5 Insiders tips: How to handle your money in Peru

5 Insiders tips: How to handle your money in Peru

Living and travelling in Peru is interesting in many ways. Not just does the country offer plenty of touristic attractions, daily life itself also works a bit different than at home. When you have chosen Peru as a destination to learn Spanish, to volunteer or to travel around, you will notice from the moment you arrive that things are different. Take note of the following tips before starting your adventure in Peru: it could safe you some money!

 

1. Not accepted? Do not be surprised if your money is not accepted, for instance in a restaurant or shop. This usually is the case when a note looks old, worn down or ripped. None of the stores will accept ripped notes; still, they will all try to give ripped notes as change. It is not meant to rip you off, but more a matter of ‘laziness’. Don’t feel sad when you find out someone gave you a note that now seems impossible to spend. Just go to El Banco de la Nación. They will change your old note for a new one. The reason for shop and restaurant owners to not accept these notes is that they don’t want to make the effort of going to the bank.

 

 

 

 

1. Change! Don’t let yourself be fooled when buying something. It happens that a shopkeeper won’t give back enough change, either by accident or on purpose. Especially taxi drivers and market people are experts in trying to make an additional benefit this way. Luckily, if you tell them they did not give back enough change, they won’t argue and just give you the right amount and apologize.

 

1. Markets! Even though it is a nice experience to visit the Peruvian food markets, personally I prefer not to buy anything there. The markets are a cheap place to buy vegetables and fruits, though not as cheap as the supermarkets – at least not for me. I’ve noticed a few times after buying stuff on the market that I was charged more than in the supermarkets. The thing is that in the supermarkets the prices are set whereas at the markets, the vendors seem to make up the price as you come.  And in my case, as I’m blond and gringa, the price turns out to be higher!  This being said, the San Pedro Market is a nice place to visit.

 

 

 

 

 

1. On the bus! Travelling by local bus within the city – for instance if you need to move back and forward from you host family  to Spanish classes, or to your volunteer project – at times is a bit of a hassle.  City buses can be really crowded and pickpockets will try to take advantage of that fact. Instead of trying to get your wallet out of your bag while in the bus, it is better to take out S/0,70 – that’s what you need to pay when you get off the bus –  before entering. This way people with bad intentions won’t see where you keep your wallet. It will also save time. The buses come and go, so you jump out, pay and the ayudante will give you your change. It won’t be much appreciated if you get out of the bus and then start to look for your money as the bus needs to continue quickly.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Haggle! Remember to haggle everywhere and on everything. Apart from in supermarkets, restaurants or modern clothing stores (although here are exceptions too), nothing has a set price. Especially buying touristy stuff you should definitely bargain! Start at a 50% discount and work your way up to a good price.

 

 

 

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