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Yevhenii Kuznietsov
Published on
Oct 8 2024
When traveling to Peru—whether you're trekking through Machu Picchu, exploring Lima's colonial streets, wandering through ancient ruins, or heading to the Amazon—you'll need reliable mobile connectivity. From navigation to booking tours and staying in touch, having a dependable Peru SIM card or eSIM is essential. Peru offers both traditional physical SIM card options from local mobile operators and modern eSIM solutions for tech-savvy travelers. This guide will help you choose the best SIM card or eSIM for Peru, with recommendations for short visits, long stays, and everything in between.
Peru has several major mobile network operators, including Claro Peru, Movistar Peru, Entel Peru, and Bitel. These providers offer both prepaid SIM card and postpaid options with widespread coverage in urban centers and most tourist areas. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available, affordable, and flexible—perfect for short-term stays.
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card embedded into your phone, allowing you to activate a cellular plan without physically inserting anything. It's gaining popularity in Peru, particularly among travelers looking for a quick, hassle-free way to stay connected—especially if your device supports eSIM functionality.
Global eSIM providers like Global Yo, Airalo, and Holafly offer ready-to-use data pack options for Peru. These international SIM card options can be purchased online and activated before or upon arrival, giving you instant access to cellular data without visiting a store or swapping SIM cards. They're ideal for short-term visitors, digital nomads, or anyone who wants connectivity from the moment they land.
Claro Peru is one of the country’s largest mobile network operators, known for its extensive coverage and high-speed data services.
Plans Offered: Both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards available; tourist plans can be found at airports and official stores.
Pricing: Vary depending on the plan—typically from 3 GB for around 25 PEN (~$7 USD)
Pros: Excellent nationwide coverage—including rural areas and remote regions; strong 4G availability on the Claro network.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than smaller competitors; may require store visit for SIM registration.
Movistar Peru is a major player in urban areas, offering competitive pricing and reliable connectivity in cities and popular destinations.
Plans Offered: Prepaid and postpaid options, including bundles with data packages and unlimited local calls.
Pricing: Starts at around 20 PEN (~$5.50 USD) for 2–3 GB data packages.
Pros: Great coverage in cities, fast speeds, and great service promotions.
Cons: Coverage can be inconsistent in remote or mountainous areas.
Entel is a growing provider in Peru with a focus on delivering consistent service and value.
Plans Offered: Prepaid and postpaid SIM cards, including combo packs for data and phone credit.
Pricing: Typically from 15 PEN (~$4 USD) for 2 GB plans.
Pros: Good coverage in populated areas, solid network performance, modern infrastructure.
Cons: Limited service in some rural regions.
Bitel is a budget-friendly carrier ideal for basic connectivity in urban zones.
Plans Offered: Affordable prepaid plans for voice and data; great for city travelers and short stays.
Pricing: Data plans start as low as 10 PEN (~$2.70 USD)
Pros: Very affordable, easy access to plans and top-ups.
Cons: Slower speeds, minimal coverage in remote areas.
Perfect for tourists and short stays, prepaid SIM cards let you stay in control of your data usage without contracts or billing surprises. You can top up easily at stores or online.
Best for: Tourists, pay-as-you-go users, those who want flexibility.
Best suited for expats or long-term residents, postpaid plans often come with more data and perks.
Best for: Business travelers, digital nomads, and residents.
You can easily find tourist SIMs from Claro and Movistar at Lima Airport and in city stores. These plans typically include a combination of local calls, SMS, and data for a fixed number of days—ideal for vacationers.
Claro and Movistar have begun rolling out eSIM support for select devices and plans in Peru. These services are primarily available through postpaid offerings and may not yet be accessible for all prepaid users. While eSIM compatibility is growing, activation typically requires an in-person visit to an official store for registration and setup. As adoption increases, more flexible and accessible eSIM options from local providers are expected in the near future.
Global Yo is a leading international eSIM provider offering seamless mobile connectivity for travelers in Peru.
Plans Offered: Prepaid eSIM plans ranging from 1 GB to unlimited data; compatible with most modern smartphones.
Pricing: Starts as low as $5.39 for short-term plans.
Pros: Fast activation, flexible plan options, strong coverage across cities and tourist areas, supports dual SIM usage.
Cons: Data-only—no number for receive phone calls or SMS.
Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace that provides cost-effective data plans ideal for short-term use in Peru.
Plans Offered: Data-only eSIMs for Peru and regional Latin America options.
Pricing: Starts around $4.50 for 1 GB valid for 7 days.
Pros: Budget-friendly, easy setup via app, ideal for light data users.
Cons: Limited to data—no voice or text, and no unlimited data option.
Holafly is known for its unlimited data eSIMs, tailored for travelers with high data needs.
Plans Offered: Unlimited data eSIMs for Peru, valid for 5, 10, 15, or more days.
Pricing: Starts at $19 for 5 days of unlimited data.
