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IQUITOS TRAVEL
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Money Matters in Iquitos, Peru
Why we do not accept foreign currency in cash
For your benefit as well as ours!
You read on this site that Iquitos Travel doesn’t accept foreign currencies as cash payments at the lodge. In most cases, we prefer to keep things simple and only ask for a cash payment in full on the morning of your day trip or tour. We do not require any advance payments.
However, in case you are traveling with a group, and cash payment becomes problematic, we do accept US dollars or Euros as electronic advance payments, for example via PayPal, Western Union, or a bank transfer.
Shaved ice, a local favorite
While US dollars are traditionally widely used and accepted in Peru’s economy, dollar bills often cause problems for the people who use them. Banks and other financial institutions ONLY accept US dollar bills if they are in MINT CONDITION (in other words, brand new, wrinkle free, unused and without even the smallest tear). If we present them with anything less, the bills will be rejected. As they won’t accept them from us, we cannot accept them from you.
Now, imagine that you have traveled all the way to Iquitos and we have to turn you away, because your cash is no good. That would truly be awful, so we want to avoid any problems for you, as well as for us.
OUR TIPS:
1. Avoid bringing large amounts of cash with you; you can easily withdraw soles from your own bank account with your ATM card.
2. If you do travel with cash, bring ONLY brand new, mint condition bank notes, and protect them from damage while traveling.
3. NEVER use the money changers on the street or at the airport. You WILL be cheated; don’t think it won’t happen to you.
4. Never change a big bill for smaller ones, when a friendly stranger asks you for a favor.
We also recommend that you change at least some of your dollars to Peruvian soles when you arrive at Lima airport.