Planning a trip to Peru means thinking ahead about the Peruvian sol (PEN): a currency that is uncommon in France, yet essential in cash in the Andes and around Machu Picchu, especially in small denominations.
The Peruvian sol (PEN): what you need to know before you go
Peru's official currency is the sol (symbol S/, ISO code PEN), divided into 100 céntimos. Unlike some Latin American currencies pegged to the dollar, the sol is a floating currency: its value moves freely against the euro and the dollar, which explains the daily fluctuations. Banknotes in circulation range from 10 to 200 soles, and coins of 1, 2 and 5 soles sit alongside the smaller céntimo coins.
Peru remains an economy where cash dominates day-to-day life. In major cities such as Lima, Cusco or Arequipa, bank cards are accepted in hotels, tourist restaurants and large retailers. But as soon as you leave the centres, cash becomes king again. The US dollar is sometimes accepted for big-ticket expenses (upscale hotels, certain agencies), but your change will be given in soles, often at an unfavourable rate: it is better to pay directly in the local currency.
ATMs and withdrawals on site
ATMs (Globalnet, BCP, Interbank, BBVA) are plentiful in the cities, but they charge a fixed fee per withdrawal, sometimes high, on top of your own bank's fees. Some offer withdrawals in dollars or in soles. In rural areas and Andean villages, machines are scarce and may be out of order or empty. Relying solely on your card in Peru is therefore a risky strategy.
Machu Picchu and altitude: why cash is indispensable
The Cusco region, the gateway to Machu Picchu, sits at over 3,400 metres in altitude, and the village of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) lives almost entirely off tourism. On the ground, many small shops, cafés, souvenir vendors and porters take cash only. The markets of Pisac or Chinchero, shared taxis, local buses and tips (customary for the guides and porters on the Inca Trail) all run on cash.
The banking network is limited once you leave Cusco: in Aguas Calientes, ATMs are unreliable and often overwhelmed in high season. Arriving with soles already in your pocket saves you from hunting for a working machine at the last minute, after several hours of train travel or hiking.
Favour small denominations
This is the most useful habit in Peru: travel with small denominations. Village vendors, drivers and craftspeople struggle to give change for a 100 or 200 sol note. Notes of 10, 20 and 50 soles make every everyday purchase easier: a bottle of water, a ride, a meal, a tip. Also remember to check the condition of your notes: in Peru, torn or damaged bills are sometimes refused.
Changing your euros into soles: why plan ahead in Paris
The Peruvian sol is one of the less common currencies in France: it is not always available immediately over the counter, and even less so in airport ATMs, where rates are unfavourable. To set off with peace of mind, the simplest approach is to order your currency online and pick it up in store before you leave.
At Paris Change (legal entity Paris Exchange), a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you change your euros commission-free, at the indicative counter rate of the day. Our single shop, at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel (75005 Paris, Saint-Michel metro line 4, RER B and C), is open 7 days a week. For a currency like the sol, booking online in advance is strongly recommended: it guarantees the availability of notes and lets you request small denominations suited to your Andean itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
How much cash should you plan for Machu Picchu?
It all depends on your pace, but plan to cover everyday expenses (meals, local transport, markets, tips) in cash, since cards are rarely accepted outside the major hotels. Keep a reserve in soles for villages where no ATM is available.
Is it better to bring dollars or soles?
For everyday purchases, soles are essential. The dollar can come in handy for certain large expenses, but your change will be given in soles, often at an unfavourable rate. Changing directly into soles before you leave remains the simplest solution.
Is the Peruvian sol easy to find in France?
It is a relatively rare currency over the counter. It is better to reserve it in advance to be sure of the availability of notes and to obtain the small denominations you are looking for.
Prepare your trip to Peru with complete peace of mind: book your Peruvian soles online and pick them up 7 days a week in our Saint-Michel shop, commission-free. Order your currency right now to set off with the cash suited to your Andean stops.
