Restaurants in Peru Accept Credit Cards?

Yes, most of them. We ran into one Cafe in Agua Calientes that was cash-only. 

Do Vendors/Street Markets in Peru Accept Credit Cards?

Yes, but you will get a better deal paying in Sols. Bartering is a common practice throughout Peru, especially in markets. However, because credit card transaction fees can be upwards of 5%, vendors will typically only give discounts to those paying cash. If you are looking to pay less for souvenirs and other market items, plan to have some cash in your pocket. 

Can You Tip on Credit Cards in Peru?

No. Although tipping is definitely not as common as it is in the United States, leaving some Sols behind for your driver, tour guides, and servers is widely accepted. WIth the conversion rate so low, tipping 5, 10, or 20 Sols makes hardly a difference to us but can mean the world to those who work in tourism throughout Peru. 

Are there ATMs in Peru if You Need Cash?

Yes, there are many ATMs throughout Peru that allow you to withdraw money. However, beware of ATM fees. Look for ATM fees that range around 19 Sols, as some can be as high as 30 Sols. 

How much cash should you take out in Peru?

That question depends on one big factor: tipping. If you are planning to take a lot of tours, use drivers, and eat out frequently, you’ll probably want to take out more compared to a traveler who will be driving themselves around and taking public transportation. ATM fees can range anywhere from 17- 32 Sols (roughly $4 - $9), so it’s better to plan and take money out of the ATM as few times as possible. 

Personally, I would take out the maximum number of Sols the ATM allows in order to ensure you will not have to pay the fees again.

Does Peru accept USD?

That depends on what you are looking to spend it on. Places like restaurants and markets aren’t as keen to accept USD, while tipping and booking tours can often be done with dollars. If you run out of Sols and need to tip your driver, sparing a few USD is the easiest way to go. 

Peru Conversion Rate as of April 2022: 

As of April 2022, the conversion between Peruvian Sols and USD is 3.8 to 1. That means that something that is 20 Sols translates to roughly 5.2 USD. 

Peru is an extremely affordable country. A nice meal out in downtown Cusco with a drink will run about $10-$15/person. You can easily eat cheaper for around $5/meal if you wish.