Movistar SIM Cards and eSIM 2024: a Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Movistar network is used by many tourists when coming to Peru. This article provides detailed information about how to get and activate a Movistar mobile Peru SIM & eSIM.

Movistar Peru is a prominent carrier providing a wide range of mobile services, enabling online users to conveniently access mobile data, calls, and messaging. However, many travelers face challenges about how to get and activate a Movistar mobile Peru SIM & eSIM. In this article, Gigago offers guidance on using this service provider’s SIM card.

I. Quick facts about Movistar

Movistar is one of the leading mobile network operators in Peru. The network provides widespread coverage in many cities and rural areas and has more than 12.8 million subscribers as of 2018.

• Year of establishment: June 25, 1920.
• Full company name: Telefónica del Perú SAA (Movistar is a subsidiary of the multinational telecommunications company Telefónica in Peru)
• Types of services: 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks or home broadband Internet and sales of phones and mobile devices.
• Market share: In 2022, Movistar network leads by holding 31% of the wireless subscriber market share in Peru.
• Coverage: Movistar claims coverage of about 90% of populated areas in Peru. It has networks in both cities and rural areas.
• Customer support: Movistar offers 24/7 phone support in multiple languages. Customers can call the hotline if they have any questions, technical issues or payment issues. Support is also available via live chat and social media.

II. Peru Movistar Coverage and Speed in Peru

Many people opt for Movistar as their telecommunications service provider. With its extensive coverage and high internet speeds, it’s regarded as the top choice for travelers heading to Peru.

1. Movistar coverage in Peru 

Movistar has one of the widest coverage areas in Peru, with availability in most cities, towns, and along major highways. The network of this Peru network operator is particularly strong in the following areas: Piura, Arequipa, Trujillo, Chiclayo, and more.

Overall, Movistar has robust 4G and 4G+ coverage that offers reliable and fast internet access in both metropolitan and regional areas across Peru.

2. Movistar speed in Peru

Movistar has good overall mobile download speeds, averaging at 14.72 Mbps. According to Opensignal’s 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report, Movistar ranks fourth in terms of speed among all operators in Peru.

Regarding consistency in download speed, Movistar network is also highly appreciated with a result of 71.9%. Overall, Movistar offers reasonable speeds for mobile phones. Thereby meeting all the necessary needs of tourists when using the Internet when coming to Peru.

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Movistar for Travelers to Peru?

Some connection options below help visitors reduce anxiety when coming to Peru for the first time:

Connectivity options	Pros	Cons
Data roaming	Use the fixed SIM card directly on your phone	High roaming costs Difficult to control data, easy to waste Data roaming is subject to the contract between MTN and your local provider.
Pocket wifi	No need to remove the mobile SIM. You can rent to save money instead of buying pocket wifi	The cost is quite high Carrying it around is difficult Broadcast range is close Deposit required when renting You spend 2 times the money to both rent (or buy) pocket wifi and buy a data package to use
SIM cards	Use directly on your personal phone with fast access speed Many price options to suit many customer needs	It takes several steps to activate the SIM card You cannot use 2 SIMs at the same time, you need to remove your fixed SIM on the phone

► Our recommendation: For the best experience in terms of convenience and cost savings, Gigago recommends using a Movistar SIM Card or prepaid eSIM. However, to use eSIM, your phone needs to be unlocked and support eSIM.

IV. Best Movistar SIM cards for Tourists & Cost

Here are the best Movistar SIM cards for traveler in Peru:

• Prepago Plus: 40GB of data at 5G speed + unlimited national calls and 200 international minutes, used for 4 weeks = €10 ~ USD $10.19.
• Prepago Premium: 80GB of data at 5G speed + unlimited national calls and 400 international minutes, valid for 4 weeks = €15 ~ USD $15.29.
• Prepago Total: 140GB of data at 5G speed + unlimited national calls, valid for 4 weeks = €20 ~ USD $20.38.
• Additional Line Prepago 5: 5GB of data at 5G speed + 20 national minutes, valid for 4 weeks = €5 ~ USD $5.09. The first two fees are free.
• Tarifa Habla 6: Calls only, 6 cents/min. Call establishment 30 cents (USD $0.31).

V. Does Movistar Peru support eSIM?

Yes. Movistar supports eSIM in Peru, providing a flexible and cost-effective mobile solution for travelers wanting to access the Internet. Furthermore, this method offers a variety of options to meet each customer’s unique requirements.

