
The Peruvian currency, the Sol, is the official currency of Peru and is abbreviated as PEN. It's divided into 100 centimos.
One US dollar is currently equivalent to approximately 3.8 soles, but this rate can fluctuate depending on various market and economic factors.
Understanding Peruvian Currency
The Peruvian sol is the national currency of Peru, introduced in January 1991 as the Nuevo Sol, which was later renamed Sol in 2015.
Peru has a Central Reserve Bank that issues the currency, and you can find more information on their website. The Peruvian sol trades against all other official currencies worldwide, giving us exchange rates that can fluctuate over time due to various economic, political, and market factors.
The Peruvian sol is one of around 180 currencies worldwide, and exchange rates are essential when traveling to, buying goods and services from, or sending money to Peru. You can follow the live exchange rate to the Peruvian sol and set up smart email alerts to follow fluctuations.
Here's an interesting read: 1000 Peru Currency to Usd
The Peruvian sol has a few key facts that are worth knowing: the currency name is Peruvian Sol, the ISO code is PEN, and the currency symbol is S/. The banknote denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500.
Here's a quick rundown of the Peruvian sol's key facts:
Exchange Rates and Conversion
The Peruvian sol is one of around 180 currencies worldwide, trading against all other official currencies globally. This means you can exchange your currency for the Peruvian sol, but be aware that exchange rates can fluctuate over time due to various economic, political, and market factors.
A higher exchange rate means the value of one currency has increased compared to another, while a lower exchange rate means the opposite. This can impact your travel plans or online purchases from Peru.
To follow the live exchange rate to the Peruvian sol, you can use Monito's currency pages, which also allow you to see which providers offer the best deals and set up smart email alerts to follow fluctuations.

You can use a currency converter to see the current exchange rate, such as the one mentioned in Example 2, which allows you to convert US dollars to Peruvian nuevo soles. Simply type in the box how much you want to convert, select USD and PEN as the currencies, and the converter will show you the current rate and how it's changed over the past day, week or month.
Here are the key facts about the Peruvian sol to keep in mind:
The Peruvian sol has been the country's official currency since 1985, and there are no alternative currencies used in Peru.
Practical Information
Traveling to Peru can be a bit tricky when it comes to paying for things, especially if you're not familiar with the local currency or banking system.
In Peru, you can use credit cards from VISA and Mastercard, especially in touristy areas, and debit cards linked to your bank account can be used at point-of-sale terminals and for cash withdrawals.
Additional reading: 100 Peru Currency to Usd
Having some Peruvian sol banknotes on hand can be helpful for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies.
You can exchange currency at a bank or exchange bureau before or upon arrival.
Mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular, but you'll need to check beforehand how available they are in Peru.
Here are some payment methods to consider in Peru:
Prepaid travel cards, such as those offered by Revolut, are a great option because they often incur lower fees on Peruvian sol currency exchange than credit cards or bank debit cards do.
Coins
Coins are an essential part of Peru's currency, and understanding how they work can make a big difference in your daily life.
The Peruvian currency is divided into céntimos and soles, with coins available in denominations of 10, 20, 50 céntimos, and 1, 2, and 5 soles.
You can use coins for cash transactions, but retailers are required to round down to the nearest ten céntimos or up to the nearest five.

One interesting thing to note is that the one- and five-céntimo coins fell out of use, with the one-céntimo being removed from circulation on May 1, 2011, and the five-céntimos on January 1, 2019.
Coins have a standard design, with the coat of arms of Peru surrounded by the text "Banco Central de Reserva del Perú" on the obverse, and the denomination on the reverse.
Here's a breakdown of the different coin denominations:
These details can be helpful when you're trying to make sense of the coins you'll encounter in Peru.
Banknotes
Peruvian banknotes are a fascinating topic, and I'm happy to share some practical information with you.
The Peruvian Sol is the official currency, and banknotes are available in denominations of S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, and S/200.
All banknotes are the same size, measuring 140 x 65 mm, and feature a portrait of a well-known historic Peruvian on the obverse.
The S/10 note features a green color and depicts José Quiñones Gonzales on the obverse, with a Caproni Ca.113 flying upside-down on the reverse.

The S/20 note is brown and features Raúl Porras Barrenechea on the obverse, with the interior of Torre Tagle Palace on the reverse.
Here's a summary of the different banknote denominations:
In 2021, a new series of banknotes was introduced, starting with the S/10 and S/100 notes, followed by the S/20 and S/50 notes in 2022.
Travelling to Peru
Travelling to Peru can be a bit tricky when it comes to paying for things, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
Credit cards from VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted in Peru, especially in touristy areas.
You can also use debit cards linked to your bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash at point-of-sale terminals.
Having some Peruvian sol banknotes on hand is a good idea for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies.
You can exchange currency at a bank or exchange bureau before or upon arrival.
Mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are becoming increasingly popular, but check beforehand how available they are in Peru.
A prepaid travel card can be a great option, as they often incur lower fees on Peruvian sol currency exchange compared to credit cards or debit cards.
Here are some popular prepaid travel card options:
- Revolut: available in the US, UK, EU/EEA, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Chile
- Wise Account: available in Canada and New Zealand
These cards often offer excellent exchange rates, multi-currency balances, and a travel debit card that lets you spend like a local with peace of mind.
Sending Money to Peru
Sending money to Peru can be a complex process, especially with high fees and exchange rates from international banks, which often constitute more than 10% of your transfer amount.
Fortunately, there are many trustworthy alternative providers that offer competitive exchange rates, which almost always far outdo those of banks.
If you're looking to send money abroad, it's worth noting that the cheapest provider can vary depending on several factors, including your location, the amount you're sending, and the payment method used.
Using a live comparison tool like Monito's can help you find the cheapest provider in real time, saving you time and money on your international money transfer.
Sending money to Peru for tuition or business transactions can be a common occurrence, but it's essential to be aware of the potential fees and exchange rates involved.
Additional reading: Currency Money
Real-World Example of the Pen

The Peruvian sol is the official currency of Peru, represented by the symbol S/. It's subdivided into 100 céntimos, with coins circulating in denominations of S/5, S/2, and S/1, and 10, 20, and 50 céntimos.
Peru's top trading partners are China, the United States, Canada, Korea, and Switzerland. These countries play a significant role in Peru's economy.
Peru's largest exports were copper, gold, oil, and zinc. The country's economy is heavily reliant on these natural resources.
As of August 2021, one U.S. dollar bought approximately 4.07 Peruvian soles. This exchange rate is crucial for travelers and businesses.
Peru registered a -11.14% GDP growth in 2020, with inflation of 1.82%. These economic indicators provide insight into the country's economic stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is USD worth a lot in Peru?
The US dollar is moderately valued in Peru, with an exchange rate of around S/ 3.5 to S/ 4 per dollar. This makes it a relatively affordable option for travelers and expats.
Is it better to exchange money in US or Peru?
Exchange rates are generally better in Peru. Consider exchanging your money at a bank in Peru, such as in Lima, Cusco, or Aguas Calientes, for a more favorable rate
How much is $1 dollar to 1 sol?
1 USD is equivalent to 0.0052 SOL. Get the latest exchange rate and learn more about the current USD to SOL conversion
How much is a nuevo sol worth in dollars?
As of 31/12/2024, 1 Peruvian Nuevo Sol is equivalent to approximately 0.2659 US Dollars. Check our live currency converter for the most up-to-date exchange rates.
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