Handling money across South America is simpler than it sounds, once you know the playbook. Almost every country has its own currency — the main exception is Ecuador, which uses the US dollar — and conditions vary from rock-steady (Brazil, Chile) to fast-moving (Argentina, Venezuela). The good news is that one sensible approach works almost everywhere on the continent. This page covers that approach; for the specifics, follow the links to each country’s money guide below.
Everyone has their preferences, but we find this combination works well across the region:
The US dollar is by far the easiest currency to exchange; euros are often accepted too, while other currencies are best not relied upon and may get poor rates. You can usually change money on arrival at airports and land borders, and in major cities — though banks can be slow, so ask your guide for advice. Familiarise yourself with current exchange rates before you travel (xe.com is handy), and skip traveller’s cheques, which are increasingly hard to use. Using ATMs for everyday cash keeps the need to exchange to a minimum.
Tipping customs are broadly similar across the continent and are almost always given in cash. As general guidance (see each country guide for local nuance):
Everyone spends differently, so this is hard to pin down — but by following the approach above you won’t need to carry large amounts of cash, which makes precise budgeting less critical. The main day-to-day costs to plan for are:
On a guided trip with us, the big-ticket items — hotels, internal transport, and guiding — are arranged in advance, and breakfasts are typically included (unless otherwise noted); lunches and dinners are usually yours to budget for, though they’re commonly included on cruises and at many lodges. That mainly leaves meals out, tips, and other extras.
Conditions and currencies differ from country to country — Argentina’s recent reforms, Ecuador’s use of the dollar, and Brazil’s card-friendly cities all change the picture. For currency, cards, ATMs, costs, and tipping in each destination, see:
Travelling to a specific region? See also money tips for the Amazon, the Galápagos Islands, Patagonia, Machu Picchu, and Antarctica.
Ready to start planning? Explore our South America tours — we handle the details so you can focus on the journey.
