1.- INTRODUCTION TO USING CREDIT CARDS IN PERU
Credit cards accepted in Peru have been having different changes during the last years as globalization and commercial expansion has seen the need to adapt to the electronic change. This is something that can be lived and experienced mainly in cities like Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and other cities where the population is quite high is for this reason that the Credit cards accepted in Peru have the need to adapt even if this is international options as in the case of major recognized brands.
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Diners Club
Each of these Credit cards accepted in Peru are accepted by most shopping malls including hotels, restaurants and of course places where you get souvenirs. This is an action that in many ways facilitates the planning of travelers allowing them to make a payment in a simple way considering already in advance the currencies and tax percentages. But it is important to understand that this does not happen in the same way in rural or remote areas, so in these places it is better to carry only cash.
On the other hand thanks to the improvements that have been made in the digital infrastructure has allowed credit cards accepted in Peru have increased and of course the increase of devices such as point of sale terminals (POS) have improved the payment process allowing the cards are enabled in a simpler way allowing nationals and travelers have the facility to pay securely and quickly. On the other hand, after the pandemic, it is evident how the number of digital commerce has increased considerably which facilitates the online processes allowing services to be developed in an efficient manner with a timely payment. In fact many companies have implemented an additional budget to improve their payment gateways in order to have a better experience in a smooth and secure way.
Something important that you should also consider during your planning is that Credit cards accepted in Peru are not the only payment methods, at least this does not happen in remote and rural places where the cultural experience can be felt and lived in a better way, in these places that are characteristic as small stores and traditional markets is more common to appreciate that there is no adequate infrastructure to receive Credit cards accepted in Peru, in this way it is better to have cash in soles or dollars so you can avoid delays or payment problems.
2.- MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED IN PERU
Peru is one of the countries with the highest tourist growth so companies like Visa and MasterCard have positioned themselves as the main Credit cards accepted in Peru mainly for establishments that have as purpose the traditional and tourist activities so it is an effective form of payment for nationals and world travelers. Both are Credit cards accepted in Peru that are mainly used in hotels, restaurants, souvenir stores and even in transportation companies that are mainly linked to tourism.
2.1.- VISA
This card is not only one of the Credit cards accepted in Peru but also worldwide, at national level is one of the main cards that are used on a daily basis in various common transactions of local people and travelers in the world. This way in cities like Lima, Arequipa, Cusco or with large concentrations of people the Visa card is one of the most accepted from small restaurants to large luxury hotel companies, however something particular that also characterizes Visa cards is that it has super special promotions in addition to constantly have benefits in Peruvian businesses, this is reflected in promotions and discounts that seek to help or promote plans to finance a trip where travelers use the Visa card as the main form of payment on major dates of high demand in addition to other festivities that take place on holidays.
2.2.- MasterCard
In a similar way as the Visa card, the MasterCard is also one of the most popular and widely accepted credit cards in Peru in major cities. This card also enjoys the same security process as the Visa card; however, the latter is somewhat limited to sectors such as gastronomy, entertainment, travel, flights and other similar aspects. Another aspect that undoubtedly stands out is that the Mastercard uses cashback promotions and discounts for those users who seek to consume mainly in restaurants, stores and activities in remote places such as the jungle. In fact, many of the travel agencies offer unique adventures at reduced prices on the condition that they can make the payment with exclusive MasterCard cards.
2.3.- Acceptance Percentage
It is important to know that credit cards accepted in Peru can represent up to 90% of the places you visit, since most places accept Visa and MasterCard cards directly. However, there are some notable differences to consider between visiting highly populated places and rural areas in the high Andes mountains. Visa cards are intended to be accepted globally in large or small places so they are easily accessible to everyone when it comes to getting a service or product. However, MasterCard cards are more commonly accepted at specific merchants which makes them less accessible. In any case it is always important to understand that in places far away from population centers it is unlikely to find the acceptance of any of the cards so it is always important to carry a specific amount of cash in the local currency of preference.
2.4.- AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD
All American Express cards are considered popular and global payment methods worldwide, however in Peru they have a great limitation due to the fact that priority is given to Visa and Mastercard cards, which directly represents a limited acceptance unlike the other cards and also represents a difficulty mainly for travelers who essentially depend on the card to enjoy exclusive activities. However, Amex cards are still recognized in luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and of course exclusive high quality places where the elite client is known, in cities like Lima, Cusco or Arequipa you will have no problems when using this type of card.
Although the percentage of establishments that accept this type of card in Peru is lower compared to other more popular cards such as Visa or MasterCard, it is also important to understand that many establishments do not have payment gateways adapted to this type of payment, so it is important to always have cash at your disposal, preferably in local currency. On the other hand, when it comes to exclusive places it is easier for them to accept this kind of cards since it is directly related to premium benefits for certain kind of travelers. It is for this reason that American Express cards are considered to be intended primarily for a type of premium customer that usually has standards of luxury hotels, high-end gourmet restaurants and of course exclusive stores. This can only be found in highly populated cities such as Lima, Arequipa and Cusco where cards like American Express are commonly accepted without impediment, on the other hand many of the companies have also destined the acceptance of this card with the intention of handling this type of customer standard being mainly related to travel agencies, tour operators and of course exclusive experiences that are provided in the Amazon jungle.
