Best of South America - Currency and tipping

What is the local currency?

The currency of Peru is the Peruvian sol (S/).

The currency of Ecuador is the American dollar ($).

Should I change money before I go?

It’s up to you whether you change money before your trip, but it’s worth having some US dollars with you as a backup to your card. You may get a better exchange rate if you change money before your trip, but there are plenty of ATMs available in the main cities of Peru and mainland Ecuador.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

It’s up to you how much money you budget for each day as you know your spending habits better than we do.

You may want to budget an average of 25 USD per day as a rough guide, for meals that aren’t included and any drinks etc.

Is it customary to tip?

A tip of around 10 USD per day for the Pack Leader would be appreciated but is not at all compulsory. Many Flashpackers also choose to give their Pack Leader a kitty to distribute amongst other staff such as restaurant staff and additional guides.

For restaurants and bars in Peru and Ecuador, it's customary to tip around 10% but this alters with the level of service you have received.