Peru is one of the best countries that one can visit in South America as it has a big population that amounts to more than thirty-three million people and a thriving tourism sector. When visiting Peru as a foreign tourist, it is strongly advisable that you purchase a local SIM card for your mobile phone including unlimited internet, calls and texting at an affordable price throughout your trip.
This is an all-inclusive guide will help explain what you should be aware of if you need to obtain Peru SIM card.
Table of Contents
I. Do I Need a New SIM Card for My Peru Trip?
Yes, purchasing a local Peru SIM card for your cell phone is highly recommended if visiting Peru. Here are some of the key benefits:
Convenience of Having Local Number and Data
- Having a local SIM card in your phone enables you make calls, text and access data through a Peru phone number and data plan. You don’t have to rely on just WiFi.
- It is much more convenient than relying on public WiFi hotspots to get online, which can be unreliable in many areas.
Cost Savings
- Local SIM cards are very affordable, often offering plans with unlimited data. This can lead to significant savings compared to costly international roaming fees.
- Prepaid SIM card rates are generally very cheap compared to US or European data roaming rates. You only pay for what you need.
Improved Travel Experience
- Having constant access to maps, travel apps, social media, messaging, last minute reservations etc vastly improves your travel experience abroad.
- You can easily stay in touch with local contacts, access ride sharing apps like Uber, and translation apps.
- SIM cards allow you to leverage your phone’s functionality fully so you don’t miss anything.
Overall, having the convenience of a Peru SIM card for unlimited nationwide connectivity will make your Peru trip easier and more enjoyable. The low rates and flexibility of prepaid options make it an excellent value purchase.
II. Peru SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?
When shopping for a Peru SIM card, you will mainly find two types available for tourists:
1. Prepaid SIM Cards
Prepaid SIM cards are the most popular option for visitors to Peru. Here are the benefits:
- No long term contract required, you just pay as you go
- Affordable data packages and rates
- Flexibility to change plans as needed for more data or minutes
- Wide availability at stores, kiosks and even airports
- Easy activation and set-up process
For short term visitors, prepaid SIMs offer the best value and convenience without being locked into any long term plan. The major mobile networks like Claro, Movistar and Entel offer prepaid Peru SIMs.
2. Peru eSIM (Electronic SIMs)
Peru eSIMs are digital SIM profiles that can be purchased online and uploaded to your phone remotely, without a physical card. Key aspects:
- Convenient online purchase and instant activation
- Works for unlocked phones with eSIM compatibility
- Provides a Peru phone number and mobile plan
- Flexible short term plans, often with unlimited data
International providers like peruesim.com offer prepaid eSIMs for Peru that can be activated before you arrive. This is convenient if you have an eSIM compatible phone, however prepaid physical SIM cards are much more widely available.
For most travelers, a standard prepaid Peru SIM card purchased in-country will be the best all round option for price and convenience. But eSIMs are good for short trips or as a backup.
III. How Much Data is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Peru?
As a visitor to Peru, you will want to buy enough data for your connectivity needs during the trip. Here are some data usage estimates:
Minimal Use (Emails/Messages Only)
- 1 – 2 GB per week should be enough for minimal usage
- Good for occasional emails, messaging, some browsing
Medium Use (Emails, Social, Maps)
- 2 – 4 GB per week for moderate usage
- Good for regular emails, messaging, social media, maps
Heavy Use (Video, Music Streaming)
- 4 – 8+ GB per week for frequent usage
- For video calling, streaming, large downloads
The good news is Peru SIM cards are very affordable, so you can purchase extra data as needed. Some prepaid plans offer unlimited data packages which provide maximum flexibility.
To conserve your data, use WiFi whenever available and limit video/music streaming. Check your usage occasionally and top up as required so you don’t run out.
IV. How Much Does a Peru SIM Card Cost?
Costs for Peru SIM cards will vary slightly by provider, data amount, and specific plan. However, here are typical costs as of 2023:
- SIM Card Itself: 10 – 25 PEN ($3-$7 USD)
- Data Packages:
- 1GB Data – around 20 PEN ($5 USD)
- 5GB Data – around 50 PEN ($13 USD)
- Unlimited Data – around 70 PEN ($18 USD) weekly
- Activation/Number Fee: 10 – 25 PEN ($3-$7 USD)
As you can see, Peru SIM cards are very affordable for visitors. You can expect to pay around $10-$20 USD for a SIM card and a starter data package that will last you a week or more.
Additional data can be added for reasonable rates, often for 1 GB increments around $5 USD. Making calls and texts to local Peru numbers is very cheap too.
For longer visits, unlimited data weekly packages for around $18 USD per week are excellent value to stay conveniently connected.
Overall, Peru SIM cards offer great value and may lead to 75%+ savings over costly international roaming rates.
V. Peru eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards
In addition to standard physical SIM cards, Peru eSIMs are a digital alternative for unlocked phones with eSIM compatibility:
How It Works
- eSIMs are digital SIM profiles, not physical cards
- Purchase online and activate before trip
- Provides Peru phone number and data plan
- Remote activation through QR code or app
While less common than regular SIMs, Peru eSIMs offer a convenient digital alternative for unlocked devices. Companies like peruesim.com offer prepaid Peru eSIMs that can be set up worldwide.