Pros: Unlimited usage, great for streaming, video calls, and remote work.
Cons: No mobile hotspot support; more expensive than other limited-data options.
Instant Activation: Get connected within minutes—whether you set it up before your trip or upon arrival in Peru.
No Physical SIM Needed: Skip the hassle of finding a store or handling tiny SIM cards. Everything is done digitally, right from your phone.
Dual SIM Ready: Keep your home number active for calls and texts while using your eSIM for data and a local phone number—all on the same device.
Flexibility: Easily switch between providers or top up your plan without removing or replacing any physical card.
Avoid International Roaming: eSIMs let you use local data at local rates, helping you avoid costly international roaming charges.
Perfect for Short Stays: eSIMs are a great solution for tourists, business travelers, and digital nomads who want fast, convenient, and temporary mobile access.
At Global YO, we make staying connected in Peru simple, flexible, and stress-free. Whether you're exploring Lima, hiking the Inca Trail, or working remotely from Cusco, our eSIMs are built to keep you online—wherever your journey takes you.
Flexible Data Plans That Fit Your Trip: From 1 GB to unlimited data, choose what you need—plans start at just $5.39.
Instant, Easy Activation: Activate right after purchase or when you land. Setup takes seconds with no SIM swapping or store visits.
Hotspot Ready: Share your connection with your laptop or travel partner—hotspot is always included.
Smart App for Smart Travel: Track usage, top up, and manage your plan in one easy-to-use app.
Travel and Earn: Earn points with every plan and redeem them for future discounts.
With Global YO, you’re not just getting data—you’re getting a travel companion built for Peru and beyond.
Heavy Data Users: Go with Claro, which offers large monthly bundles and reliable high-speed connections—ideal for streaming, remote work, or frequent browsing.
Budget-Conscious Users: Bitel is your go-to for ultra-low-cost plans that cover essential voice, SMS, and data needs without breaking the bank.
Balanced Users: Movistar provides a solid mix of affordability, performance, and coverage—perfect for everyday use.
Frequent Travelers Within Peru: Claro is the top choice for national coverage, especially if you regularly move between urban and rural regions.
For Instant Setup: Choose Global Yo or Airalo eSIMs to activate your plan before or upon arrival—no store visit needed.
For Remote Adventures: Claro delivers the most dependable coverage across rural and remote areas like the Andes or Amazon.
For Unlimited Data: Holafly is ideal for travelers who stream, video call, or work online and don’t want to worry about running out of data.
For Budget Travel: Movistar or Global Yo offer affordable prepaid plans with generous data and call allowances—great for casual users or short stays.
At the Airport: Get connected right after landing at Lima Airport, where Claro and Movistar kiosks offer tourist SIM bundles with quick setup.
In Cities: Visit official stores, resellers, or even convenience stores in major cities like Lima, Cusco, or Arequipa for a wide range of plans and in-person support.
Online: Skip the hassle and buy an eSIM from providers like Global Yo, Airalo, or Holafly—activate instantly before or after arrival.
Insert the SIM into your unlocked smartphone.
Visit a store or kiosk to register your SIM with a valid passport, as required by Peruvian law.
Follow the on-screen instructions or ask a store representative to help you activate your plan.
Purchase your eSIM online from providers like Global Yo, Airalo, or Holafly.
Scan the QR code you receive via email or app to activate your eSIM.
Go to your phone’s settings and follow the prompts to install the eSIM profile and activate your data plan in just a few minutes.
Check Coverage: If you're heading off the beaten path, go with Claro for the best rural and remote area coverage. For city-based travel, Movistar offers great performance.
Prepaid is Best for Short Trips: Avoid long-term contracts—prepaid SIMs or eSIMs offer flexibility and control for tourists and short-term visitors, especially if you're relying on Wi-Fi in hotels or cafes in between.
Match Your Data Needs: Consider whether you need unlimited data for streaming and work, or a budget-friendly plan for basic browsing and messaging.
Use Dual SIM Devices: If your phone supports it, keep your home SIM active for calls while using a Peruvian SIM or eSIM for local data and calls—great for navigating with Google Maps or booking tours on the go.
Compare Plans Before Buying: Look at coverage, speed, data limits, and customer support. Staff in stores usually speak English in major cities, making it easier to get assistance if needed.
Whether you're hiking the Inca Trail, relaxing in Lima, or venturing deep into the Amazon, having the right mobile plan is key to a smooth journey. From Peruvian SIM card to advanced eSIM solutions, you’ll find something to suit your travel needs. With options designed to minimize roaming charges and maximize flexibility, there’s never been a better time to stay connected in Peru.
Yevhenii Kuznietsov
[email protected]Yevhenii Kuznietsov blends journalism with a passion for travel tech. He explores eSIM's impact on communication and travel, offering expert interviews and gadget reviews. Outside of writing, Yevhenii is a hiking enthusiast and drone hobbyist, capturing unique travel vistas.
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