Jaya
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hello

Could anyone who has travelled to South American countries please let me know if it is best to take US$ or Sterling? I am thinking of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala & Belize and Peru.

Thank you.

Jaya

Moderator
(Member)
Hi Jaya,

I went to Ecuador in 2013, and the US$ is widely accepted there and was in fact was the only currency that I took. This is the same in many South American countries, in that US$ are widely accepted.

A couple of the countries you are thinking of, do have a local currency so it may be a good idea to take sufficient for remote areas if you wish. However, currency can be exchanged in resort, and your tour manager will be happy to advise during the tour.

I hope this helps.

Kindest regards,

Monty

janib
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hello Jaya,

I was in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro December 2011. I took a mixture of both US dollars, Argentine Pesos and Brazilian Reals. I was most surprised in Buenos Aires to find my bank machine in the shopping mall, choosing English up came my name welcoming me to Argentina 🙂 My family, bless them, had put Brazilian reals into my birthday cards for me to spend. The only problem we had was trying to spend the reals at the airport- one shop open :@

Jan

Roamer
(Member)
I only took US dollars

Easier to change , and widely accepted as currency too.

Grecos
(Member)
I was in Costa Rica & Nicaragua earlier in the year. You really only need dollars, but DO make sure that they are clean, not torn etc or they won't be accepted. Absolutely ESSENTIAL is to gather together as many one dollar bills as you possibly can! These are like gold dust as you need them for tipping in hotels, local guides or small purchases. Remember that you nearly always get given your change in local currency &, if you're not careful, you'll be left with more of that than you know what to do with. Fantastic holiday so I hope you do go & enjoy.

Sheila

marks
  • (Member)
(Member)
'Jaya' wrote:

Hello

Could anyone who has travelled to South American countries please let me know if it is best to take US$ or Sterling? I am thinking of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala & Belize and Peru.

Thank you.

Jaya

Haha,

This sounds like a question for Bob, however my Latin friends do tell me they are more than happy to accept USD.

Thanks

BGray
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Jaya (and Mark!),

I brought US dollars to Costa Rica/Nicaragua and plan to do the same for the Mexico tour. I am sure you will be safe enough with them!

Best wishes,

Bob

Angie S
(Member)
Hi Jaya

I was in Peru last year. I took dollars. Using the leftover ones for my next holiday.

Angie

Jaya
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Thank you all for your replies. I will take plenty of dollars and if local currency is required, then change when I get there. I have got some dollars which I had ordered for the South African / Zambia add on trip so will order some more and make sure I have plenty of one dollar notes.

Jaya