South America Travel

Explorer87

Hi All,

So we're off travelling South America (Chile, Bolivia and Peru), doing a few tours and doing a few of our own things. I'm not sure what's the best way to carry money, we'll need cash and card. Are we better exchanging here in UK or over there? Are we best carrying some US dollars too?
Any info would be appreciated!

benjus

It's a long time since I've been to those countries, but I think you should be fine with a fee free card to withdraw cash at ATMs. Take at least 2 or 3 cards, all fee-free if possible, mixture of Visa and MasterCard. Don't keep them all together.

Definitely don't try to get soles/pesos/bolivianos in the UK, unless you can find someone who has just returned from there with leftover currency and can sell it at a favourable rate. You might want to take some USD cash if you're worried about only having cards. Make sure the USD notes are in immaculate condition. It's very easy to exchange USD in South America, but watch for scams.

In some countries (namely Argentina) there's a significant financial advantage in taking USD cash and exchanging it there, but I don't think this applies where you are going.

If you're going to be away from major cities for an extended period (especially in Bolivia and Peru), try to withdraw enough cash to keep you going, as you may not be able to find ATMs.

You will probably be able to pay by card in hotels and upmarket restaurants, and anywhere that deals with tourists regularly. But you may find it's cheaper to pay in cash. You might need your passport when paying by card.

Explorer87

mikecharles said:

Could you please tell me some something about Peru beauty

What would you like to know?

Explorer87

benjus said:

It's a long time since I've been to those countries, but I think you should be fine with a fee free card to withdraw cash at ATMs. Take at least 2 or 3 cards, all fee-free if possible, mixture of Visa and MasterCard. Don't keep them all together.

Definitely don't try to get soles/pesos/bolivianos in the UK, unless you can find someone who has just returned from there with leftover currency and can sell it at a favourable rate. You might want to take some USD cash if you're worried about only having cards. Make sure the USD notes are in immaculate condition. It's very easy to exchange USD in South America, but watch for scams.

In some countries (namely Argentina) there's a significant financial advantage in taking USD cash and exchanging it there, but I don't think this applies where you are going.

If you're going to be away from major cities for an extended period (especially in Bolivia and Peru), try to withdraw enough cash to keep you going, as you may not be able to find ATMs.

You will probably be able to pay by card in hotels and upmarket restaurants, and anywhere that deals with tourists regularly. But you may find it's cheaper to pay in cash. You might need your passport when paying by card.

Thank you! We're taking our Mono cards so hopefully those should be good, I read a lot about immaculate dollars.

jasdev

Everything benjus says is correct.

Also, I was in Argentina and Uruguay last year; Visa cards are most widely accepted, but Mastercard isn't too far behind. American Express is rarely accepted. Chile may be better for card usage, Peru and Bolivia less so. Withdrawals from ATMs may be capped at a max. daily limit (as they are in Argentina); Uruguay actually offers a tax refund for foreign credit cards! (This is primarily to entice Argentines to visit and spend, but works for us too). Not sure if Bolivia, Chile or Peru do similar.

Apps like Cabify and easytaxi (same company) allow you to pay in local currency by credit card for private taxi hire, like Uber, but less controversial in South America as these apps don't try to circumvent local laws.

Clean, crisps, USD 100 bills were recommended for travel to Argentina, for exchanging in to local currency at black market rates; large denominations tend to be preferred by money changers over smaller denominations. You can still access ATMs for cash withdrawals in large cities so if you have a Monzo and/or Halifax Clarity card you should be well equipped!

Ballard

I was in Chile a couple of years ago and found that ATMs charged a few percent for withdrawals. I don't remember the exact amount but around 3% I think. It did vary depending on the operator but expect to pay something.

neecho

I was travelling South America in December and January. 
Peru - cash withdrawals from an ATM came at a cost at most ATM's and was high. Withdrawl amounts were capped per withdrawal. Withdrew cash in Lima airport - no charge. Mastercards own website has a search facility for ATM in any particular area and tells you if there are fees. Not 100% reliable but it was a good guide for me. 
Chile - i managed to find lots of ATMs where withdrawals were not subject to a fee. (except Easter Island so if going there take USD/CLP)
Bolivia - Exchanged USD to BOB and paid for my tour in advance so minimal cash was needed. 
Most restaurants/hotels/ tours/bus companies were accepting card payments - and with a starling account, and a decent credit card for foreign spend I got an excellent rate! I found that the USD was accepted in places instead of the countries currency but the exchange rate was lousy. 
I found all three countries really easy to travel around solo, although La Paz did not feel as comfortable as the rest (i was there during the protests). My advice would be to have tours for things like Salar de uyuni, but do it yourself elsewhere - you will save a ton of money. Happy to help if you need any advice