3.- Recommendations for cardholders
- The most important thing is always in the verification and acceptance, before making a payment with a considerable amount is important to recognize that the destination establishment is safe, for this reason many of the businesses have the destination accounts in your name.
- It is also important that you understand that the Credit cards accepted in Peru are varied so it is a great alternative to have an alternate card, this way if any inconvenience occurs with your American Express card you can always use it as a backup which is Visa or MasterCard.
- Something very particular that happens with the American Express card is that it gives you different types of benefits as a traveler, from standard travel insurance to access to VIP lounges in special places it is also common to get discounts at high quality places so it is a great opportunity to get a good benefit during your next trip.
- It is important to understand that credit cards accepted in Peru have the main characteristic of being directly linked to a bank and American Express cards are no exception, in fact they are one of the cards that contain more security, so if you decide to undertake your trip to Peru it is extremely important that you communicate this decision to the bank so that before any type of transaction you do not have any inconvenience such as blocking or delay in payment.
- Before any eventuality or inconvenience that you may suffer as a customer, you should know that the American Express card provides exceptional customer service, so no matter the time of day you can always contact and receive a quick response.
3.1.- SECURITY CONCERNS AND BEST PRACTICES
Traveling to Peru also means knowing the security aspects that refers to the use of credit cards accepted in Peru, mainly when we talk about actions to withdraw cash from any of the ATMs, of course it is essentially using cards known as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club which are categorized as the safest, however there is always the possibility of falling into fraud or identity theft for this reason you should take the necessary precautions to enjoy a personalized and safe experience.
3.2.- ATM Security
There is no doubt that it is one of the easiest ways to obtain cash, since the use of ATMs is regulated as a general action throughout the country and mainly in large cities such as Lima, Arequipa and Cusco it is possible to find a type of ATM that adapts directly to the type of card you have, It is always recommended to use the ATMs that are located in highly crowded places and with large influx of people how is the case of shopping malls or banks although of course within the prestigious hotels and luxury also find this alternative in a safer way, on the other hand you should also consider that there are areas with a prominent lighting which minimizes the risk of being able to handle cash, of course you should always take precautions and make sure that the equipment is intact without any suspicion of modification.
3.3.- Warning precautions
One of the main causes of computer theft is undoubtedly the manipulation of machines such as ATMs, this is a common practice of people trying to steal these devices also called Skimmers, who seek to violate the card slots and thus obtain personal information that gives them direct access to your personal accounts, it is easily noticeable to see how an ATM has been manipulated so it may present some states in the card slot as scratches or mirror texture, also if you feel the keypads of the buttons too thick or somehow distorted are a clear example of what you are probably a victim of cyber theft in this way the best alternative will always be to contact security or police personnel nearby.
4.- SECURITY ADVICE
“Remember that there are certain conditions that are recommended when using an ATM, the most important thing is to avoid them at night or in isolated places as this can violate your security, on the other hand if somehow it appears that the ATM was manipulated or has some strange device it is better not to use it as it may be a systematic theft, and always consider automatic travelers in crowded places and preferably during the day.”
5.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CREDIT CARDS IN PERU
- Is Visa or Mastercard more widely accepted in Peru?
Yes, in general both Visa and MasterCard are Credit cards accepted in Peru so most establishments without merchant locations will accept them with ease allowing payment transactions to be more accessible to travelers and locals.
- Do I need to notify my bank before using my credit card in Peru?
Yes, in fact this is a very important step as it will notify your bank that it may allow transactions to be made easily, if not it is more likely that the bank may issue certain limitations on the important transactions you should make during your next trip.
- Can I use my American Express card in Peru?
Yes, however you should take into consideration that this type of cards are only accepted in high class places such as luxury hotels, exclusive restaurants and of course high level stores where the most recognized brands serve customers.
- Are there additional fees for using credit cards in Peru?
This varies according to the origin of your card, however in general the Peruvian government has decreed a minimum percentage for the use of cards during your stay in Peru which is important to know before planning an adventure.
- Should I pay in Peruvian soles or US dollars when given the option?
The best alternative will always be to pay in local currency, which represents Peruvian soles in this way you can get an adequate price for the purchase you are making, although the same thing happens in the currency of U.S. dollars you should always consider that there is a variation in its exchange rate.
Now you know everything important about Credit cards accepted in Peru and there is no longer any exception not to start with your planning. Auri Peru can help you with this new adventure, just contact us now and our adventure designers who will help you customize your adventure in a unique and special way.
“Every path has a story.”
