Los Amigos is a faith-based organization dedicated to supporting programs that improve and transform the lives of the poor of Chimbote, Peru.

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Visit Chimbote

Currency and Money in Peru

The full name of the currency in Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol and the abbreviation used on international money exchange charts is PEN.  The plural of sol is soles (pronounced SO – lays). So, for example, three Peruvian notes would be called “tres soles.” The exchange rate varies, but three soles are generally equivalent to about one American dollar.  To view the most up-to-date exchange rate, go to www.oanda.com   At this website you may also print out a pocket size "Cheat Sheet for Travelers" that will show the latest conversion rates between the dollar and the PEN. This is a handy item to carry with you while in Peru.

Taxis, Restaurants, and Other Incidental Expenses
You can plan on taxis, food, and restaurants in Lima to cost about the same as they do in the United States. However, in Chimbote, the costs are generally less. If you invite a Peruvian to join you in a taxi, or for a meal at a restaurant please remember that you are responsible for their bill as well as yours.

What Kind of Money to Bring
Credit cards are widely accepted in Peru. However, travelers checks are difficult to use in Peru so are not recommended. Personal checks are also not accepted anywhere so do not bring them with you. Visitors and volunteers may bring American cash from home and exchange it for soles in Peru. Please note that your U.S. dollars will not be accepted in Peru if they are torn, have holes, or have notable creases.

Everyone is responsible for the security of his or her own funds so discretion is recommended. Most recently, visitors and volunteers have found it best to bring a small amount of money with them and then use their debit cards at ATMs to obtain additional funds while in Peru. There are ATMs in most Peruvian cities including Lima and Chimbote. At the ATM you will get soles at the current exchange rate.