Page 33 - Amazon River Cruise & Rain Forest

payment. If you would like to exchange money on your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw
funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will
convert that into U.S. dollars.

All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask
beforehand.

ATMs

When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may
not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more
than one card.

Many banks charge a fee of $1-$5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a
percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before
you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at
foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)
Peru: ATMs are available in large cities and towns like Lima and Cuzco but are less likely to be
found in more rural locations. For example, in the Amazon you may only see an ATM at the
regional airport. We suggest that you bring cash for expected expenses while traveling in the
rural areas.

Credit & Debit Cards

Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring
one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry).
We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American
Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the
Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other
brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

Peru: Credit cards are more likely to be accepted large cities like Lima than in the countryside.
Stores in Peru may charge you up to 8% for the use of a credit card.

Notify Card Providers
Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card
if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid
an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank
you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number
a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do
this online.

33