## What Currency to Travel with in South America
When planning a trip to South America, one of the first things to consider is what currency to bring. The currency you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the countries you’ll be visiting, the length of your trip, and your budget.
### Which currencies are used in South America?
The most common currency in South America is the US dollar. It is widely accepted in all countries in the region, and you’ll be able to use it to pay for everything from hotels to restaurants to souvenirs. However, you’ll often get a better exchange rate if you use the local currency.
The following are the local currencies of the major countries in South America:
Argentina: Argentine peso (ARS)
Bolivia: Bolivian boliviano (BOB)
Brazil: Brazilian real (BRL)
Chile: Chilean peso (CLP)
Colombia: Colombian peso (COP)
Ecuador: US dollar (USD)
Guyana: Guyanese dollar (GYD)
Paraguay: Paraguayan guaraní (PYG)
Peru: Peruvian sol (PEN)
Suriname: Surinamese dollar (SRD)
Uruguay: Uruguayan peso (UYU)
Venezuela: Venezuelan bolívar (VEF)
### Which currency should I bring?
If you’re only planning on visiting a few countries in South America, it’s probably easiest to just bring US dollars. However, if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in one country, it’s worth bringing some of the local currency as well.
Here are some tips for choosing the right currency to bring:
Consider the countries you’ll be visiting. If you’re only visiting countries that use the US dollar, then you don’t need to worry about exchanging currency. However, if you’re planning on visiting countries that use different currencies, you’ll need to decide which currencies to bring.
Consider the length of your trip. If you’re only going to be in South America for a short time, it’s probably not worth bringing a lot of local currency. However, if you’re planning on staying for a longer period of time, it’s worth bringing some local currency so that you can get a better exchange rate.
Consider your budget. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s probably best to stick to using US dollars. However, if you have a more flexible budget, you may want to bring some local currency as well.
### Where can I exchange currency?
You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels. Banks typically offer the best exchange rates, but they may have limited hours of operation. Exchange bureaus are more convenient, but they often charge higher fees. Hotels typically offer the worst exchange rates, but they are convenient if you’re staying at a hotel.
### Tips for exchanging currency
Here are a few tips for exchanging currency:
Shop around for the best exchange rate. Don’t just go to the first exchange bureau you see. Take some time to compare rates at different banks and exchange bureaus.
Bring your passport. You’ll need to show your passport when you exchange currency.
Be aware of the fees. Banks and exchange bureaus often charge fees for exchanging currency. Be sure to ask about the fees before you exchange your money.
Don’t exchange too much money at once. It’s better to exchange small amounts of money as you need them. This will help you avoid getting stuck with a lot of foreign currency that you don’t need.
### Other ways to pay for things in South America
In addition to cash, you can also use credit cards and debit cards to pay for things in South America. However, it’s important to note that some businesses may not accept credit cards or debit cards. It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case.
You can also use traveler’s checks to pay for things in South America. Traveler’s checks are a safe and convenient way to carry money, and they are accepted by most businesses.
### Conclusion
Choosing the right currency to bring to South America depends on a number of factors. By considering the countries you’ll be visiting, the length of your trip, and your budget, you can make the best decision for your needs.
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