Updated Date:
Author: HowToPeru Editorial Team
At Lima’s new Jorge Chávez terminal, you’ll find 24/7 Global Exchange counters and multiple ATMs from major banks in Arrivals/Departures. eSIMs are the fastest, best‑value way to get data; airport SIM desks exist but are priced higher than city stores. Exchange only a little at the airport (or withdraw soles at an ATM), then use casas de cambio in Miraflores for better rates.
Lima’s new terminal opened in mid‑2025 inside Arrivals/Departures you’ll find SIM/eSIM desks, 24/7 currency exchange and a row of bank ATMs—useful if you land late. The airport lists Global Exchange with three counters (Arrivals and Level 3) open round‑the‑clock, and ATMs from BCP, BBVA, Interbank and Scotiabank.
If you’re considering the city bus called AeroDirecto to/from the new terminal, note it’s designed for residents and has fixed corridors and street stops; it’s not a substitute for the official airport bus to tourist areas.
eSIM pros: instant activation, no passport queues, and fair pricing; cons: data‑only (most plans don’t include a local number). If you need a Peruvian number for two‑factor codes, consider Holafly’s new global plan with number or buy a cheap local prepaid later.
“Siempre pude utilizarlo sin inconvenientes….” – Malena Fragoso, Argentina, December 2026.
“La e‑SIM… muy fácil de utilizar, excelente conectividad… Muy recomendable.” – Jaime, Country not listed, October 2026.
Claro kiosk in Arrivals area and a PeruSIM counter in the public Arrivals hall. Multiple traveler audits in 2026 reported “tourist prices” at these points (examples below). PeruSIM lists a 24/7 airport shop.
Reported examples (Jan 2026 snapshot): Claro Arrivals bundle 14 GB/1 week ≈ $59; PeruSIM 5–30 GB ≈ $21–$37.50. These are convenient but far above downtown pricing. Expect changes in 2026.
“Mateo was very helpful… eSIM are easy and cheap to use. 100% recommended!” – Wayne J, Country not listed, April 2026.
Official carrier stores (Claro, Movistar, Entel, Bitel) in Miraflores routinely sell prepaid packages at local prices with passport registration and a quick biometric check. You’ll often pay under S/35–S/40 (~$9–$11) for ~4 GB/10–30 days, then top up in apps.
Regulatory note: OSIPTEL mandates biometric identity verification to activate prepaid lines and has tightened database checks; foreigners must present a valid passport and may be asked to validate device details. Avoid street sellers.
For step‑by‑step SIM buying (plans, unlocking, carriers), see our in‑depth guide: How to Get a SIM Card in Peru.
You’ll find machines from BCP, BBVA, Interbank and Scotiabank; they run 24/7. Fees are shown on‑screen; many banks charge a fixed S/18–S/25 per withdrawal to foreign cards, with per‑transaction limits (often S/400–S/700). Always choose “charge in soles” to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion.
Recent fee snapshots compiled by local operators show typical ranges: BCP or Interbank S/20–25, Scotiabank/BBVA S/18–25, and GlobalNet S/19–36; policies change frequently, so verify on‑screen before confirming.
Global Exchange operates three counters in Arrivals and Level 3 (open 24/7). Rates are easy to access—but spreads are wider than you’ll get in the city. Use them for “first‑hours” money only.
If you want a benchmark before you trade, the Central Bank (BCRP) and the financial regulator (SBS) publish reference rates; on January 8, 2026, the SBS average was ~S/3.359 buy / S/3.368 sell per USD, close to BCRP’s interbank band around S/3.36. Expect airport cash rates to sit meaningfully worse than these figures.
Independent traveler guidance suggests airport exchange spreads of roughly 8–10% versus city casas de cambio—another reason to change just a little, then convert more in Miraflores.
Miraflores has competitive casas de cambio and registered cambistas (street money changers) wearing official vests with visible ID; these can be safe for small amounts when used in busy daylight spots. Our Lima money guide covers addresses and how to check notes.
| Need | Best option | Typical cost (examples) | Pros | Watch‑outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile data now | eSIM (Airalo/Nomad/Holafly) | 5 GB $17 (Airalo); unlimited plans from ~$29/7 days (Holafly) | Instant, good value | Data‑only unless using a plan with number; coverage varies by carrier partner |
| Mobile number | Downtown prepaid (Claro/Movistar/Entel/Bitel) | ~S/35–S/40 for ~4 GB (10–30 days) | Local prices, full features | Must bring passport; biometric check; basic Spanish helps |
| “I land late and need data” | Airport SIM counter | Reported $21–$59 bundles (2026) | Easiest on arrival | Higher prices vs city; plan details vary |
| Cash for taxi/snacks | Airport ATM | Bank fee S/18–S/25 typical | Fast; fair FX | Limits per withdrawal; decline DCC |
| Best overall FX | Miraflores casa de cambio | Near SBS/BCRP benchmarks | Strong rates | Carry small amounts; verify notes |
“Staff were friendly and helpful… shared valuable insights that shaped our time in Peru.” – E S, Mexico, September 2026.
For the airport’s full layout, lounges and transport, see our dedicated Lima Airport guide.
Yes—Arrivals hosts tourist‑oriented counters (e.g., PeruSIM; sometimes a Claro kiosk), but multiple traveler audits show airport bundles are pricey compared with downtown stores. If you can wait, buy at a carrier store in Miraflores with your passport, or install an eSIM before you fly for the best value.
Use a bank ATM in Arrivals for an initial withdrawal in soles, decline any “charge in USD,” and keep the receipt. Fees of S/18–S/25 per withdrawal are common for foreign cards. Exchange counters are 24/7 and fine for small amounts, but better rates await in Miraflores casas de cambio.
Compare the offered rate with the day’s reference on the SBS or BCRP pages. If the kiosk is 8–10% worse than those benchmarks, change just a little and do the rest in town.
Yes. Peru requires biometric identity verification for prepaid SIM activation, and operators must validate your details against government databases. Avoid street sellers and insist on an official point of sale.
USD works in some hotels/tour operators, but day‑to‑day purchases are in soles; keep small notes for taxis, cafés and tips. Our Lima exchange guide lists safe places to change money if you prefer cash.
Airport kiosk pricing and ATM fees change without notice; use the links above to verify the latest rates and always read the on‑screen fee before confirming a withdrawal. If a kiosk’s rate seems poor, withdraw a small amount at an ATM or wait to change money at a Miraflores casa de cambio.
This article is a part of our series “2025 Travelers in Peru — Advice, Tips, and Honest Experience”. This is a candid, traveler-led series capturing what visitors to Peru in 2026 truly loved (and didn’t), plus practical tips so you can plan smarter, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
