Is it safe to withdraw cash in Peru or not?
I used my N26 card at an Interbank ATM in Trujillo at 9 pm and then also a Caja Piura ATM and didn’t feel unsafe but I chose one right next to a police booth. As a general rule I avoid street ATMs at night. During the day there are lots of people around and it feels safer. The machines inside malls or bank lobbies are your best bet any time of day. Peru is amazing but like many places in South America you need to be smart about when and where you carry cash.
I took out money at night once in Cusco near Avenida El Sol from a Caja Cusco ATM and felt super nervous. A man nearby started hovering too close and I walked straight into a nearby hostel until he left. After that I only used ATMs between 8 am and 6 pm. There’s a BCP inside the Real Plaza shopping centre that felt much safer. Also used Interbank ATMs that were built into the bank walls during daylight. It’s not that something bad will definitely happen but you feel a bit exposed alone at night with cash in your hand.
Used ATMs in Arequipa and Puno around 10 pm a few times with no issues. I only used the ones inside supermarkets or malls though. For example there’s a GlobalNet ATM inside the Plaza Vea in Arequipa that’s well lit and has cameras. There is also a Banco de La nacion ATM in the centre. but I wouldn’t touch the ones sitting on the corner of quiet streets. Too many stories of people being watched after withdrawing money. I kept withdrawals to daytime whenever possible and used cards to pay at hostels and cafes when I could.
I was in Lima and Cusco solo last December. I never had any trouble using ATMs but I avoided withdrawing cash at night unless it was an emergency. In Miraflores and Barranco I used ATMs inside bank branches or near 24 hour security guards. I tried to stick to Scotiabank and BCP machines. I’d say don’t use standalone ATMs on the street at night. They can attract the wrong kind of attention. If you really need to withdraw, go with someone and pick a well-lit spot.Is it safe to withdraw cash in Peru or not?
Caja Piura lowers withdrawal limits at night, possibly for security. Waited until morning and it worked fine.