How to Send Money to Peru: Fees, Speed & Best Methods 

6 min read

An elderly couple smiles as they receive cash from a female teller across a counter after they send money to Peru. A computer screen displays "Transaction Completed" and a sign on the wall reads "¡Dinero al Instante!.

Peru’s growing economy and strong ties to international markets make it a popular destination for remittances. With multiple transfer methods available, from digital platforms to traditional bank wires, choosing the right service depends on your specific needs, budget, and timeline.  

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know to send money to Peru, including fees, transfer speeds, and the best methods available through Ria Money Transfer. 


Overview: Money Transfers to Peru 

  • Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN) as its currency. 
  • Many services let you send either in USD or PEN; recipients often prefer to receive in their local currency to avoid additional conversion. 
  • A growing number of Peruvians use Yape, a mobile wallet for digital payments and remittances. Ria partners with Yape so you can send directly to Yape.  

A woman holding money smiles at a young girl beside her. Cozy in warm sweaters, they sit indoors with sunlight streaming through a window and a potted plant on the sill—looking happy as they prepare to send money to Peru together.

 
Fees & Exchange Rates 


When you send money internationally, your total cost comprises: 

  1. Upfront transfer fee (what the remittance company charges you) 
  1. Exchange rate margin / markup (the difference between the “mid-market” rate and the rate the company gives you) 

Here’s what’s typical for Peru: 

According to World Bank remittance data, the average total cost to send money from the U.S. to Peru is around 4.6% (fee + exchange margin) for small amounts.  


Tips to reduce costs: 

  • Use bank or debit transfers rather than credit cards (credit cards may also incur cash-advance fees) 
  • Compare providers (fee + rate) rather than just the fee 
  • Use digital wallet or bank deposit options (often cheaper than cash pickup) 
  • Send larger amounts fewer times (if permitted) to reduce fixed-fee impact 


Speed / Delivery Times 


Speed depends on: 

  • How you fund the transfer (card, bank, cash) 
  • How your recipient receives the money (bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet) 
  • Processing time, compliance checks, local agent/partner networks 

Here are typical timelines for Ria: 

  • If you pay via bank account transfer, it may take up to 4 business days. 

Keep in mind local holidays, cut-off times, and compliance checks can delay transfers. 

A young woman with long brown hair smiles while looking at her smartphone, standing outdoors on a sunny city street, perhaps about to send money to Peru, with buildings and people in the background.


Methods & How to Send 


Here are common sending and receiving methods when remitting to Peru: 

Method Sender Side Recipient Side Pros / Cons 
Bank deposit You link your bank / send via app / transfer  Funds go into the recipient’s bank account Convenient, avoids cash handling; may be slower; bank account required 
Cash pickup / agent location Sender funds at agent or online Recipient collects at local partner / agent Often fast, useful for unbanked users, but may have higher fee / lower rate 
Mobile wallet Send via app / digital service Recipient receives in wallet  Fast and low cost; Ria supports Yape in Peru.  
Debit / credit card Use your card to fund Linked to the receiving method you choose Fast, but card issuers may charge extra fees (cash advance). 
Wire / bank-to-bank Use international wire service Funds delivered by correspondent banks Reliable for large transfers, but often expensive and slower 


What You’ll Need / Verification 


Like sending to any country, providers need identity verification, recipient details, and source-of-funds information. Ria’s identity requirements tend to apply broadly, so similar documentation will likely be required:  


Typical requirements: 

  • Valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, national ID) 
  • Name, address, contact info of sender and recipient 
  • For bank deposit: recipient’s bank name, branch, account number 
  • For mobile wallet: recipient’s wallet identification  
  • Sometimes proof of source of funds (depending on amount / regulations) 


If sending large amounts, additional KYC / AML checks may be required. 

A smiling family of three, two adults and a child, sit on a couch looking at a smartphone together, laughing as they discover how easy it is to send money to Peru and share moments across the miles.


Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Money to Peru with Ria  


Ria makes sending money internationally simple, fast, and secure. Here’s how to do it in just a few steps:
  

1. Sign Up for an Account  

  • Create an account using your email address, and set a secure password.  
  • You may need to verify your identity by uploading a valid ID, especially for higher transfer amounts.  

2. Begin a New Transfer  

  • Click “Send Money” and select Peru as the destination.  
  • Enter the amount you’re sending in either USD or PEN.  

3. Choose a Delivery Method  

  • Bank Transfer: Send funds directly to the recipient’s account.  
  • Cash Pickup: Recipients can collect cash from thousands of Ria agent locations across Peru.  
  • Digital Wallet 

4. Enter Recipient Information  

  • For bank deposits: Provide the recipient’s account number, bank name, and full name as it appears on official documents.  
  • For cash pickup: Enter the recipient’s full name accurately to match their ID.  

5. Select a Payment Method  

  • Pay via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card.  
  • Bank transfers tend to have the lowest fees, while credit cards may incur higher costs for faster payments.  

6. Review & Confirm  

  • Double-check all details: 
  • Transfer amount.  
  • Fees and exchange rates.  
  • Recipient information.  
  • Confirm the transfer and submit your payment. 
     

7. Track Your Transfer  

  • For cash pickups, share this PIN with your recipient. 
     

8. Notify the Recipient  

  • Ensure your recipient knows where and when to collect their funds.  
  • For cash pickups, they must present their ID and the tracking PIN at designated locations. 

A man in an orange work shirt and white hard hat smiles while looking at his smartphone, standing outdoors at what appears to be a construction or mining site—possibly about to send money to Peru.


FAQs About Sending Money to Peru 


Is it safe to send money online? 
Yes. Ria uses encryption, identity verification, and secure systems to protect your transfer every step of the way. We’ve helped millions of people send money across the globe for over 35 years. 


What is the cheapest way to send money to Peru? 
Generally, paying with your bank account and sending to a recipient’s bank account or digital wallet in Peru is the most cost-effective option. These methods usually have lower fees and competitive exchange rates. 


Can I send money to a debit card in Peru? 
Ria doesn’t currently support transfers directly to Peruvian debit cards. However, you can send funds to your recipient’s bank account or Yape wallet, both of which are typically linked to debit cards for easy access to funds. 


How much money can I send to Peru at once through Ria? 
Limits vary depending on your location, how you pay, and your recipient’s payout method. You’ll see the exact limit when setting up your transfer. If you need to send a large amount, additional verification may be required for your safety. 

Four people stand outdoors smiling and laughing as they look at a smartphone, perhaps discovering an easy way to send money to Peru. Dressed warmly in sweaters and a beanie, they appear happy and engaged with buildings in the background.


Send Money to Peru with Ria 


Whether you’re sending funds for family expenses, emergencies, or special occasions, choosing the right transfer service is key. Ria offers fast, cost-effective, and secure options to send money to Peru, making it one of the best choices for your international remittance needs. 


Start your transfer to Peru today. 

About the author

Gabriela Solis

Gabriela Solis

Gabriela Solis is Ria's Senior Content Writer. Located in Querétaro, México, she focuses on telling stories that show the myriad human faces of remittances.

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