Peru Guide
Money
Currency in Peru is the nuevo sol, still simply called a "sol" on the streets, and whose symbol is S/. Getting change from your nuevo soles is almost always a problem. Large denominations should be avoided; you'll find them more difficult to change anywhere in South America. It's particularly hard to change the larger notes in jungle towns, and even in Cusco and Lima shopkeepers and waiters are often reluctant to accept them. It's best to break up large notes at every opportunity – in major shops, bars and post offices. If you hang on to the smaller nuevo soles notes you'll have few difficulties in even the remotest villages.
US dollars and euros (preferably cash) are the best foreign currency to carry in Peru – anything else, except soles, will prove hard to get rid of outside Lima and Cusco, and the dollar exchange rate is the one most keenly followed. Dollar notes which are in any way damaged are usually refused by shops, restaurants, hotels and even banks anywhere in Peru; so try to ensure your notes stay fresh, crisp and clean. Pounds sterling cash, or even as travellers' cheques, really aren't worth carrying; you often get a very poor exchange rate. Euros are easier to exchange than sterling in the larger cities and are rapidly growing in popularity in Peru.