When traveling around Peru, it is important to know the accessible locations to buy a Peru SIM card as well as the most suitable cost, ensuring uninterrupted connection.
Choosing a reliable way to stay connected is essential when visiting Peru or any other country. This post will explain why buying a Peru SIM card is the best alternative when compared to another method. You will learn about travel SIM cards for Peru, including top network providers, recommended SIM plans for travelers at reasonable costs.
In this article
Tourists to Peru can buy SIM cards for Peru in 3 ways:
Reputable eSIM providers such as Gigago offer the convenience of purchasing prepaid eSIMs for Peru online. Simply download the eSIM plan from their website and activate it using the QR code sent to your email. This provides instant internet access upon your arrival in Peru.
Pros: No need to visit a physical store upon arrival, immediate internet connection.
Cons: Requires a device compatible with eSIM technology.
Travelers to Peru can purchase physical SIMs at carrier kiosks or vending machines at Peru’s international airports, such as Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, and Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) in Arequipa.
Pros: Convenient, use data immediately.
Cons: Fewer packages and may be more expensive than buying online or at other spots in town.
Travelers have the option to purchase SIM cards in multiple cities throughout Peru, such as Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, etc. These SIM cards are commonly found in locations like convenience stores, shopping malls, train stations, and official stores of mobile carriers.
Pros: Competitive pricing, greater variety of options.
Cons: Requires travel to physical stores.
If your phone supports eSIM functionality, this method is applicable to you. Simply select the package that fits your requirements and budget, make the payment, and within minutes, you’ll receive a QR code sent to your registered email.
Once you scan the QR code, your eSIM will be activated. Your phone will then automatically integrate the eSIM plan details. This eliminates the need to physically change the SIM card, wait for its delivery, or visit a store.
Pros: Diverse choices, avoid losing main SIM.
Cons: New high-end phones support eSIM.
► Our recommendation:
There are three the best SIM cards for tourists in Peru: Movistar, Claro and Entel. Below, you’ll find comprehensive details on the best plans and prices.
A Claro prepaid sim card costs 5 soles which is a little more than $1 USD and then you can choose from 3 packages to add a data plan to your Peru sim card:
When registering a new prepaid sim card in Peru, EnTel will charge 5 Soles and then you can choose one of the following prepaid plans for 30 days:
Note: The price and plan can be changed over time. Contact the mobile operator to get the most updated information
Yes. Buying a SIM card for Peru tourists is neccessary. The following table will explain why SIM card in Peru is the best choice when comparing to other options:
| Feature | SIM Card | Free WiFi | Roaming Charges | Pocket WiFi |
| Cost | Affordable, especially with prepaid plans | Free to access, but locations can be limited | Expensive | Renting a device can add up, plus daily data charges |
| Convenience | Functions everywhere in Peru where there is mobile coverage.For maps, calls, and texts, use data | Need to find a WiFi hotspot, which can be unreliable or crowded | Require setup and additional charges from your carrier | Need to carry and charge an extra device |
| Data Speed | Faster and more dependable than free WiFi | Speeds can vary depending on location and how many people are using it | Depends on your carrier’s roaming agreement | Speeds can vary depending on the device and network |
| Making Calls & Texts | Included in most prepaid SIM card plans | Not possible with WiFi | Expensive with roaming charges | May require international calling add-ons |
Important Notes:
Purchasing a local prepaid SIM card in Peru is straightforward, though you must bring your passport. The SIM card will be registered in your name and linked to your passport number. At the store, they will make a copy of your passport—no fingerprint or photo required.
Once you receive the physical SIM card, simply insert it into your phone, and it will be activated immediately. You will then have a new phone number starting with +51.
Ensure that your phone is UNLOCKED; otherwise, a Peruvian SIM card will not function in your device. If you’re unsure whether your phone is unlocked, check with your provider in your home country.
