What Money Do They Use in Peru?
Peru’s official currency is the Sol (PEN), represented by the symbol S/. The Peruvian sol is subdivided into 100 céntimos and has been the national currency since 1991, when it replaced the inti. Today, the sol is the only legal tender accepted across the country – from Lima’s busy shopping malls to small markets in the Andes.
Quick facts about the Peruvian Sol
- Currency code: PEN
- Symbol: S/
- Subunit: 1 sol = 100 céntimos
- Coins: 5, 10, 20, and 50 céntimos; 1, 2, and 5 soles
- Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles
A brief history of money in Peru
Peru has had several currencies over the past century, largely due to inflation. The current sol was introduced in 1991, replacing the inti at a rate of 1 sol = 1,000,000 intis. The word sol means “sun” in Spanish, linking it to Peru’s heritage and Inca symbolism.
Using money in Peru today
Everyday spending
- Cash is still common, especially in rural areas and for small purchases like market goods or local transport.
- In cities, Visa® and Mastercard® are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license.
Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
ATMs and banking
- ATMs are common in urban centers, dispensing both soles and U.S. dollars.
- Foreign cards are widely accepted, though fees can apply.
U.S. dollars in Peru
- U.S. dollars are also used in some areas, especially for large purchases like hotels or appliances.
- Many exchange houses (casas de cambio) allow you to swap dollars for soles at competitive rates.
Exchange rate and value
The Peruvian sol has been relatively stable compared to other Latin American currencies. Exchange rates can fluctuate, so always check the live rate before exchanging or sending money abroad.
Sending money to Peru
If you need to send support to family or friends in Peru, services like Paysend let you transfer money directly to bank accounts, cards, or even for cash pickup. This makes it easy for recipients to access soles without needing to visit exchange houses or handle extra conversion fees.
Key takeaways
- Peru’s official currency is the sol (S/), code PEN.
- Available in coins (céntimos and soles) and banknotes up to S/200.
- U.S. dollars are accepted in some contexts, but soles are essential for everyday life.
- For the best experience, use a mix of cash and cards, and check live exchange rates before transferring or exchanging.
Planning to send money to Peru? With Paysend, you can move money quickly and securely, helping your loved ones access soles when they need them most.
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Derniers messages
Sending money to Cambodia from Europe or the UK should be simple, fast and transparent. Whether you’re supporting family, paying for services, or managing expenses abroad, choosing the right delivery method makes all the difference.
With Paysend, customers across the EU and the UK can send money to Cambodia securely and conveniently using a range of delivery options designed to suit different needs. In this guide, we’ll explain all available delivery methods, with a special focus on bank transfers and Wing Bank, a trusted financial institution that makes receiving money convenient and accessible for families across Cambodia.
Les fêtes peuvent être terminées, mais la célébration continue — nous avons maintenant crédité les prix pour nos concours de décembre. Mais chez Paysend, les concours ne servent pas uniquement à gagner, ils servent à reconnaître les vraies personnes derrière chaque transfert, et les raisons pour lesquelles l'envoi d'argent est important.
L'un de nos gagnants de décembre nous a partagé ceci :
« Je suis actuellement en République Tchèque et grâce à Paysend, je peux envoyer de l'argent à mes parents qui vivent en Ukraine et rencontrent des difficultés pour gagner leur vie dans les conditions actuelles. »
Des histoires comme celle-ci nous rappellent pourquoi Paysend existe. Derrière chaque transfert se trouve une personne soutenant sa famille à travers les frontières, souvent pendant des périodes difficiles. Pouvoir envoyer de l'argent facilement, en toute sécurité et sans frais inutiles peut faire une vraie différence.
