A wallet is for keeping money in, especially notes/bills. It is generally flat, rectangular, around 10 cm long, and opens like a book. The meaning of 'purse' depends on whether you are using British or American English. In British English, it is the female equivalent of a wallet. This is what women keep their money in. A purse is often smaller and more rounded than a wallet, and you open it at the top with either a zip or a metal clasp. It may also have a couple of compartments and pockets. A woman would carry this inside a larger bag, usually known as handbag. In American English, 'purse' refers to this larger bag, also sometimes called a pocket book.

A purse is a bag that a woman carries, and she puts many belongings inside of it (including a wallet). A wallet is a smaller container that both men and women carry, and it holds money and credit cards. You can go to Google Images and search for "purse" and "wallet" and look at pictures of purses and wallets.

Очень подробно написала Su.Ki. как всегда. Wallet - то, что у нас называют бумажник, мужской квадратный складной кошелек. А вот purse - разные значения в британском и американском английском. В британском purse это кошелек, маленький дамский кошелек с застежкой или защелкой сверху. В американском purse это маленькая дамская сумочка, а кошелек они называют coin purse, кошелек для монет.

purse -- мешочкоподобный