The Andean country is famous for its history, natural landscapes, and vibrant culture, making it a must-see destination. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, staying connected will be crucial to a certain extent. These days, we often prefer to communicate with our loved ones or stay up-to-date on social media. To achieve this, we’ll most likely opt for a tourist SIM card for traveling.
A SIM card in Peru provides some of the essential services for staying connected to the world. Whether you’re making international or local calls or using mobile data, numerous advantages are available for you to enjoy. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team wants some tips so you can enjoy your trip and not feel disconnected.
Everything you need to know about SIM cards for Peru
- Before you buy
- Where to buy
- Main operators
- Best eSIMs for Peru
- Useful information
- Frequently asked questions
Before you buy
Many first-time travelers are among their main considerations, and staying connected is one of them. Individuals lacking prior experience in this South American nation need not be overly concerned. Nonetheless, it’s wise to adopt certain precautions before traveling. These suggestions will also assist you in steering clear of high roaming charges and an inflated phone bill.
- Although it may seem obvious, the main thing is to have an unlocked device that you can insert the SIM card into. While many phones and tablets are completely unlocked, some remain locked. Therefore, we recommend checking beforehand and making sure any card is compatible with the device you’re using.
- Evaluate your length of stay in Peru and its beautiful tourist attractions. A lot of individuals visit for only a handful of days, which might make purchasing an eSIM seem unnecessary. Nonetheless, even if your journey is brief, depending solely on the Wi-Fi in Peru is not advisable.
- Regardless of whether you choose the traditional path or venture into secluded areas, connectivity conditions will differ. From Machu Picchu to the Peruvian jungle, there are many tourist options. Therefore, we recommend exploring the places you will visit.
Where to buy
Those planning to purchase a physical SIM card in the Andean country will find a wide variety of places. As soon as you arrive in Peru, at Lima International Airport, you’ll find stores offering customized plans. Their kiosks are convenient places to purchase SIM cards from the country’s major carriers. However, prices may be slightly higher than in stores in the city.
Peru’s main cities, including Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, have official phone stores. Exploring the primary branches of telecommunications firms in Peru offers you a broader selection of data plan choices. Not only that, but if they help you activate your SIM card, they will provide you with the one that best suits your needs. You can also usually find them in the main shopping centers in each city.
Not only will you find SIM cards in official stores, but you can purchase them quite easily in supermarkets and pharmacies. In addition, this option is excellent for travelers who don’t have much time. Street vendors may provide these services, but we advise against using them. They might face activation caps and inadequate support.
Main operators
When choosing to purchase a local SIM card, it’s crucial to choose the most suitable operator for your travel plans. Peru has several mobile operators offering a variety of prepaid SIM card plans and data packages. However, when people do tourism in Peru typically choose from the four main mobile internet providers. Below are some considerations to keep in mind:
Claro
Those looking for a good balance between cost and benefits will enjoy Claro. This provider offers some of the most competitive rates available, with its best coverage found in metropolitan regions. A popular option for travelers exploring cities like Lima, Cusco, or Arequipa. With pricing beginning at $5, it presents an affordable choice.
Movistar
Movistar is one of the largest and oldest mobile operators in Peru. It offers options ranging from affordable to more expensive, and its coverage covers both rural and urban areas. Its travel plans include mobile data, calls, and text messages starting at approximately $5. However, they have limited speeds on social media.
Entel
Another viable option is Entel, which offers excellent customer service and coverage in rural areas. In recent years, it has gained a good reputation for its network coverage, especially for local people. The most viable plans for a typical trip start at $7, which will provide you with all the benefits you’re looking for. Another highlight is that it offers unlimited access to major social media platforms.
Bitel
Bitel is a company that has recently gained popularity for its coverage, especially in rural areas. This one closely resembles the previous one, except that it offers more competitive prices. The main difference is the internet speed; although it’s usually fast, it tends to be limited. With prices starting at $4, it ranks as one of the most important in the country.
Best eSIMs for Peru
An eSIM offers a more digital and modern version of a physical SIM card that people can use in certain mobiles. This allows you to activate a data plan remotely without having to install a physical SIM. Therefore, it is becoming a more viable option for travelers around the world. Many of them take advantage of buying it in their countries of origin to save time.
