Trying to avoid paying crazy ATM fees while traveling in Peru. Anyone found ATMs that are free for foreign cards? Would love specific banks or locations if possible.
I had the best luck with Banbif ATMs inside big grocery stores like Wong or Plaza Vea. Still got charged a fee, usually around 19 soles, but they let me take out higher amounts like 700 so I didn’t have to withdraw too often. I used a Westpac Mastercard debit. Never found a completely fee-free ATM apart from Banco de la Nación but only 400 for the day limit for a mastercard and twice for a visa. If you're in a major city look for those first. Also check malls, the ATMs there tend to be newer and work better with international cards. Scotiabank wanted to charge me like 25 pesos and BCP 36!! thieves!!!!
BCP charged me 36 soles when I tried withdrawing with my Chase Sapphire forex card. I switched to Interbank and got charged 25 soles per transaction, which was lower but still annoying. Then I read about Banco de la Nación and tried one near Cusco’s Mercado Central. It worked without any local fee. Not the fanciest machines but they do the job. Would definitely recommend looking for those if you're on a budget. there are some local banks like caja cusco and piura i heard other travellers say did not charge them and apparently they have higher limits of like 3000 pesos in the day.
Most ATMs in Peru charge between 15 and 25 soles per withdrawal but Scotiabank was the best I found. I used their ATM inside the Real Plaza mall in Arequipa and there was no fee at all using my Charles Schwab debit card. But i know that scotiabank will normally charge like 25 pesos for a 400 soles limit. BCP was the worst - 36 pesos!!!!! Also used a Scotiabank ATM in Puno near the cathedral and had the same result. Make sure to choose decline on conversion if it asks. That saves even more.
I used my Wise card all over Peru and found that Banco de la Nación ATMs never charged me any local fees. I used one near Kennedy Park in Miraflores and another one in Cusco near Avenida El Sol. No charge from the Peruvian side. Just your home bank’s fee if any. The machines are basic but reliable. Also, Banco de la Nación doesn’t charge a commission for foreign cards which is a huge win. Only a 400 soles limit per transaction though!!
Falabella ATM now charges 18 soles for Visa card usage. Worked fine otherwise.
Falabella ATM in Peru charged me 18 soles commission for a standard transaction.
I withdrew 100 soles at BN Nacion ATM but my bank statement showed 118. Might be due to fees on my side.
BN Nacion ATM charged me 15 soles (about £3) for using my Monzo card.