Claro Peru SIM Cards: a Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Traveling to Peru and looking to stay connected? A Claro Peru SIM card is a great option for keeping your smartphone working during your trip.

Claro is one of the three major mobile operators in Peru, along with Movistar and Entel. Claro has excellent 4G/LTE coverage across Peru and offers travelersprepaid SIM cards with appealing data packages.

In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of using Claro SIM cards and eSIM plans when visiting Peru.

I. Quick Facts about Claro Peru

• Founded: 2006 (Brand launched in Peru)
• Parent Company: América Móvil
• Services: Mobile, Fixed telephony, Internet
• Subscribers: ~13 million (2022 estimate)
• Network Coverage: 99% population coverage
• Stores: ~580 Claro stores nationally

Claro is owned by Mexican telecom giant América Móvil. It launched operations in Peru in 2006. Today, it’s the second largest mobile operator in the country with around 13 million subscribers.

Claro offers 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE services across Peru. It has a retail network of around 580 Claro stores and thousands of partner outlets selling SIM cards.

II. Why Claro When You’re Exploring Peru – Coverage and Speed

1. Claro Network Coverage in Peru

Claro has excellent mobile coverage across Peru:

• 4G/LTE: Claro has a wide 4G footprint that reaches 99% of the population. 4G speeds are fairly fast and reliable in cities and most tourist areas.
• 3G: Claro’s 3G network has 99% population coverage. 3G fills coverage gaps where 4G is unavailable.
• 2G: 2G covers around 95% of the population. It provides basic voice/texting connectivity off the beaten path.

So with a Claro SIM, you’ll have seamless connectivity as you travel between Peru’s top tourist sights. 4G is available in nearly all cities and towns.

2. Claro Peru Speed

In cities and heavily touristed areas, Claro’s 4G network offers pretty zippy speeds:

• Lima: Average 4G download speeds of 35 Mbps
• Cusco: Average of 22 Mbps
• Arequipa: Average of 17 Mbps

So a Claro SIM delivers 4G speeds fast enough for browsing, using maps, and sharing pics and videos. Congestion can occasionally slow down speeds at tourist hotspots. But in general, a Claro SIM provides solid performance for travel use.

III. Claro Connectivity Options for Travelers to Peru

Claro has both prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans available for travelers to Peru:

• Prepaid SIM Card: You can buy a Claro SIM at stores and kiosks in Peru. There are data packs with 4G/3G connectivity.
• eSIM: Claro has eSIM support for latest iPhones and Android phones. You can order a Claro Peru eSIM online before your trip.

So both options give you convenience – either the ease of buying locally or ordering ahead online. We’ll provide details on getting either a Claro SIM or eSIM further below.

IV. Best Claro Peru SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Claro has a couple great prepaid SIM options for short-term travel use:

Claro Prepago Turista SIM Card

This tourist SIM comes with:

• 5 GB of 4G data
• 100 minutes of calls to Claro Peru numbers
• 30 SMS texts to Claro Peru numbers
• 7-day validity

Cost: PEN 35 (~$8.75 USD)

This SIM card is intended for visitors and available for purchase at Claro stores in Peru. It’s the best value option for a short trip with a good amount of high-speed data.

Claro Prepago SIM Card

Claro’s regular prepaid SIM has 1 GB base data and flexible validity:

• 1 GB 4G data
• Pay-as-you-go rates for calls/texts
• SIM card validity: 120 days
• Reload validity: 30-365 days

Cost: PEN 20 (~$5 USD) – one-time SIM cost

The regular prepaid SIM card doesn’t come with a set data package. But you can add prepaid data packs as needed for 4G connectivity. It’s a good choice if you need longer validity or will be in Peru awhile.

V. Does Claro Support eSIM in Peru?

Yes, Claro offers eSIM plans for the latest iPhones and Android phones.

With an eSIM (digital SIM), you don’t need to buy a local SIM card to access Claro’s network. You can order a Claro Peru eSIM online and activate before your trip.

Claro has a few prepaid eSIM card plans for Peru visitors:

• 1 GB – 7 days: PEN 18 (~$4.50 USD)
• 2 GB – 15 days: PEN 30 (~$7.50 USD)
• 5 GB – 30 days: PEN 40 (~$10 USD)

These eSIM data packs allow high-speed data access on Claro’s 4G/3G network. They offer convenient connectivity for short trips or data backup.

