Cusco and some other important tourist towns are well prepared to serve travelers; thus the majority of businesses accept American dollars even though prices are listed in Peruvian currency (Nuevo Sol). Paying in a store or a restaurant with dollars when prices are displayed in Peruvian currency will lead you to spend more dollars to pay for the bill because the exchange rate from dollars to soles will be significantly lower than the one you can expect to get at a well­ established Money Exchange business.

In Cusco City, the best places to exchange money are located around the main square and mainly in Ave. El Sol. In these areas there are several well-established money exchange businesses or banks. (Banks are the safest places to exchange money but exchange rates are always lower.) Travelers should never exchange money in the streets even if the exchange rates are higher since there is a high chance of getting a counterfeit bill. Also, always ask for a receipt when exchanging money (if a counterfeit bill is given, there is proof of the transaction).

In some other tourist destinations such as Urubamba, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes travelers will find small money exchange businesses; however, the exchange rate is significantly lower than the rate in Cusco City. We highly suggest to exchange currency in Cusco city and travel to these areas with soles.