Why is the sun used as a currency in other countries in South America?: How much is the Peruvian currency in the region

For several years, the Peruvian sun has become a viable option for trade and savings in different countries in South America. Its stability compared to other regional currencies has promoted its use in Bolivia and Brazil, where the shortage of the dollar has led many citizens to look for more accessible and safe alternatives.

Unlike other Latin American currencies, which have suffered strong devaluations in recent times, the Peruvian currency maintains stable behavior, which has aroused the interest of investors and merchants. This trend has accentuated the dollar crisis in Bolivia and the depreciation of the Brazilian real, making the Peruvian currency an attractive option for international transactions and savings.

Why is the sun used as a currency in Bolivia and Brazil?

The use of the Peruvian sun in Bolivia has grown due to the shortage of the dollar in the Bolivian market. Since October 2024, many citizens of that country have chosen to buy soles as a cheaper way to access the US currency. The lack of dollars in Bolivia has generated an increase in its price, which has made me buy soles and then changing them to dollars is a more affordable strategy.

According to the YouTube channel Hugox Chugox, In the Bolivian parallel market the dollar has reached prices of up to 12 Bolivians per unit, while the sun exchange rate has oscillated between 2.5 and 3 Bolivians. This has caused some companies and shops to begin to accept soles in their daily transactions. In addition, in sectors such as border trade they have adopted the Peruvian currency due to their greater stability.

In Brazil, the depreciation of the Brazilian real has reduced the confidence of investors in the national currency, leading them to look for more stable alternatives. According to data from World Economic Forum Of 2025, the South American giant experienced an inflation of 4.87% and a devaluation of 27.35% in its currency, while the Peruvian sun barely recorded an inflation of 1.92% and only depreciated 5.5% in the same period. These factors have generated a growing interest in the Peruvian currency within the Brazilian territory.

Given the rise in the price of the dollar, some Bolivians have chosen to use the sun as currency. Photo: Capture Fourth Power.

How much S/1 is worth the other countries in South America?

The value of the Peruvian sun compared to other coins in South America varies according to the supply and demand in each country. In Bolivia, for example, the exchange rate has gone from 1.8 to 2.5 Bolivians per sun on average, which shows the increase in its value due to high demand.

In Brazil, the situation is different. Real’s devaluation has led to the Peruvian sun to have greater purchasing power. Currently, S/1 is equivalent to approximately 1.60 reais, which positions it as a strong currency in the region. In Argentina, where inflation has drastically affected the value of the Argentine weight, a sun can exceed 200 Argentine pesos.

What is the cheapest coin in Latin America?

The Argentine weight is currently the most depreciated currency in Latin America. The economic crisis in Argentina has led to an uncontrolled inflation and a constant devaluation of its currency, despite the economic reforms carried out in the country.

What position does the Peruvian sun occupy in the world?

The Peruvian sun has established itself as one of the ten strongest coins in the world, backed by the solid monetary policy implemented by the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCR).

What Latin American country uses the euro as an official currency?

Located on the Northeast Coast of South America, between Brazil and Surinam, French Guiana is a overseas territory of France and, therefore, is part of the European Union. Although geographically it is in South America, its official currency is the euro and French is the main language.