General Info

I believe the money that comes out of the ATM is in the local currency (soles), not dollars. At least that's how it's been in every other country I've visited.

The ATM's I used in Miraflores gave you the choice of soles or dollars.

[QUOTE=Doc Bill]I believe the money that comes out of the ATM is in the local currency (soles), not dollars. At least that's how it's been in every other country I've visited.[/QUOTE]

Doc Bill,

There are USD denominated ATM machines in Lima but you may have to look for them. I have seen this in other countries also (Dominican Republic comes to mind). Obviously, there are soles denominated ATM machines in Lima also. Contrary to Elberto's advise, there is no exchange rate benefit to be had if you withdraw USD from a Lima ATM and then use street money changers. The exchange rate benefit, assuming there is one, only comes into play when you use your US bank ATM card to withdraw soles from a Lima ATM machine. I have never done this and cannot comment on what kind of exchange rate you will get but my experience in other countries suggests that it will be a good one.

The Cat

[QUOTE=Doc Bill]I believe the money that comes out of the ATM is in the local currency (soles), not dollars. [/QUOTE]
I bank at Banco de Credito and the ATMs offer both currencies. Simply select if you want dollars or soles to be dispensed during the transaction. I've also never been anywhere that didn't take dollars. Just keep in mind that a taxi driver isn't going to have change for a US$20.

The only concern I would have is for the fees your US bank is going to dick you with for using an int'l ATM. Before opening an account here I used to get stuck for $5 per withdrawl by BofA.

During my visit ... some places did not take my CC's, reputable places in Miraflores... and others did not allowed me to take money out from my check card.. until I found a place in Benavides ( Surco ) an Scotia Bank the one and only branch that let me do it.. I tried other branches with no luck .. so everytime I played I had to take a cab to Benavides and Caminosdel Inca in Surco and do Scotia Bank .. so becareful with some ATM's .. as far as charges I was stiff with the $1 charge cause I used a out of network ATM

[QUOTE=Maltrufio]The only concern I would have is for the fees your US bank is going to dick you with for using an int'l ATM. Before opening an account here I used to get stuck for $5 per withdrawl by BofA.[/QUOTE]

Interesting. If this is universally true it would pretty much cancel out any exchange rate benefit to be had from using US bank cards in Lima. It sounds to me that for a visitor, my approach of carrying USD and exchanging it, as required, into soles via the street money changers remains the best approach. Unless, of course, you get mugged or kidnapped on your way from the airport to the hotel. Most decent hotels offer safety desposit boxes either in the rooms or at the front desk.

The Cat

What is crime like in Peru? Is it for the most part safe. I have seen a few reports on the news about some anti American feelings the result of pressure that is being put on the country over cocoa. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

The people in peru are very warm and will be willing to do almost anything for you as long as you treat them with respect.
Lima is a sketchy city and if your not street smart yes you can get yourself into trouble.
Maybe you wont feel comfortable going to the trocadero brothel yourself or walking the streets late at night. It depends on your past experiences. You should be aware of the bad areas and stay away from them. Right off the top of my head I'd say the barrios of san martin,callao,los olivos and el centro after dark are off limits for you since your asking about it.
By the way miraflores is very safe. You need to have your wits about you during late night club hours but you can walk everywhere no problem. If you feel uncomfortable take a cab but not the ones that hang out in front of nightclubs.
I'm shocked at the amount of anti american propoganda I DONT find when I travel in south america. People dont like *bush not average american people.

Show respect get respect.

[QUOTE=Double]What is crime like in Peru? Is it for the most part safe. I have seen a few reports on the news about some anti American feelings the result of pressure that is being put on the country over cocoa. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance[/QUOTE]

I agree with Artisttyp. I have been to Lima couple of months ago and had no problems - granted I am not white. Nonetheless, people almost everywhere in the world are generally nice to foreigners, American or not. If you go with the attitude that it is a dangerous place where everyone hates Americans, it will come across and you will have an unpleasant visit. South America is an amazing place and I would never hesitate to go there (or anywhere else). Have a positive attitude, be nice to people, respect other cultures, and use commonsense. You will be fine.

I appreciate the responses to my question. The reason that I posed the question is because I normally go to vacation in Brazil. However, I want to go off to a location where I do not feel that there is trouble around every corner.
I have never really had any serious problems of any kind. I am just careful. There is nothing like a good time gone badly. Anywho, Thanks for your reassuring posts.
Based upon some of the scorts sites, it seems that Peru has some beautiful ladies.

Once again,

Thanks

[QUOTE=Double]Based upon some of the scorts sites, it seems that Peru has some beautiful ladies.

Once again,

Thanks[/QUOTE]
And sweet as honey if you are into the dating scene!
LB

While I do live a little ways from Peru I do speak Spanish well, and would love to meet someone for dating. Are there sites that you recommend for getting to know some non pro or university types in Peru.

With the limited time I have for vacation, 2 or 3 weeks. I normally don't look into real dates. However, if the ladies are sweet and looking for Amor de lejos-I would def entertain the thought.

P4P is just a way to get to the point

I have traveled all over Mexico, Centroamerica and Sudamerica and find ATMs the way to go. The exchange rate advantage, safety and convenience offsets the fees. Look for an account in the US that gives a minimum fee. Mine gives me 10 free foreign transactions a month on my debit card and the foreign ATMs charge an insignificant fee. Just be sure your card is valid for the Plus system. Scotia Bank, I believe, near the cinema at Parque Kennedy was where I went regularly. The guard and I became rather familiar and he offered to ride with me on the bus to get to Scarlet's as he lived near there.

[QUOTE=Double]While I do live a little ways from Peru I do speak Spanish well, and would love to meet someone for dating. Are there sites that you recommend for getting to know some non pro or university types in Peru.

With the limited time I have for vacation, 2 or 3 weeks. I normally don't look into real dates. However, if the ladies are sweet and looking for Amor de lejos-I would def entertain the thought.

P4P is just a way to get to the point[/QUOTE]
Online- Hi 5 is most popular and myspace a little less. Dating sites like badoo and others have more bait and switch but can be fertile.

In person is the best way to go and is a good use of downtime. Model types can be found at the perfume counters of ripley & saga. Lunchtime around the airline offices along pardo (real hottie currently in the offices behind Taca) also at one Menu some regulars go to now that Alabama has left town. Azafata´s at the upscale restaurants ( check out Paola at Segunda Muelle). Friday afternoons look for the liquer promoters at Vivanda on Pardo. This is just Miraflores, it is similar in San Isidro.
LB

Do I need an ID of some sort to cash US dollars into soles at the casinos ? I usually walk around with a copy of my passport and birth certificate. Will that work ?

Should I expect at least 3 soles per dollar ?