Lima Airport: Atm Access And Availability

If you're travelling to Lima, Peru, you may be wondering whether there are ATMs at Jorge Chávez International Airport. The good news is that there are indeed several ATMs located throughout the airport, so you'll be able to withdraw cash upon arrival. These include GlobalNet ATMs, which are part of Interbank, as well as Banco de Crédito, Banco Continental, and Scotiabank ATMs. However, it's worth noting that the GlobalNet ATMs typically charge a higher surcharge of around $3.

GlobalNet ATMs at Lima Airport

GlobalNet ATMs are located throughout Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. These ATMs are part of Interbank and can be found on the second floor of the airport.

GlobalNet ATMs accept the following international cards: Visa, Visa Electron, Plus, MasterCard, Cirrus, JCB, Discover, and American Express. Withdrawing money from these machines comes with a surcharge of around US$3.

Each GlobalNet ATM has a different limit, but you can use them multiple times in succession. Typically, you can withdraw at least 700 Nuevos Soles in one transaction, and up to 1200 Nuevos Soles across three transactions. However, some travellers have reported a maximum withdrawal limit of 400 Nuevos Soles at the airport ATMs.

Scotiabank ATMs

One source recommends using Scotiabank as their ATMs are reliable and they are all over the city. Scotiabank ATMs can be found in the Plaza De Armas in Cusco, although one source noted that they were not working during their visit.

It is worth noting that some sources have mentioned that Scotiabank ATMs charge a fee for withdrawals, so be sure to check this before using them.

Other ATMs are available at Lima Airport, including GlobalNet and Banco de Crédito.

Currency exchange at Lima Airport

If you don't want to carry cash, there are ATMs located throughout the airport. GlobalNet ATMs are part of Interbank and can be found across the airport. They accept withdrawals from international cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, they typically charge a high surcharge of around US$3. To avoid this fee, you can use ATMs from Banco de Crédito, Banco Continental, or Scotiabank, located on the second floor.

ATMs are also readily available in Lima city and Cusco, should you wish to withdraw money once you have left the airport.

Using US dollars in Lima

US dollars are widely accepted in Lima, Peru, and there are many ATMs in the city that dispense both US dollars and the local currency, the nuevo sol. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when using US dollars in Lima.

Where to Get US Dollars in Lima

If you need to withdraw US dollars, there are ATMs located throughout Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. These include GlobalNet ATMs, which are part of Interbank and can be found throughout the airport. However, these ATMs charge a high surcharge of around $3 per withdrawal. To avoid this fee, you can find Banco de Crédito, Banco Continental, and Scotiabank ATMs on the second floor of the airport.

Outside of the airport, ATMs that dispense US dollars can be found in banks such as Scotiabank, BCP, and BBVA. BCP ATMs have been recommended as they have no ATM fee and a higher maximum withdrawal limit of 700 nuevos soles.

US dollars are widely accepted in Peru, especially within the tourism industry. Most hotels, restaurants, tour agencies, large department stores, supermarkets, and travel agencies will accept US dollars. However, for day-to-day use, it is better to carry Peruvian nuevos soles as some smaller shops, markets, food stands, and family-run restaurants may only accept the local currency.

Additionally, the exchange rate can be poor when paying in US dollars, especially in establishments that are not accustomed to accepting them. It is recommended to keep up with the latest exchange rate to avoid being ripped off when making purchases or exchanging money.

When using US dollars in Lima, it is important to ensure that the bills are in good condition. Many businesses in Peru will not accept notes with even minor defects or tears. Small dollar bills are also preferable as some businesses may not have enough change for larger denominations.

In summary, while US dollars are widely accepted in Lima, it is advisable to also carry Peruvian nuevos soles for day-to-day transactions and to be mindful of the exchange rate and the condition of your dollar bills.

Safety of Lima Airport ATMs

ATMs at Lima Airport are generally considered safe to use, with many travellers opting to withdraw money upon arrival. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

Firstly, it is important to be cautious of potential scams and fraud. While there are no specific reports of scams associated with the ATMs at Lima Airport, it is always a good idea to be vigilant when using ATMs in any foreign country. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for any suspicious devices attached to the ATM that could be used for card skimming or other fraudulent activities. It is also recommended to use ATMs located inside the airport rather than those outside, as they may be less secure.

Secondly, be aware of the fees associated with ATM withdrawals. The GlobalNet ATMs located throughout the airport charge a high surcharge of approximately US$3 per transaction. If you want to avoid this fee, you can use ATMs from other banks located on the second floor of the airport, such as Banco de Crédito, Banco Continental, or Scotiabank. These ATMs may have lower fees or no fees at all, depending on your bank and the type of account you have. It is always a good idea to check with your bank before your trip to understand their policies on international ATM fees.

Thirdly, there are withdrawal limits set by the ATMs and your bank. Typically, you can withdraw between US$300 to US$500 per transaction, but you may be able to make multiple transactions depending on your bank's daily limit. It is important to plan ahead and understand these limits to ensure you have access to the amount of cash you need.

Finally, it is recommended to have a backup option for obtaining local currency. Carrying some US dollars with you and exchanging them at a currency exchange office or bureau de change in the airport can be a safer alternative. There are three Interbank Casas de Cambio offices located in national arrivals, international arrivals, and on the second floor of the Peru Plaza. Additionally, some hotels and stores in Lima and Cusco accept direct payments in US dollars, and you can also use credit cards for purchases.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can safely use the ATMs at Lima Airport to obtain Peruvian currency during your visit.

Frequently asked questions