Practical travel information on Money and costs in Copacabana

Money & costs

Money

Travelers beware: there’s no ATM in town. Calle 6 de Agosto is the Wall Street of Copacabana. Casa de Cambio Copacabana (8:30am-4pm Mon-Fri, to 1:30pm Sat & Sun) is adjacent to Hotel Playa Azul; it changes cash (near official rates) and most brands of travelers checks (5% commission). Prodem (6 de Agosto y Pando; 2:30-6pm Tue, 8:30am-6pm Wed-Fri, 8:30am-3pm Sat & Sun)gives cash advances on a Visa and Mastercard (5% commission). Note that it’s closed on Mondays and even when it’s open, the machine is not always reliable. Numerous artesanía (handicraft stores) also change US dollars and travelers checks, but watch out for excessive commissions. You can buy Peruvian soles at most artesanía, but you’ll normally find better rates in Kasani, Bolivia or Yunguyo, just beyond the Peruvian border.