Need cash when I land, best place in Peru? Airport or places in the city?
I withdrew 300 soles at the airport from a Scotiabank ATM and yes it charged me about 25 soles but I needed cash right away for a colectivo. I was glad I did because the ATM in my hostel in Barranco was out of service. Next day I found a Banco de la Nación in central Lima that didn’t charge me anything. If you don’t mind the small fee at the airport, it’s definitely the easiest option to get started. But better rates and no fees are waiting in the city.
f your flight lands in the day, wait until you reach the city. I found better options in places like Larcomar Mall or Kennedy Park area in Miraflores. Scotiabank and Interbank both worked with my Revolut and N26 cards. At the airport I tried a BBVA machine and it rejected me twice. The BCP one worked but gave a poor rate. I now always keep a small amount of emergency USD just in case and exchange it later if needed.
I always wait until I get into the city. The ATMs at Jorge Chavez airport are safe and functional but they charge higher fees. I used Interbank in Lima city centre the next morning and got a better rate with lower withdrawal fees. I took an airport taxi that accepted card so I didn’t need cash right away. If your card supports mobile wallets you can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay at some kiosks in the airport while you get sorted.
I landed at Lima airport late at night and used the BCP ATM near baggage claim. It worked fine with my Wise Visa and the fee was around 36 soles. Not ideal but convenient. Currency exchange rates at the airport are never the best but if you need cash for a taxi or sim card right away it’s worth doing a small withdrawal there. Once in Miraflores I found a Banco de la Nación ATM that had no fee at all. So I’d say withdraw a little at the airport then more in the city.