In particular, this choice allows visitors to maintain a reliable connection from any location and ensures uninterrupted access to their existing phone number. In addition, if you need to buy eSIM with the simplest process, you can refer to GIGAGO – an online eSIM supplier. You can visit GIGAGO and get an eSIM easily.

VI. Where can you buy a Movistar SIM card and eSIM?

Currently there are many ways for you to buy Movistar SIM card and eSIM. Therefore, depending on your own needs, you can easily choose the appropriate purchasing method. To understand better, please refer to the following.

1. Where to Buy Movistar SIM Card for Peru?

1.1. Upon Arrival

Upon arrival at the Peru airport, you have the option to purchase SIM cards directly. Alternatively, you can acquire them from local mobile service provider stores located in the city center. However, buyers may need to provide personal and passport information to complete purchase information.

1.2. Movistar store

You can buy a SIM card online on the official Movistar store page. When choosing this form, it is best for tourists to buy the card 1 day before departure to avoid risks. In addition, you can also buy directly at the Movistar store at the airport or in downtown Peru.

1.3. Other authorized retail stores

You can purchase SIM cards from other authorized retail stores. Before buying, tourists need to check the reputation of the store. Also pay attention to your phone’s compatibility with Peru networks.

2. Where to Buy Movistar eSIM for Peru?

Travelers have the option to easily purchase a Peru eSIM either online from an international source or through an authorized SIM supplier in Peru. Gigago stands out as one of the leading service providers, offering competitive prices. 

Additionally, purchasing online through this supplier eliminates the need for registration with identification documents or a passport, unlike when buying eSIM directly from operators, where registration is mandatory.

VII. How to Use and Activate Movistar Peru SIM/eSIM in Peru?

How to get and activate a Movistar Mobile Peru SIM & eSIM? This is a question that many tourists are interested in. If this is your first time using a Movistar SIM card/eSIM in Peru, you can follow the instructions below.

1. How to Use Movistar SIM Card in Peru? 

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready:

• Insert SIM Card: Insert the Movistar SIM card into your unlocked phone.
• Turn on the Phone: Power on your phone.
• Wait for Signal: Wait for the phone to detect the Movistar network signal. This may take a few moments.
• Follow Instructions: If prompted, follow any on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.
• Dial Activation Code: If automatic activation doesn’t occur, dial the activation code provided by Movistar customer service or on the SIM card packaging.
• Complete Registration: Follow any additional steps to complete the registration process, which may include providing personal information and verifying your identity.
• Confirm Activation: Check that your phone shows the Movistar network signal, indicating successful activation.

2. How to Activate Movistar eSIM?

Getting started with a Movistar eSIM for Peru is quite easy as follows:

• Ensure your device is eSIM compatible (refer this updated list of eSIM compatible devices for a quick check).
• Visit the website of an eSIM provider/retailer, such as Gigago
• Search for eSIM of Malaysia there
• Choose the plan that fits your needs and make a payment
• Get the QR code in your registered email and scan it
• Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code and activate the eSIM
• Enjoy internet access after arriving in Malaysia

VIII. How to top up Movistar Peru SIM/eSIM

The wonder about how to get and activate a Movistar Mobile Peru SIM & eSIM, many tourists still have difficulty adding money to their SIM/eSIM. Below are instructions for recharging SIM/eSIM according to Gigago’s instructions:

• Download the Mi Movistar app on your phone
• Open the Mi Movistar app
• Select deposit
• Choose to top up according to your needs
• Confirm SIM/eSIM data and airtime
• Choose the appropriate payment method: linked bank card, credit card,…
• Confirm and complete the transaction
• Wait for the successful confirmation message and use

IX. Alternatives to Peru Movistar

In addition to Movistar, Peru also has many other mobile operators that provide many services of good quality and affordable prices. Here are some alternatives you can consider instead of Movistar Peru.

Operator Mobile	Claro	Entel	Bitel
Pros	Wide coverage across Peru. Diverse range of plans and services, including prepaid and postpaid options.	Competitive pricing. Good network.  Coverage in urban and rural areas. Reliable customer service.	Affordable rates. Extensive coverage in major cities. Straightforward pricing structure.
Cons	Network congestion in urban areas during peak hours.	Limited international roaming options. Fewer plan choices compared to other carriers.	Limited coverage in remote areas. Fewer options for high-speed data plans.

X. FAQs about Movistar in Peru

XI. Conclusion

The above article shares details on how to get and activate a Movistar Mobile Peru SIM & eSIM. Hope you have saved useful information and please visit Gigago to check for a new Poland SIM at a discounted price for your upcoming trip.