Buying a SIM Card in Lima for Travelers 2024: Guide from Locals

David Smith

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Published: July 2024

When traveling in Lima, purchasing a SIM card is crucial. Hence, the following article will provide comprehensive guidance about how to buy a SIM card in Lima, Peru.

This guide is designed specifically for travelers to Lima, providing insights from local experts on your best options when buying a SIM card in Lima. Readers can expect to learn about the top mobile carriers, competitive SIM card plans, and the most convenient places to buy SIM cards.

I. Why buy a SIM card in Lima?

Why should you consider purchasing a SIM card in Lima? When it comes to convenient access to the internet while exploring the city, a SIM card is your go-to solution. For more insights on the matter, dive into the following article without delay.

• Many packages: Depending on your requirements, SIM cards have data packages with only data, packages with both calling + texting. Furthermore, you can easily choose daily packages with very reasonable costs.
• Maintain connectivity while on the move: Equipped with a SIM card offering mobile data, you can effortlessly navigate Lima, discover dining spots and attractions, reserve accommodations, and keep in touch with your dear ones.
• Steer clear of exorbitant roaming charges: Roaming fees can quickly escalate. Opting for a local SIM card often proves far more economical than enduring the steep charges from your home network provider.
• Ensure a dependable connection: Public Wi-Fi hotspots aren’t always accessible or reliable. By acquiring a local SIM for Lima, you’re assured of affordable and dependable internet access throughout your travels in Lima, Peru.

II. Which mobile internet carrier is the best in Lima?

In Peru, there are three famous mobile network providers: Movistar, Claro and Entel. They all offer a variety of plans with fast speeds, comprehensive coverage, and consistently great quality. Below is a table evaluating some criteria, thereby helping you make the best choice.

► Our Recommendation: Movistar and Claro are top choices for travelers in Lima, offering excellent coverage, reliable high-speed internet, and various prepaid SIM card options tailored for tourists.

III. Best Lima SIM Card Plans and Price 

Movistar SIM cards data package:

• 2.5 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited social media for 15 days = 15 Soles – $4 USD.
• 4 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited social media for 20 days = 20 Soles – $5 USD.
• 4.5 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited social media for 25 days = 25 Soles – $6 USD.
• 7 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited social media for 30 days = 30 Soles – $7.5 USD.

Claro SIM cards data package:

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: 

• 4 GB data + 500 minutes + unlimited sms + WhatsApp = 20 Soles – $5.3 USD.
• 10.5 GB data + unlimited minutes/sms/WhatsApp = 30 Soles – $8 USD.
• 13.5 GB data + unlimited minutes/sms/WhatsApp = 40 Soles – $10.7 USD.

Entel SIM cards data package:

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:

• 7 GB data + unlimited minutes and unlimited Facebook + Instagram = 20 Soles – $5.3 USD.
• 12 GB data + unlimited minutes and unlimited Facebook + Instagram = 29 Soles – $7.7 USD.
• 20 GB data + unlimited minutes and unlimited Facebook + Instagram = 39 Soles – $10.4 USD.

IV. Where to Buy a SIM Card in Lima?

Many tourists choose to stay connected in Lima by acquiring SIM cards, enticed by their numerous benefits. While traveling, tourists currently have two primary options for obtaining SIM cards: either at the airport or in the city center of Lima.

1. Buy a SIM card at Lima airport 

Purchasing a SIM card at Lima Airport is a convenient option for many travelers. To buy a SIM card at the airport, you need to prepare a valid passport or ID card and cash. You can find SIM card shops and stores at various locations in Lima Airport:

• Claro Store at Arrivals: The store is located between baggage belts 1 and 2, just before you exit the baggage hall, near the customs inspection exit.
• Peru Sim Store: Located in the arrival hall of the airport.

Pros:

• You can receive your SIM card as soon as you arrive.
• You can set up your phone and connect quickly.
• Vendors provide customer support.

Cons:

• Prices may be higher than elsewhere in the city.
• There are not as many package options as in other SIM stores.

2. Buy a SIM card in Lima center

You can certainly buy a SIM card in central Lima. Here are a few popular places you can refer to:

• Convenience stores: Grocery stores and supermarkets in Lima offer prepaid SIM cards.
• Operator stores: Big companies such as Movistar, Claro, Entel all have official stores located in downtown Lima.
• Online platforms: Travelers purchase SIM cards or eSIM plans online before their trip from vendors or sites like Amazon.

Pros:

• Potential discounts compared to airport suppliers.
• More choices of plans and SIM card options.
• Ability to compare services from different network providers.

Cons:

• It takes extra time and effort to visit a retail location.
• Language barrier during the purchasing process.
• Risk of encountering fake or unauthorized SIM cards.

► Our Recommendation: For a hassle-free experience, consider getting a SIM card at Lima Airport or an eSIM online before your trip. An eSIM offers easy setup and connectivity upon arrival, no store visit necessary. Just check your device’s eSIM compatibility before opting for this.

V. Peru eSIM card for Lima- Alternative to SIM Card for travelers

If your phone supports eSIM, there’s every reason to explore this cutting-edge technology. eSIM offers several advantages over traditional physical SIM cards. Here’s why you might want to give eSIM a try:

• Convenience: Bid farewell to dealing with tiny physical SIM cards or waiting for delivery.
• Flexibility: Seamlessly switch between carriers or plans without requiring a new SIM card.
• Security: With eSIM being digital, it’s less prone to being lost compared to a physical SIM card.
• Dual SIM capabilities: Certain phones can accommodate both a physical SIM and an eSIM, enabling you to have two separate phone numbers or data plans active simultaneously.

There are two ways to buy eSIM for Lima:

• Buy eSIM for Lima on the operator website: Network carriers may offer eSIM on their websites, such as Claro official website. The process often requires additional steps like showing your ID or passport, making it less convenient than it seems.
• Buy at eSIM online retailers: You can look for reputable resellers that provide travel sims like Gigago. 

For Peru, Gigago offers a wide selection of 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 is for, Gigago has a solution for you. See more Gigago eSIM plan options for Peru.

VI. What to Prepare to buy SIM card in Lima

When purchasing a SIM card in Lima, you should prepare the following:

• Bring your passport: You may need to present your passport or other form of identification to purchase a SIM card.
• Prepare cash: Some stores may not accept credit cards. Having Sol (PEN) on hand is a good backup plan.
• Unlocked phone: Your phone needs to be unlocked for use abroad if you plan to buy a SIM card in Lima.

VII. Extra Tips when buying SIM card in Lima

Incorporating these helpful suggestions into your planning will simplify the process of acquiring a SIM card in Lima. This guarantees that you obtain a product customized to fulfill your network needs during your visit.

• Compare plans: Don’t rush to buy the first SIM card you see. Compare data caps, validity periods and costs offered by different providers.
• Check before you buy: Ask clearly about any additional fees for calls to other networks from the seller.
• Store location: Cell phone stores, convenience stores, and kiosks often sell SIM cards. Consider looking for locations near your destination or accommodation.

VIII. FAQs

IX Conclusion

The above article shares details on how to buy a SIM card in Lima. Hope you have saved useful information and please visit Gigago to check for a new SIM card at a discounted price for your upcoming trip.