Lima Airport: Breaking Large Currency Notes

can you break bills at lima airport

Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport has ATMs and money changers available, including GlobalNet, BCP, BBVA Continental, Scotiabank, and Interbank. While ATMs are open 24/7, they may charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates, so it is recommended to use the money exchange desks to break large bills into smaller ones. These are located in the baggage carousel hall and the main airport terminal.

Characteristics Values
Currency exchange available Yes
Money exchange desks Yes
ATMs available Yes
ATM fees $5-8 USD per transaction
ATM surcharge $3
ATM cards accepted Most international cards
Currency dispensed by ATMs USD, PEN, Soles
Currency exchange rates Better in the city

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Currency exchange desks can break large bills into smaller ones for free

Currency exchange desks at Lima Airport can break large bills into smaller ones for free. While ATMs are available at the airport, they may not always be the best option due to high fees and poor exchange rates. It is recommended to use the currency exchange desks, such as Interbank, which offers better rates than the ATMs. These desks can be found in the baggage carousel hall and the main airport terminal.

When exchanging money at Lima Airport, it is important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, if you plan to use US dollars in Peru, it is advisable to bring new, crisp bills with no marks or tears, as older or damaged bills may not be accepted for exchange. It is also generally recommended to bring a variety of smaller denomination bills, as larger bills may be difficult to break outside of the airport.

Additionally, while the currency exchange desks at the airport can provide convenient money exchange services, it is worth noting that better exchange rates can typically be found outside of the airport in the city, particularly in the Miraflores district, where most people stay when visiting Lima. If you have the option to wait until you reach your destination, you may find more favourable rates there.

Furthermore, when using ATMs at Lima Airport, it is important to be aware of potential issues with card compatibility. Some travellers have reported difficulties using certain types of cards, such as specific brands of ATM cards, at the airport ATMs. It is always a good idea to carry more than one card from a different bank as a backup option in case of any compatibility issues.

Overall, while currency exchange desks at Lima Airport can break large bills into smaller ones for free, it is important to consider the various factors involved, including exchange rates, card compatibility, and the availability of alternative options outside of the airport. By weighing these considerations, travellers can make informed decisions about their currency exchange needs when passing through Lima Airport.

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ATMs at Lima Airport dispense USD and PEN, but come with high fees and poor rates

Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport has ATMs that dispense both USD and PEN. While this is convenient, it comes at a cost. The fees are high, typically between USD $5-8 per transaction, and the exchange rates are poor.

ATMs are located throughout the airport, including in the baggage claim area, and there are several different providers, such as BCP, BBVA Continental, Scotiabank, and GlobalNet. GlobalNet is the main ATM provider at Lima airport, and users have reported that their cards have been accepted by these machines when they have been rejected by other ATMs. However, it is always a good idea to bring an alternative card, as you never know when issues might arise.

If you want to avoid the high fees and poor rates at the airport ATMs, you could wait until you are in the city to withdraw money. According to some travellers, the exchange rates are better in Lima, and you can also break large bills into smaller ones at the exchange desks in the airport without incurring a surcharge. Scotiabank, for example, does not charge a fee and has good rates.

If you are staying the night in Lima, you could also consider booking a hotel that offers a free airport pickup, allowing you to sort out any money issues once you are settled.

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GlobalNet is the main ATM machine at Lima Airport

GlobalNet is the main ATM provider at Lima Airport. GlobalNet ATMs are located throughout the airport, including in the baggage claim area. They dispense both USD and the local currency, PEN or soles. While convenient, these ATMs tend to be on the higher end, with surcharges of around US$3–$8 USD per transaction.

If you want to avoid the GlobalNet surcharge, you can find Banco de Crédito, Banco Continental, and Scotiabank ATMs on the second floor of the airport. Scotiabank ATMs, in particular, are recommended as they often do not charge a fee for international account withdrawals.

It is worth noting that some travellers have reported issues with certain types of cards not being accepted at the airport's ATMs. Therefore, it is always a good idea to bring an alternative card if possible. Additionally, if you plan to exchange cash, ensure that the bills are new, crisp, and unmarked, as older or damaged bills may be refused.

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Money exchange rates at Lima Airport are poor

Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport offers various options for exchanging money or withdrawing cash from ATMs. However, travellers have reported that the exchange rates at Lima Airport are poor.

There are two main currency exchange options at the airport: Interbank and World Xchange. Interbank, a major national bank in Peru, is the first money exchange option you'll encounter when you enter the baggage carousel hall. While Interbank offers better rates than World Xchange, travellers have noted that their rates are still not as competitive as those found in the city. World Xchange, located further down towards the exit of the baggage carousel hall, has received particularly poor reviews for its exchange rates.

ATMs are another option for accessing cash at Lima Airport. Machines from various providers, including GlobalNet, BCP, BBVA Continental, Scotiabank, and GlobalNet, are located throughout the airport. However, travellers have reported that ATMs at Lima Airport dispense cash with high fees and poor exchange rates. Additionally, some banks may charge a surcharge for using their ATMs, so it's essential to check before initiating a transaction.

To obtain more favourable exchange rates, travellers recommend exchanging only small amounts of money at the airport, just enough for immediate needs like transportation and tipping. For larger sums, it is suggested to wait until reaching the city, where rates are reportedly better. Scotiabank, for example, has been highlighted as a good option for exchanging money without incurring additional fees.

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Scotiabank does not charge a fee and has good rates

Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport in Peru has ATMs and currency exchange booths. The ATMs dispense both USD and the local currency, PEN or soles, and accept most international cards. However, they may charge fees of around $5-8 USD per transaction.

Scotiabank, located on the second floor of the airport, does not charge a fee and has good exchange rates. Banco de Crédito and Banco Continental are also fee-free options.

If you are staying the night in Lima and your hotel offers a pickup and transfer service, you may want to wait and withdraw money from a city ATM, as rates are generally better outside of the airport. However, if you need to exchange money at the airport, it is recommended to bring new, crisp USD bills in various denominations to get the best rates.

How to Get Currency at the Airport

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can break bills at Lima Airport. There are money exchange desks (cambios) where you can break larger bills into smaller ones, with no extra charge.

There are three Interbank Casas de Cambio (Bureau de change/currency exchange) offices in the airport, located in national arrivals, international arrivals and on the second floor in Peru Plaza. There is also a World Xchange booth in the baggage carousel hall.

Exchange rates at the airport are generally considered poor. Rates are said to be better in the city, particularly in Miraflores.

Yes, you can use US dollars to pay for a taxi to your hotel. You can also reserve a hotel in Lima that offers a free airport pick-up, allowing you to sort out any money issues once you have settled in.

Yes, there are ATMs located throughout the airport, including in the baggage claim area. These dispense both USD and the local currency, PEN or soles. However, they have been known to charge high fees and offer poor rates.

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