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. Overview about Movistar – What you need to know

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.
Movistar is one of the leading mobile network operators in Peru
Movistar is one of the leading mobile network operators in Peru

II. 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.

Movistar has one of the widest coverage areas in Peru
Movistar has one of the widest coverage areas in Peru (Source: nPerf)

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

III. 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.

Movistar has good overall mobile download speeds
Movistar’s download speeds

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.

IV. Does Movistar Peru have 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.

Movistar supports eSIM in Peru
Movistar supports eSIM in Peru

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.

V. Top 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).

Note: The price and plan can be changed over time. Contact the mobile operator to get the most updated information.

VI. Where to Buy Movistar SIM Card for Peru?

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.

Upon arrival at the Peru airport, you have the option to purchase SIM cards
Upon arrival at the Peru airport, you have the option to purchase SIM cards

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.

You can buy a SIM card online on the official Movistar store page
You can buy a SIM card online on the official Movistar store page

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.

You can purchase SIM cards from other authorized retail stores
You can purchase SIM cards from other authorized retail stores

VII. 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. 

Gigago stands out as one of the leading eSIM service providers
Gigago stands out as one of the leading eSIM service providers

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.

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
How to get and activate a Movistar Mobile Peru SIM & eSIM?
How to get and activate a Movistar Mobile Peru SIM & eSIM?

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 MobileClaroEntelBitel
ProsWide 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.
ConsNetwork 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

Q: Can I use my Movistar phone and SIM card for international roaming?

A: Yes, Movistar offers international roaming services, allowing you to use your phone and SIM card in other countries.

Q: Can I change my Movistar plan or upgrade to a higher data package?

A: Yes, you can change your Movistar plan or upgrade to a higher data package

Q: What should I do if I experience network issues or poor signal quality with Movistar?

A: If you experience network issues or poor signal quality with Movistar, you can contact Movistar customer service to report the problem and request assistance.

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.