Movistar Peru SIM Cards: a Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Movistar is the largest mobile operator in Peru, with extensive coverage across the country. For travelers visiting Peru, getting a Movistar SIM card or eSIM can help stay connected on-the-go with mobile data, calls, and SMS.

Here is a complete guide on using Movistar Peru while traveling in the country.

I. Quick Facts about Movistar Peru

• Founded: 2004 (rebranded from Telefónica Movistar)
• Company: Telefónica del Perú
• Services: Mobile (voice, data, SMS), Fixed broadband, TV
• Subscribers: 15 million (mobile)
• Coverage: 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE across Peru
• Retail Network: 270 Movistar stores, 8200+ agents

Movistar by Telefónica is the largest telecom provider in Peru with over 15 million mobile subscribers. It offers 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE coverage reaching 98% of the population across Peru.

With an extensive retail network of company stores and authorized dealers, Movistar SIM cards are conveniently available for purchase by tourists.

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

1. Movistar Network Coverage in Peru

Movistar has the most extensive mobile network in Peru covering 28 out of 33 departments. With 98% population coverage, Movistar offers connectivity even in remote tourist destinations like Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca etc.

The mobile network runs on:

• 2G – Covers 95% of the population on 900 MHz and 1800 MHz
• 3G – On 1900 MHz band covering 87% population
• 4G/LTE – 80% coverage on 850 MHz and 1700 MHz/2100 MHz bands

With widespread 4G/LTE service and 3G fallback, Movistar ensures high-speed mobile internet during travel across Peru.

2. Movistar Peru Speed

Movistar 4G/LTE network offers download speeds up to 42 Mbps in Peru, with average speeds around 18 Mbps. The 3G network offers average download speeds of 6 Mbps.

This is sufficient for most travel needs like social media, navigation apps, audio/video streaming. For heavy usage like HD video streaming, the 4G network delivers the performance needed.

So Movistar offers reliable high-speed data for tourists exploring Peru. The coverage and capacity help stay connected throughout your travel.

III. Movistar Connectivity Options for Travelers to Peru

Tourists visiting Peru can get short-term Movistar mobile connectivity using:

• SIM Card – Physical SIM to insert into an unlocked phone
• eSIM – Digital SIM activated remotely on eSIM-enabled phones

Both options provide you a Peru mobile number. But eSIMs offer added convenience for short trips, as you can purchase and activate online before arrival.

Movistar has prepaid SIM cards and data packages suitable for visitors. eSIM is also available but mostly geared towards residents.

We’ll look at the best SIM card and eSIM options from Movistar Peru for travelers.

IV. Best Movistar Peru SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

The main Movistar SIM card options for visitors to Peru are:

Movistar Prepago SIM

This is the standard prepaid SIM ideal for foreign tourists. It comes with:

• SIM card price – PEN 5
• Initial credit – PEN 0
• Validity – 6 months

The SIM gives a Peru phone number and allows receiving calls/texts for 6 months. You need to recharge it to make calls or use mobile data.

Recharges can be done easily online or at authorized dealers. Top-up vouchers are available from PEN 5 to PEN 100.

Movistar Tourist SIM

Movistar offers a dedicated tourist SIM card with bundled data packs. It provides:

• SIM Card – PEN 15 (one-time cost)
• 5 GB data
• 100 minutes for Peru calls
• 50 texts to Peru numbers
• 7 days validity

This offers a weeks’ worth of calling, texts and most importantly mobile data. It’s a convenient ready-to-use option for short Peru trips.

Tourist SIMs are available only at Lima Airport counters after clearing immigration. Show your passport when purchasing.

V. Does Movistar Support eSIM in Peru?

Yes, Movistar launched eSIM support in Peru starting 2022. But it is primarily focused on residential plans currently.

Some eSIM packages are:

• Movistar Postpago eSIM – For long-term residents on monthly billing plans
• Movistar Prepago eSIM – Pay-as-you-go, recharge valid 6 months.

But these require a Peru ID for registration. The signup and activation process is not tourist-friendly right now.

Movistar doesn’t offer dedicated tourist eSIMs in Peru yet. But with eSIM support in place, tourist eSIMs should be available in future.

Peruesim.com is a top provider of Peru eSIM plans for travelers looking for an easy way to stay connected in Peru. As the country’s #1 eSIM operator, they offer simple digital SIM solutions that allow you to leave your physical SIM card at home and avoid roaming fees abroad. Their affordable package options include a 1GB, 7-day plan for just $8.90 ideal for short trips.

