Peru is a captivating destination that takes you on a voyage through time, immersing you in the rich tapestry of its ancient civilizations and breath-taking landscapes. Peru is truly a country filled with countless wonders, from the breath-taking ruins of Machu Picchu and the awe-inspiring peaks of the Andes to the bustling markets of Cusco and the lush beauty of the Amazon rainforest. Getting around this fascinating and diverse country is much easier when you have a grasp of the local cash, how to use cash and ATMs in Peru, and the different payment methods available. Discover the financial insights that will help you navigate Peru’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes effortlessly. Embark on a journey filled with unforgettable moments and profound experiences, all with confidence.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to save money for travelling in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Peru?
Peru has over 32,000 ATMs available. In cities, you’ll find plenty of ATMs, and even in smaller towns, there are usually a few options available to withdraw cash in Peru. However, if you’re planning to visit remote destinations, don’t anticipate easily locating them.
You can find ATMs at:
- Big airports,
- Market and town squares,
- Popular streets in any big city,
- Shopping malls,
- Food lanes,
- Branches of the bank,
- A few office buildings.
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Small airports,
- Bus stops in the area,
- Villages’ interiors,
- Hidden away in small towns, away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets,
- Places of worship,
- Remote resorts and retreats.
Best ATMs to use in Peru for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Peru are those owned by popular banks such as:
Banco de la Nacion,
Caja Cusco,
Caja Arequipa,
Interbank, and
Banbif.
There are also ATMs from international banks available in Peru, including Scotiabank.
The Global ATM Alliance is a collaboration between multiple banks worldwide, enabling their customers to withdraw cash from partner banks abroad without incurring any ATM fees. A number of banks across different regions, such as the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Latin America, are members of the Global ATM Alliance. This includes well-known banks like Bank of America, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and several others. Scotiabank in Peru is a member of this network.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Peru, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in PEN).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Peru, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in PEN’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Peru?
Yes, many types of foreign cards are easily accepted at ATMs in Peru.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Peru.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Sure, ATMs are typically open 24/7, except those inside bank branches.
What do they call ATMs in Peru?
ATMs usually have noticeable signs displaying the bank’s name or terms “Cajero” or “ATM.”
PIN type
Most ATMs in Peru require a 4-digit PIN for transactions. While some ATMs may allow for longer PINs, the standard is typically 4 digits.
In addition, quite a few merchants still rely on outdated machines that only accept cards with magnetic stripes, rather than the newer chip-and-pin cards.
Languages at ATMs in Peru
ATMs in Peru offer two language options: Spanish and English. Occasionally, you might come across a few European languages to choose from, but this is quite rare.
If you’re not familiar with these languages, that’s totally fine. Try out Google Translate’s camera feature to instantly translate the text on your phone! Just a heads up – these translations might not always be 100% accurate, so it’s best to take your time and not rush through the transaction.”
Do ATMs in Peru work similarly as other countries?
ATMs in Peru are quite modern and have similar functionality to those found in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and India. There may or may not be any notification to card your card out so don’t forget!
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in South America.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Peru?
ATMs in Peru mainly dispense the official currency Peruvian Sol (PEN). Some bank ATMs allow withdrawing USD too. You will see the option at the start of the transaction itself, if the ATM is equipped to handle a USD transaction and it has USD in stock at the time of the transaction.
ATM withdrawal limits in Peru?
Majority of the ATMs in Peru have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of PEN 400 to PEN 700 (Peruvian Soles). Some bank ATMs allow up to PEN 3,000 in one transaction but this is not common. Many banks have daily withdrawal limits.
ATM Fees in Peru?
There are some fee-free ATMs in Peru. Many bank ATMs charge between PEN 18 to PEN 36 per transaction as ATM Fees to foreign cardholders (Peruvian Soles), some bank ATMs notably the largest bank in Peru and few regional banks do not charge fees to foreign cards. (All figures in Peruvian Soles). So, there are some fee-free options in Peru for a foreign cardholder.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Peru – something every traveller handling cash in Peru should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Peru?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Peru?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Peru. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 100 + countries including Peru.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is it safe to use Peru ATMs?
The safety of using ATMs in Peru depends on the location of the ATM. It’s unfortunate that incidents of cash theft outside ATMs have been reported in various situations, whether it’s late at night, on deserted streets, or even in busy areas.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Peru takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, it is possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Peru. Many bank ATMs charge between PEN 18 to PEN 36 per transaction as ATM Fees to foreign cardholders (Peruvian Soles), some bank ATMs notably the largest bank in Peru and few regional banks do not charge fees to foreign cards. (All figures in Peruvian Soles). So, there are some fee-free options in Peru for a foreign cardholder.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Peru?
Definitely, Yes. ATMs in Peru typically accept cards from various countries including the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and others.
Bitcoin ATMs?
Unfortunately, Bank of America ATMs are not available in Peru.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in Peru
Bank of America: Sure, Peru does have a number of Citibank ATMs available.
Citibank: Unfortunately, Peru does not have any ATMs from Barclays Bank.
Barclays: Unfortunately, Peru does not have any HSBC ATMs.
HSBC: Unfortunately, Peru does not have any Standard Chartered ATMs available.
Standard Chartered: None.
