Peruvian Currency

When traveling in such large groups of people, it is very difficult to meet locals. Most locals are trying to sell us something at an inflated price because we are tourists. It doesn’t help that I am clearly not Peruvian with my blonde hair and pale skin. However, we have had opportunities to work on our Spanish as well as teach English at two schools: the Peruvian Air Force High School and Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazon. The first one was obviously a high school but also middle and elementary school. NU students gave presentations on all sorts of topics on life in the US and the students were very eager to communicate, share their culture and take selfies with us. Most of their english was not great so we communicated a lot in Spanish which was fine for me. The Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazon is an all girls university where the girls we interacted with are studying to be translators. When conversing with them we would talk half the time in Spanish and half the time in English. Some NU students gave presentations about hobbies and activities in English and three girls translated them directly to the audience as an exercise. It was very cool. I have to say that going to these two schools has been my best experience thus far interacting with locals.

Peru uses Soles as their form of currency. The exchange rate is pretty good 3.3 soles to every 1 USD. The banks charge a fee for taking money out of the atms so the best way to exchange money is to exchange cash for cash. As sketchy as it sounds, there are people on the streets near the main areas of Miraflores where you can exchange money. You just have to know the exchange rate as not to get ripped off. Also, you have to make sure to barter with the vendors. You can easily get them down S/. 5-10 from their original asking price. Because the exchange rate is so good, it is very easy to justify buying things that would be much more expensive in the US. Since most of our meals and transportation are provided my budget has largely been going to souvenirs and going out at night with friends. I have spent more money than I was planning on spending here but I do not regret anything I have bough thus far. My favorite item that I bought for myself is a sweater made from alpaca wool that cost S/. 40. It is navy blue with some fringes (which normally isn’t my style but its still cute) as well as Peruvian designs. I think I will wear it often and I will think of Peru.