CURRENCY

The Peruvian currency is the Nuevo Sol consisting of 100 centimos. Banks, hotels and shops easily accept US Dollars. The most common US dollar exchange practice is through "cambistas" in the streets. These are people who display their calculators in one hand and currency bills in the other. Foreign money can be freely exchanged at any local bank or hotel.

Exchange rate varies between places make sure to ask if U.S. dollars are accepted and what the exchange rate is before making any purchases.

Traveler’s cheques are not very welcome in Peru. Banks will exchange them only at a high fee. Most businesses will not take them at all. Credit cards, such as American Express, Access/Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa are all accepted, but usage facilities may be limited outside the major cities.

Peru, 10 Nuevo Soles. 1998. Jose Abelardo Quinontes Gonzales and airplane memorial on the front; An upside-down airplane flight (signed "J. Quinontes, 1939") on the back. Watermark: same as portrait on the front.

Peru, 20 Nuevo Soles. 1997. Raul Porras Barrenechea on the front; The Palace of Torre Tagle on the back. Watermark: same as portrait on the front.