Travelers can also choose 2GB over 15 days for $16.50, offering better value for longer stays. For unlimited peace of mind, there is a 30-day package with 3-5GB of usage priced from $23.50. Best of all, peruesim.com’s eSIMs provide fast 4G/LTE speeds throughout Peru so you can stream, chat and navigate with ease. Purchase online and the eSIM will be delivered to your email in minutes for quick activation upon arrival.

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VI. Where can You Buy a Movistar Peru SIM card and eSIM?

Here are places to buy a Movistar SIM card or eSIM when visiting Peru:

1. Where to Buy Movistar Peru SIM?

As a popular network, Movistar SIM cards are widely available at:

• Movistar stores – Across Peru, easy to find in malls/key areas
• Authorized dealers – Over 8000+ outlets across Peru
• Airport counters – At Lima Airport after immigration

Prepaid SIMs cost only PEN 5 with ID. Dealers can help set up the SIM and do recharges.

At Lima airport, visit the Claro or Movistar counters after baggage claim and immigration to buy tourist SIMs.

2. Where to Buy Movistar Peru eSIM?

Movistar eSIM for tourists is not readily available currently in Peru. The residential eSIM has limited outlets restricted to:

• Movistar stores
• Online channel – App or website

As a visitor you can’t purchase Movistar eSIM online easily. In future when tourist eSIM launch, options to buy those online/offline will open up.

VII. How to Activate Movistar Peru SIM Card?

Activating a new Movistar SIM or eSIM in Peru is straightforward for tourists:

1. How to Use Movistar Peru SIM Card in Peru?

• Buy SIM from store or airport counter. Standard SIMs cost PEN 5.
• Insert SIM and turn on phone – SIM works immediately.
• Recharge for credit – To make calls, texts, data.
• Enter data/call/text package by texting code or via app.

Movistar SIM works directly upon insertion. To use services, simply recharge it as needed and purchase a data package by text/app.

2. How to Activate Movistar Peru eSIM?

• Buy eSIM – Currently geared towards residents with ID proof.
• Verify identity by uploading documents.
• Activate eSIM – Scan QR code on phone to download and activate eSIM profile.

Tourists can’t easily purchase Movistar eSIM right now. When tourist eSIM launch, the process will be simplified for visitors.

VIII. Movistar Peru Call & SMS Rates

Movistar Peru has the following call and text rates:

• Calls to Peru mobiles – PEN 0.49 per minute
• Texts to Peru mobiles – PEN 0.10 per SMS
• Incoming calls – Free
• Incoming texts – Free

Rates are affordable for both making and receiving calls/texts while traveling in Peru.

With a PEN 5 recharge giving 10 minutes of talktime, staying in touch locally is convenient.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Movistar Peru SIM Cards

Movistar users can check balance and activate packages using these USSD codes:

• *104# – Check account balance
• *515# – Activate data package
• *555# – Call and SMS package activation
• *411# – Recharge SIM via credit transfer

USSD codes provide a quick way to manage your Movistar SIM or eSIM while traveling in Peru.

X. How to Top-up Movistar Peru SIM Cards

It’s easy to recharge a Movistar SIM/eSIM to add call/data credit:

Online Top-up

Log into your online account via app or website to recharge instantly. Or enter mobile number on portal for guest recharge.

Offline Recharge

Buy top-up cards called Recarga Virtual from authorized Movistar dealers and agents across Peru in denominations from PEN 5 to PEN 100.

Follow instructions to redeem voucher pin and add credit to your SIM.

ATM Recharge

Select ‘Phone Top-up’ at BBVA or Interbank ATMs to recharge your Movistar SIM using debit/credit card.

With easy online and offline recharge options, keeping your Movistar SIM active is convenient while traveling in Peru.

Learn more about installation while traveling in Peru: How to Install Peru eSIM: Full Guide

XI. Alternatives to Movistar Peru

The other major mobile networks in Peru are:

• Claro – Second largest provider after Movistar. Also has prepaid SIM and tourist SIM.
• Entel – Mainly focused on postpaid/long-term users rather than prepaid tourists.

For travelers, Movistar and Claro are the best options thanks to wide availability of prepaid SIM cards and tourist SIMs across Peru.

XII. FAQs about Movistar Peru SIM Cards

XIII. Final Words

For visiting Peru, a Movistar Peru SIM card or eSIM provides seamless connectivity throughout your trip. With wide prepaid SIM availability and tourist options, Movistar makes it easy to stay connected across Peru.

Just insert the SIM, recharge as needed, and activate a data pack to enjoy high-speed 4G/LTE during travel. Movistar enables affordable calls, SMS and mobile data during your Peru visit.