Entel Peru is one of the major mobile operators in Peru, offering prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans for tourists visiting the country. This guide provides key information on using Entel Peru for connectivity during your travels in Peru.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Entel Peru
- Founded in 1968
- Full company name: Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones S.A.
- Provides mobile, fixed line, broadband and TV services
- Over 9 million mobile subscribers as of 2021
- Good coverage across all 25 regions of Peru
- Over 600 Entel stores and thousands of prepaid outlets across Peru
II. Entel Peru Coverage and Speed
Personal coverage in Peru
Entel has extensive 2G, 3G and 4G LTE coverage across Peru:
- 2G on 900 MHz available across all regions
- 3G on 850 MHz covers all major cities and towns
- 4G/LTE on 700/1700/2600 MHz in all major cities and towns
Coverage extends along major highways and tourist areas like Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca etc. However, it can be patchy in very remote areas and smaller villages.
Entel Peru speed
In cities and towns, Entel 4G speeds are excellent averaging 20-50 Mbps down. 3G speeds are decent 5-12 Mbps down where 4G is not available.
Overall, Entel provides good speeds for social media, emails, messaging, music streaming, video calls etc. Heavier usage like HD video streaming or gaming may be limited on 3G.
III. Entel Connectivity Options for Travelers to Peru
Entel Peru offers both prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans aimed at tourists visiting Peru:
- Prepaid SIM cards – physical SIMs that can be purchased in Peru. Available as regular, micro and nano SIMs.
- eSIM – digital SIM profiles that can be purchased online and downloaded to your phone. Remove the need for a physical SIM card.
Both options provide the same prepaid data packs and rates. eSIMs provide added convenience if your phone supports eSIMs.
IV. Best Entel Peru SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
The main prepaid SIM card option is the Entel Chip Turista SIM aimed at tourists. Key details:
- Cost – PEN 15 for SIM card
- Includes 100 MB international data
- Validity – SIM valid 180 days
These tourist SIMs provide data in Peru and roaming in 18 countries across South America. Outgoing calls are expensive at PEN 1.98/min. Incoming free.
The Entel eSIM tourist plan provides:
- 1 GB data
- 7 day validity
- Cost – USD 8.99
Entel eSIMs only include Peru – no international roaming. Overall, the Entel Chip Turista SIM cards offer better value than Entel eSIMs for tourists visiting multiple South American countries.
Peruesim.com is a leading online provider of Peru eSIM data plans for international travelers. We offer a range of package options starting from 1GB for 7 days for only $8.90. For those staying slightly longer, you can choose 2GB over 15 days for $16.50. Or, explore Peru up to 30 days with one of their mid-tier plans providing between 3GB to 5GB of high-speed 4G/LTE data.
All plans come preloaded on a digital SIM that is quickly and easily installed onto most smartphone devices. It’s a simple, hassle-free way to enjoy reliable data connectivity while discovering the many wonders of Peru.
Stay Connected wherever with Peruesim.com
V. Does Entel Peru support eSIM?
Yes, Entel Peru launched eSIM support in 2021. You can use Entel Peru eSIM plans on eSIM capable smartphones like:
- Latest iPhones (XS, XR, 11, 12, 13 series)
- Latest Samsung flagship (S20, S21, S22 series)
- Google Pixel 3 to Pixel 7 series
Use the Entel eSIM app for iOS or Android to download Entel Peru profiles once purchased.
Unlock more insights on: Peru eSIM Compatible Devices List
VI. Where Can You Buy Entel Peru SIM Cards and eSIM?
1. Where to buy Entel Peru SIM Cards
You can buy Entel Chip Turista SIM cards in Peru from:
- Entel stores
- Major supermarkets like Plaza Vea, Vivanda, Metro
- Convenience stores like Tambo+
- Entel dealers and partners across Peru
Remember to carry your passport as identification when purchasing a SIM.
2. Where to buy Peru Entel Peru eSIM
Entel Peru eSIMs can only be purchased online on the Entel website or app:
- Entel eSIM website
- Entel eSIM app – iOS / Android
Payment by international credit/debit card required. Profile is emailed or downloaded to app after purchase.
VII. How to activate Entel Peru SIM Card
1. How to use Entel Peru SIM card
Follow these steps to activate your Entel Peru SIM:
- Insert SIM in unlocked phone
- Select Entel network and reboot if required
- Dial *123# to generate default password received in SMS
- Enter password to activate SIM
- Buy data pack from retailer or dial *555#
You can now use the SIM for calls, texts, and mobile data in Peru.
2. How to activate Entel Peru eSIM
To use Entel Peru eSIM:
- Download Entel eSIM app on your phone
- Login using details from your eSIM purchase
- Scan QR code or download eSIM profile
- Follow prompts to install Entel eSIM
- May need phone restart to complete activation
- eSIM ready to use with included data
Learn more: How to Install Peru eSIM: Full Guide
VIII. Entel Call & SMS rates in Peru
Entel Peru prepaid SIMs have the following key call and text rates:
- Calls to Peru – PEN 0.49 per minute
- Texts to Peru – PEN 0.10 per SMS
- Calls to North America – PEN 1.98 per minute
- Texts to International – PEN 0.35 per SMS
Incoming calls are free. Outgoing international calls are expensive so use VoIP services like WhatsApp.
Add credit by purchasing top-up voucher (“recarga”) from stores and dealers across Peru.
IX. Useful USSD codes for Entel Peru SIM Card/eSIM
Some useful dialing codes for Entel Peru:
- *555*1# – Check prepaid balance
- *123# – Generate SIM default password
- *555# – Purchase prepaid packs
- *321# – 4G Activation
- *555*555# – Plans and promotions
- *555*666# – Customer service
X. How to Top-up Entel Peru SIM Card
You can add credit and extend validity easily using Entel Peru top-ups:
- Vouchers – Buy from stores and dealers in denominations 5 PEN to 500 PEN
- Online – Pay by international card on Entel website
- ATM – Some banks allow top-up at ATMs
- Apps – Through Entel app and some international apps
Monitor your credit and get prompts when balance is low. Recharge to continue service.
XI. Alternatives to Entel Peru
The other two major operators in Peru are:
- Claro – Second largest provider with good coverage
- Movistar – Has extensive networks across Peru
Both offer prepaid SIMs and tourist plans similar to Entel. Compare rates if you need an alternative to Entel.
Some MVNOs like Bitel also offer low cost prepaid SIMs aimed at locals. But network coverage may be limited.
VII. FAQs about Entel Peru SIM Cards
Does Entel Peru have 5G coverage?
Entel launched limited 5G coverage in 2021 using NSA 5G technology. 5G coverage is still very minimal and expanding slowly. 4G LTE remains the primary network across Peru.
Can I use Entel Peru SIM cards in nearby countries?
Yes, the Entel Chip Turista SIM includes roaming with full data speeds in 18 countries in South/Central America. This allows you to use the same SIM when traveling between these countries:
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela
Does Entel block VoIP and messaging apps?
No, Entel Peru does not restrict the use of apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Viber etc. VoIP calls and messaging are allowed.
How can I contact Entel Peru support?
Dial *555*666# from your Entel SIM for customer care support. Or visit an Entel store in Peru. Support available in English and Spanish.
XIII. Final words
Entel Peru provides excellent prepaid connectivity options for visitors with widespread networks. Their tourist SIM card packs offer convenience for short trips or longer Peru itineraries. eSIM is also available, providing more flexibility. With good speeds and value rates, Entel Peru SIM cards are a great choice during your travels across fascinating Peru.