Likewise, the advantage of these virtual chips is their easy installation and special rates for travelers abroad. Although the price is relatively higher than local SIM cards, it is absolutely worth it if you are planning a short trip. Furthermore, the service will depend on the number of days you want to subscribe to it. In some cases, the gigabytes can influence the cost, but not always.
Now, you will surely find a wide variety of eSIMs for traveling to Peru. However, we mention some that will surely be helpful. We also recommend thoroughly researching each one to find the best one for you. The choice of provider will depend on the number of days and places you will visit.
- Holafly is a Spanish company famous for providing unlimited data for travelers around the world. This company offers plans with flexible durations of 5 days or more. However, they do not include calls or text messages, but have an excellent connection in Peru.
- Airalo is one of the first stores in the world to offer this service. It currently operates in more than 200 countries, including Peru, of course. It also offers limited and unlimited plans, which can be convenient for those looking for tailored plans.
- Despegar is an international platform that helps travelers avoid high roaming charges. With services starting at 7 days and prepaid plans, they are another viable option. However, their prices tend to be slightly higher than other alternatives.
- Movistar, in addition to being one of the main providers in Peru, also has extensive international coverage. It goes without saying that all the carriers in this country offer this service. However, the advantage lies in the fact that you can purchase an eSIM from your home country.
Useful information
This is likely your first time visiting Peru, so you’ll most likely need to save emergency numbers. These will be the first numbers you add when purchasing a Peruvian SIM card, and some of the most essential. Hopefully, you won’t require them, yet it’s essential to have them available for any unforeseen emergencies. Therefore, we’re sharing some of the most important ones below:
- Emergency calls: 112
- Civil Defense: 115
- Police: 105
- Fire: 116
- Ambulance: 117
Frequently asked questions
Why use a Peruvian SIM card?
Using a Peruvian SIM card will greatly help reduce costs and avoid high roaming charges. Additionally, the mobile network in Peru tends to be one of the most stable in South America. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about connectivity regardless of the best time to visit Peru. However, it’s completely viable to use your own card in the Andean countries as well.
Can a traveler get a SIM card in Peru?
Of course, any traveler can easily purchase a SIM card in Peru. However, we recommend bringing your passport as identification, so you can acquire one quickly. SIM cards are available at retail stores, convenience stores, and authorized dealers throughout the country.
How much does it cost to buy a Peruvian SIM card?
A Peruvian SIM card starts at $1.50, a fairly reasonable price, to be honest. However, it will depend on the type of service you’re looking for, as some can be much more expensive. Besides, it will also depend on where you purchase. For example, you can purchase a SIM card at Lima airport for up to $4.
Can I add money to my Peruvian SIM card?
Of course, it’s one of the best options if you’re visiting Peru for a short or long stay. In Peru, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card that allows you to add funds as needed; locals call it a “recharge”. Actually, it’s currently easy to recharge, as many stores, pharmacies, and establishments offer this service.
How to start using a Peruvian SIM card?
Once you buy your SIM card, whether prepaid or with a mobile network plan, the next step is simple. Ensure you save your new Peruvian mobile number and begin utilizing it immediately. You’ll obviously need to insert it into your phone, and you will connect to the local network. To call any Peruvian number, you don’t need the country code; just dial the nine-digit number.
Can I use my US cell phone in Peru?
You can absolutely use your US cell phone in Peru. However, we recommend disabling data roaming and using Wi-Fi whenever possible. Unlike a local SIM card, this will depend on the establishments you visit during your trip. We recommend this option as long as you don’t travel far from major cities; however, it carries some risks.
“LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR CELLPHONE IS CHARGING”
In conclusion, Peru is a country where you will find a great variety of SIM card suppliers. Our personal recommendation is that you opt for Claro, as it tends to have greater coverage in remote areas. We hope together with the experts of Machu Travel Peru to have been of help. To learn more about our different travel programs, you can consult with our qualified team.
Peru has so much to offer; it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
