Shopping in Peru

There are many attractive Peruvian handicrafts such as alpaca wool sweaters, alpaca and llama rugs, Indian masks, weaving, jewelry and much more. Galleries and handicraft shops abound in the Miraflores, Pueblo Libre and downtown districts of Lima. Handicrafts markets are located in Miraflores (Petit Thouars Ave, blocks 52 to 53) and Pueblo Libre (La Marina Ave, blocks 8 to 10). Bargaining is an expected practice with beach vendors and at markets and known as ‘regateo’.

Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1600-2000 (although many shops are open Mon-Sun
0900-2000).

Currency Information:

Currency
New Sol (S/.) = 100 centimos. New Sol notes are in denominations of S/.200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of S/.5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimos.

Currency exchange
Only a few bureaux de change in Lima will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and shops also readily accept US Dollars (although torn or damaged notes are usually rejected). It is not recommended to exchange money from street vendors. ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru.

Credit and debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted, but usage facilities may be limited outside of Lima. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travelers cheques
Banks will exchange travelers cheques although it can be a slow process outside Lima. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars. The ability to use travelers cheques is also quite limited in some areas so you should check whether or not they will be excepted in the area your visiting prior to travel.

Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import and export of local currency. The import of foreign currency is unrestricted. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported. Receipts of exchange of foreign currencies into S/. must be presented when exchanging back from S/. into foreign currency.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the New Sol against Sterling and the US Dollar

Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1300 (may vary during the summer).