If travelers find this process too complex, they have the option to use an eSIM, provided their phone supports this feature. Utilizing an eSIM not only streamlines the process but also avoids the need for a physical SIM card, offering additional convenience and flexibility in connecting to mobile networks, especially for those frequently traveling between countries.
In Peru, SIM cards come in two varieties: physical prepaid SIM cards and travel eSIMs. These options cater to different needs of travelers, whether they seek solely internet access or a bundle of calling and texting services.
Physical prepaid SIM cards for Peru are tangible products that you insert into your device’s SIM slot to activate. Depending on your requirements, you can opt for a data-only SIM or a SIM that includes data, voice, and text services for Peru.
Peru eSIM is a virtual chip integrated into your cell phone, allowing you to switch operators or plans seamlessly without the need for purchasing and inserting a new physical SIM card. Simply purchase and activate your Peru eSIM, and it will be ready within minutes.
Peru eSIMs come in two main types: one for cellular data only, and another for data along with calling and messaging capabilities. Nevertheless, it’s essential to verify whether your mobile phone is compatible with eSIM technology since not all devices support eSIM.
To better understand prepaid physical SIM cards and prepaid Peru eSIMs, travelers can follow the following comparison table:
| Prepaid physical Peru SIM card | Prepaid eSIM for Peru | |
| Pros | – Good price – There are many diverse packages, suitable for each customer’s needs. – Easy to buy at many different locations. – High compatibility with any unlocked device. – Simple installation and activation process. | – You can easily buy eSIM through online sites. – Customers can use 2 SIM cards at the same time, reducing the risk of losing the main SIM. – Switch quickly between providers. |
| Cons | – When purchasing a prepaid physical SIM, visitors must purchase and activate it directly at the store. – Visitors may have difficulty communicating with store staff because of language barriers. – The physical SIM card may be lost or damaged, causing connection interruption. | – Some devices do not support eSIM technology. – When activating eSIM, travelers need to ensure a stable internet connection. |
► Our Recommendation:
For your Peru trip convenience, use a prepaid eSIM. You can download eSIM for Peru right to your phone without inserting or removing the physical SIM. You’ll stay connected easily without the hassle of switching SIMs. Choose a data-only eSIM if you only need to use the Internet without calling or texting.
Peru eSIM is a virtual SIM that stores the mobile data needed to access the mobile network in the country. It is already embedded in your phone. Furthermore it is also the best alternative to pocket Wifi to get online when exploring Peru for several reasons:
Typically, when purchasing an eSIM plan for Peru directly from major carriers, you’ll be required to undergo ID verification and registration. Hence, opting to buy an eSIM package from a trusted eSIM provider like Gigago is advisable as it eliminates the need for ID verification. All you’ll need is an eSIM-enabled smartphone, watch, or tablet.
For Peru, Gigago offers a wide selection of Peru eSIM data plans from 1GB-5GB with prices ranging from $8.90 – $35.90 . So no matter how much data you need or how long your stay in Peru is for, Gigago has a solution for you.
The duration of a tourist SIM card in Peru can vary depending on the mobile provider and the specific plan you choose. Here are some common durations you might encounter:
Travelers can conveniently purchase and activate Peru Prepaid SIM Cards or eSIMs with simple steps, providing them with a seamless solution to remain connected throughout their travels in Peru. Below, we offer a straightforward guide to further aid you.
Once you have purchased an Peru SIM card, follow these steps to use it:
Steps to set up your Peru eSIM include:
SIM cards can be purchased from convenience stores, mobile carrier outlets, airports, and other retail locations across Peru.
In Peru, you can find both prepaid and postpaid SIM card options, as well as data-only and voice/text/data combination plans.
Yes, SIM card registration is mandatory in Peru. You’ll need to provide identification, such as your passport or national ID, when purchasing and registering your SIM card.
In conclusion, purchasing a Peru SIM card and eSIM is highly recommended for travelers. Hopefully from the above article, you have saved useful information and please visit Gigago to check out the latest packages with preferential prices for your upcoming trip.
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