Claro now connects more than 13 million mobile customers across Peru, more than any other carrier in the country, and its network just got a serious upgrade: 5G, live in 110 districts as of early 2026. If you are considering to pick a Claro SIM card or eSIM for a Peru trip, this article will show how Claro actually performs, how much it costs, where to buy one, and a simpler alternative for travelers to Peru.
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Claro is Peru’s largest mobile network, operating as a subsidiary of América Móvil, the Mexico City-based telecommunications group founded by Carlos Slim. The carrier has been active in Peru since October 2005.
According to OSIPTEL data from Q1 2026, Claro leads the market with a 33.4% share, serving over 13 million mobile subscribers. It is followed by Bitel at 24%, Entel at 22.5%, and Movistar at 19.8%.
Claro is one of the fastest and most dependable mobile networks in Peru, delivering top-tier download speeds and expanding 5G coverage across key travel destinations.
According to Opensignal’s Mobile Network Experience Report (February 2026), Claro excels in several core performance areas:
Peru’s telecom regulator (OSIPTEL) also ranked Claro slightly ahead of all competitors (Entel, Bitel, and Movistar) in average national download speed for H1 2026. While OSIPTEL and Opensignal use different measurement methodologies, both independent sources confirm Claro as a leading network for speed.
Note: While Entel secured Opensignal’s overall “Best Network” title due to consistency metrics, and Movistar led in peak 5G download speeds, Claro remains the most well-rounded choice for speed and video streaming.
Claro activated its 5G network on December 18, 2025. By April 2026, its 5G footprint expanded to 110 districts nationwide, providing high-speed coverage in major tourist corridors including Lima, Callao, Arequipa, Trujillo, Cusco, Chiclayo, and Piura.
Yes, but it is now much harder for short-term tourists. Since November 2025, Peru has enforced mandatory biometric fingerprint verification against its immigration database for all SIM card purchases to combat fraud.
Here is what you need to know about buying a physical SIM card in practice:
Staff at local Claro stores typically require a Carné de Extranjería or a temporary residence permitRegular short-stay tourists are frequently turned away – the documents that short-term tourists do not have. As a result, standard city stores will often turn tourists away.
Claro’s kiosk at Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima) still sells physical SIMs using just a passport and biometric check. However, prices are heavily marked up—expect to pay around $59 USD for 14GB (7-day validity), compared to just $9–$11 USD at an in-town store.
Due to these strict regulations, purchasing a Peru eSIM online before arrival is now the most reliable option for foreign travelers. It bypasses Peru’s in-person biometric registration rules completely, saving you time and money.
Yes, Gigago’s Peru eSIM runs on Claro’s network and is built specifically for travelers, so you buy and activate it entirely online, no store visit or biometric registration required.
Plan options include 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, or Unlimited data, valid for 7, 10, or 30 days. Prices range from $4.50 to $33.50 USD.
Because the plans are data-only (no phone number or traditional cellular calling), you can use VoIP calls and messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram to make calls and texts using mobile data.
Simply buy an eSIM plan online, receive a QR code via email, and scan to install.
Note: An active Wi-Fi or cellular internet connection is required while scanning the QR code.
If you successfully register a physical Claro SIM card (e.g., at the airport or as a resident), the physical SIM card costs S/5 (~$1.30 USD). You then purchase data packages separately.
| Package | Data Included | Validity | Price (PEN) | Approx. USD |
| 2-Day | 600 MB | 2 Days | S/3 | ~$0.80 |
| 5-Day | 2.5 GB | 5 Days | S/5 | ~$1.30 |
| 10-Day | 4.5 GB | 10 Days | S/10 | ~$2.70 |
| 15-Day | 5.5 GB | 15 Days | S/15 | ~$4.00 |
| 20-Day | 7.5 GB | 20 Days | S/20 | ~$5.30 |
| Daily Unlimited | Unlimited Data | Until 11:59 PM same day | S/6 | ~$1.60 |
Claro also offers bundled packages containing data, local calling minutes, and SMS. Because bundle rates change frequently and vary by location, real-time pricing should be confirmed directly via the My Claro app or at an official store upon arrival.
Bitel, Entel, and Movistar are Claro’s three main competitors, and the right pick depends on what matters most for your trip.
| Carrier | Market share | Opensignal’s February 2026 verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Claro | 33.4% (largest) | Tied for fastest download speed, wins Video Experience |
| Entel | 22.5% | Named overall “Best Network,” wins most award categories |
| Bitel | 24% | Tied with Claro for fastest download speed |
| Movistar | 19.8% | Wins 5G Download Speed, otherwise trails on most metrics |
→ Our recommendation:
Claro is the easiest, most reliable option for most travelers. As Peru’s largest mobile network, it offers fast download speeds and expanding 5G coverage, making sure you stay connected in key destinations like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.
While competitors like Entel and Bitel do well in specific regions, Claro’s nationwide coverage makes it the most reliable pick for traveling across Peru.
Keep in mind that buying a local physical SIM now involves strict biometric checks or high airport markups. Using a Claro-backed Gigago eSIM is the easiest alternative, you get full access to Claro’s fast network while skipping the registration hassle completely.
Yes, and since November 2025 you’ll also need to pass a biometric fingerprint check, which in-town stores may not be able to complete for short-stay tourists without a residence document.
Yes, Claro activated 5G in December 2025 and had expanded it to 110 districts nationwide by April 2026, including Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.
No, the Gigago Peru eSIM is data-only and does not include a phone number or local calling.
Claro remains Peru’s largest network with a genuinely competitive speed and a fast-growing 5G footprint, but buying a physical Claro SIM as a short-stay tourist has become unreliable since the biometric registration rules took effect in late 2025. Gigago’s Peru eSIM runs on that same Claro network and skips the in-person registration entirely, which makes it the more dependable choice for most visitors right now.
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