Peruesim.com is a leading online retailer of Peru travel eSIM data plans, making it simple to stay connected while exploring the beautiful country. As the top-reviewed provider, they offer reliable eSIM solutions for over 200 dual SIM and eSIM compatible devices from manufacturers like Apple, Samsung and Google. 

Best of all, peruesim.com’s eSIMs eliminate the hassle of swapping physical cards during your trip. It’s an affordable and straightforward way to browse unlimited local websites, use maps and navigation on the go, upload vacation photos and videos, and chat with friends back home while discovering Peru.

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Travel and Stay Online with Our Plans

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VI. Where can You Buy Claro Peru SIM Cards and eSIM?

1. Where to Buy Claro Peru SIM Card?

Visitors have a couple options for purchasing a Claro Peru SIM card locally:

• Claro Stores – There are Claro company stores in most cities including Lima and Cusco. Staff can help you setup a new SIM card.
• Shops/Kiosks – You’ll find Claro SIMs at convenience stores, supermarkets, and street kiosks around Peru. Look for the Claro signage.
• Airports – Major airports like Lima often have Claro shops and self-service SIM card machines.

When buying locally, bring your unlocked phone and passport. Know some Spanish phrases or have help from a Spanish speaker.

2. Where to Buy Claro Peru eSIM?

To get a Claro Peru eSIM, you’ll need to order online before your trip. Here are some sites that sell Claro eSIMs for Peru:

• Airalo – Airalo.com offers Claro Peru eSIMs for iPhone and Android. Instant digital delivery.
• eSIM.net – eSIM.net sells Claro Peru eSIM service. Delivered to app or email.

Order at least 3-4 days before your trip. You’ll receive a QR activation code for your Claro eSIM.

VII. How to Activate Claro Peru SIM Card?

1. How to Use Claro Peru SIM Card?

Follow these steps when you first insert a new Claro SIM in Peru:

1. Insert SIM – Turn phone off and insert the Claro SIM into your unlocked phone.
2. Register SIM – Turn phone on. You may need to enter the SIM’s PIN if provided.
3. Connect & Activate – The SIM should automatically connect to Claro service within a minute or two.
4. Top-up – Add funds via Claro kiosks or online channels (details below) to activate data/calling.

Once activated, you’ll have a local Peru number and can add data packs as needed.

2. How to Activate Claro Peru eSIM?

To activate your Claro Peru eSIM:

1. Install eSIM – Add the eSIM profile using the QR code or manual details provided when purchased.
2. Connect – Select the Claro Peru eSIM to connect to service. May take a few minutes.
3. Activate Plan – Open the data pack email and click the activation link. Or enter the activation code.

That’s it! Your eSIM plan will be activated within a few minutes usually. You’ll then have 4G data on Claro’s network.

Learn more: How to Install Peru eSIM: Full Guide

VIII. Claro Peru Call & SMS Rates

Here are Claro’s current domestic calling and text rates:

• Calls to Claro mobiles – PEN 0.25/min
• Calls to other Peru mobiles – PEN 0.45/min
• SMS to any Peru mobile – PEN 0.15

For international calls, rates start around PEN 2.50/min. Claro has some add-on packs like unlimited Claro calls and 100 SMS for PEN 5.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Claro Peru SIM Card/eSIM

USSD codes let you check balances and settings directly from your Claro SIM.

Dial these codes and press call/send:

• *515# – Check SIM balance
• *555# – Remaining data balance
• *123# – Activate international calls
• *321# – Deactivate international calls

X. How to Top-up Claro Peru SIM Card

You’ll need to add funds (“recargar”) to your Claro SIM to activate service and data packs.

Here are ways to top-up your SIM in Peru:

• Claro Stores/Kiosks – Best option. Tell them your number (“mi número es…”). Pay cash and they’ll add funds.
• Convenience Stores – Ask for ‘recarga Claro’ at stores like Tambo+. Give phone number and payment.
• Online – Not recommended since most require Peruvian payment methods/info.

Aim to top-up PEN 35-50 at once for a longer 1-2 week validity period. Check balance by dialing *515#.

XI. FAQs about Claro Peru

XII. Final Words

A Claro Peru SIM card or eSIM provides a convenient way for travelers to stay connected in Peru.

With extensive 4G coverage, solid speeds, and affordable prepaid plans, Claro makes it easy to get online anywhere from Lima to Machu Picchu.

Get your connectivity sorted in advance with a Claro eSIM. Or pick up a prepaid SIM card once you arrive. Either option ensures you’ll have access to maps, travel info, and sharing Peru highlights during your visit.