Reliable Data Plans for Exploring Peru
VI. Where to Buy a Peru SIM Card?
It’s easy to purchase a Peru SIM card after you arrive. Here are some of the best places to buy one:
Airport Kiosks
Buying a SIM card from one of the airport kiosks makes this possible without hassle. The kiosk employees are trained to quickly activate the card, ensuring you’re connected right away. They offer SIMs from Peru’s major providers, guaranteeing reliable coverage wherever your travels take you. With onboarding assistance in multiple languages, it’s a simple process even for those who don’t speak Spanish.
Once activated, you can use your phone normally without worrying about roaming charges eating away at your budget. Opting for an airport SIM removes stress by providing instant connectivity. Not having to venture elsewhere immediately on arrival saves time better spent resting after the flight. The small premium over other options is worth the supreme convenience.
Maybe you’re interested in: Where to Buy SIM Card at Lima Airport
Mobile Provider Stores and Resellers
- Claro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel operate stores in most major towns
- Private resellers also abundant for provider agnostic selection -Wide selection of SIM card packages and top ups
Convenience Stores/Supermarkets
- Oxxo, Tambo+ and larger supermarkets sell SIM cards
- Offer standard prepaid SIMs from major providers
- Top ups also sold at many locations
Online Before Arrival
- Companies like peruesim.com offer Peru eSIMs online
- Easy online purchase and global delivery
- Quick digital activation before departure
Overall, buying in airport kiosks or provider stores is recommended for best value and assistance. But SIMs can be easily found at convenience stores or ordered online.
Upgrade your Peru: Choose Peruesim.com, choose beyond limits.
VII. How to Use Peru SIM Cards
Activating and using Peru SIM cards is a quick and easy process:
1. Unlock Your Phone
- Contact your home carrier to request your device is network unlocked
- Unlocked phones can use different SIMs when traveling
2. Insert SIM and Restart Device
- With device turned off, insert the Peru SIM card into your phone
- Turn your phone back on and follow activation prompts
3. Select a Data Plan
- Choose a data package from the provider
- Default rate plans are very affordable
- Or access the carrier website/app to pick a plan
4. Top Up As Required
- Check data usage and purchase additional top ups as needed
- Avoid bill shock by tracking your consumption
5. Access Peru Number and Data
- Your Peru phone number and data are now ready to use!
That’s it! Within minutes you will have cheap, fast data across Peru and a local number. Enjoy the convenience during your trip.
Unlock more insights on: Using A Cell Phone In Peru – How Can I Do It?
VIII. Best Mobile Operators for Peru SIM Cards
Here are the top mobile carriers to consider when purchasing a Peru SIM card:
Claro
- Largest mobile network with best nationwide coverage
- Fast 4G LTE speeds and reliable service
- Affordable data packages and prepaid SIM plans
- Wide retail presence including airport kiosks
Movistar
- Second biggest provider after Claro
- Good coverage across Peru with 3G and 4G
- Competitive rates for prepaid data packs
- Physical and eSIM options available
Entel
- Reliable service provider across Peru
- Known for fast speeds and good connectivity
- Decent variety of prepaid SIM card options
- More localized but rates on par with others
Bitel
- Fourth major provider with growing presence
- Affordable prepaid SIM card rates
- Focused in Lima but expanding coverage
- Performs well in main tourist areas
For most visitors, Claro or Movistar SIM cards offer the best all-round value and network coverage. But all four major providers offer affordable prepaid SIMs worth considering.
Evaluate various mobile operators through: Peru Mobile Operators: Which One is the Best? to find the best choices.
IX. Tips for Saving Data for Peru SIM Card
To get the most value from your Peru SIM card data plan, follow these tips:
- Use WiFi Whenever Available: At hotels, cafes, restaurants and attractions, always use WiFi instead of mobile data
- Download Maps and Music in Advance: Save mobile data by pre-downloading Google/Apple maps, playlists etc
- Limit Video Calls and Music Streaming: Streaming eats up large data, use sparingly and download content instead
- Track Your Usage: Check your remaining data regularly to avoid surprises
- Set Data Saving Browser Settings: Enable reduced data mode on Chrome, Safari, Firefox to limit usage
- Consider an Unlimited Data SIM: For heavy usage, an unlimited data SIM can provide peace of mind
- Purchase Top Ups When Needed: It’s cheap to add 1-2GB as required to prevent disruptions Following these tips will help you save significant mobile data when traveling in Peru. Enjoy the savings!
X. FAQs
Do I need to show my passport when buying a Peru SIM card?
Yes, you need to show your passport as identification when purchasing a Peru SIM card as a foreign tourist.
Can I use my Peru SIM in other South American countries?
Unfortunately Peru SIM cards only provide service within Peru itself. Each country requires purchasing a local SIM.
Are Peru SIM cards prepaid?
Yes the vast majority of tourist SIMs are prepaid, without any contract. You pay upfront for data and top up as needed.
Do Peru SIM cards work for both calls and data?
Yes, Peru SIMs provide a local number that can be used for calling, texting and mobile data within the country.
XI. Final Words
Purchasing a Peru SIM card is highly recommended to stay conveniently connected across Peru without costly roaming fees. Both major carriers and smaller providers offer affordable prepaid SIMs with excellent domestic connectivity. Look for bundled packages that include a SIM card, activation, and a starter data allotment. Top up data as required. Having mobile data and a Peru number will make traveling Peru a breeze. Enjoy your trip!
