CURRENCY

The local currency is the New Sol. New sol is subdivided in 100 cents. Bills in circulation are: S/ 200, S/ 100, S/ 50, S/ 20, S/10. Coins: S/5, S/ 2, S/ 1, S/ 0.50, S/ 0.20, S/ 0.10. In most large establishments you can pay with US$ (at current exchange rate) however it is recommended to change large dollar bills whenever you can.
Advice: Please check for forged bills as you may find some trouble later to use them. Also check the veracity of the bills by looking them through light. You must find a small strip with the inscription Peru followed by the bill size number (e.g. Peru 10 (Ten soles bill)).

CREDIT CARDS

VISA, Dinners Club and Master Card (Access/Eurocard) are mostly accepted. Large ATM's network from UNICARD, it accepts VISA, PLUS, CIRRUS. Other cards (Mastercards) can obtain cash directly in ATM's of some banks.

EXCHANGE

There are no major problems in exchanging US$ to New soles. Many local guys (called "Cambistas") do that service in the streets however it is recommended to check the exchange rates in banks or newspapers in order to get a good deal; US$ can also be easily changed in banks. If you change money with a "cambista" it is recommended to take a taxi in order not to be followed. Other currencies can be changed at "Currency Exchange houses". (you can find this houses in most large cities).