using credit and debit cards in Peru

Jim_Bruce

I'm going on a 21 day tour to the usual tourist places in Peru and would appreciate advice on how to pay for things whilst I'm there (eg meals, optional tours, etc). I'll take some USD and Euro in cash, but at times I'll need to use a card. Reading the forums etc, suggests that Visa is much more common than Mastercard, but unfortunately both my credit cards are Mastercard. I have a debit card, which is Visa, but Martin says not to use debit cards. Will ATMs take my Mastercard, if not, should I buy and load a PrePay card, which I've never used before.

PeacefulWaters

I'm no expert on Peru but my approach would be:

1) have local currency available - more than you would in Europe or the USA (where I'd willingly take no local currency). Why are US dollars and Euros your first choice? I'd have thought changing currency twice would be more expensive. Maybe some places will accept US dollars for purchases but assume a poor exchange rate.

2) Take a range of cards. Ideally at least one suitable value releasing overseas card like Halifax Clarity (MasterCard) but also an American Express and a Visa option even if they offer poorer value - use them as backups. Ideally have each card issued by a different banking group. Make sure you have advised card issuers of your travel plans if they require you to.

3) Ensure a friend or relative has a payment facility set up to your bank account and has done a successful £1 test payment before you depart. This will be an additional emergency backup.

4) Understand what fees ATMs charge for cash (I believe Scotia Bank is free). Understand what destinations you're visiting may not have ATMs - and withdraw accordingly prior to getting to them. Understand where cash is better value than paying on card. Know what limits ATMs have.

5) Don't let your card out of your sight when transacting. Request small notes if changing money and reject any torn or damaged notes.

benjus

Taking USD cash is probably better than taking GBP cash or trying to get Peruvian currency in the UK. Not sure about taking EUR - but I haven't been to Peru since before the EUR started. But the best option is a fee-free card used in an ATM. Even 16 years ago ATMs were pretty plentiful, at least in cities.

Jim_Bruce

Many thanks for your reply. I have existing Dollar and Euro currency from previous travelling, so I won't be exchanging twice. I'm hoping that I can use one of my existing three cards (two credit, one debit), to avoid applying for another card. I'll notify all three card issuers of my intention to travel, and my family have access to my accounts for backup.

Jim_Bruce

Thanks for your reply Benjus. I'll major on USD vs Euro as you suggest. I read that ATMs can issue in either Sol or dollars, not sure how they do that! Useful to know that ATMs are plentiful

Jim_Bruce

Hi, I had a great holiday in Peru (January 2016), we toured for 21 days. For the benefit of other forumites, here's what I found:
- my Mastercard credit card was accepted in all ATM's, I used it maybe 10 times in different locations/cities. It was never rejected.
- there ARE ATMs almost everywhere, although in very small towns they are sometimes not working, usually because of connectivity problems.
- All ATMs I used gave the option of Sol or dollars. I usually took Sol, except for the last few times so I wouldn't be stuck with any going home, I'd rather be left with dollars. Even street vendors would take dollars, although I mostly used Sol.
- I never used my credit card once at any hotel/retailer, as they either didn't take them, or would add 7% to the cost

If you're going to Peru, have a great time, it's a great country.

Peccary

We used a Halifax Clarity Mastercard for cash withdrawal in almost every country in South America without trouble but having a visa for back-up would be handy. Cash is better for restaurants etc for the reason given above and the added security, it is possible to use cards in the more touristy places.
If you plan on using ATMs, be aware the machines there give the card back after the cash is issued!

Eponym

I'm late but just to echo the above. I went for three weeks in Sept/Oct 2015 on a tour.

I took my Halifax Clarity (Mastercard) and used it several times to withdraw cash without problems. I took some Soles with me to tide me over for the first few days. I also took some US dollars but didn't really need them - I ended up spending them on a Nazca Lines flight but they would also have accepted Soles.

ATMs were reasonably common in the cities and larger towns, but not in smaller places. Our tour leader was really good about telling us where nearby ATMs were.

Be aware of your surroundings - one of our group left the tourist areas in Lima and was mugged. Lost her money, camera and passport. I don't want to worry you as we had a wonderful time and everyone was very friendly, but just be sensible. Leave your valuables in the hotel safe!