Roaming Peru allows your mobile phone to connect to the local Peruvian networks, enabling you to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and access mobile data, just as you would in your home country. Its purpose is to provide continuous communication services for travelers, eliminating the need for a local SIM card. This guide is specifically designed for tourists visiting Peru, ensuring you can easily communicate, navigate, and share your incredible experiences.

roaming in peru

I. Do tourists incur roaming charges in Peru?

>> Yes, roaming in Peru typically costs money. You will likely incur charges for making and receiving calls, sending and potentially receiving text messages, and especially for using mobile data. These roaming rates are often significantly higher than your standard domestic rates. It’s highly recommended to contact your mobile carrier before your trip to Peru to understand the specific roaming charges and explore potentially more cost-effective options.

II. When do roaming charges in Peru occur?

Let’s break down how roaming is charged and whether there are any hidden surprises:

1. When do roaming charges apply in Peru

Roaming charges in Peru apply when you use your mobile phone on a network that isn’t your home network. This typically includes making calls, sending text messages, and using mobile data. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • Making Calls: You’ll be charged for both making and receiving calls while roaming in Peru. The charges will depend on your home network’s roaming agreement with Peruvian carriers.
  • Sending Text Messages: Sending and receiving SMS messages will also incur roaming charges, although these are typically lower than call charges.
  • Using Mobile Data: Using mobile data for internet browsing, social media, or app usage is often the most significant source of roaming charges. Data roaming rates can be quite high. Be especially mindful of data usage, as it can quickly rack up substantial costs.
  • Checking Voicemail: Even listening to your voicemail can trigger roaming charges.

2. Are there any hidden fees?

Yes, there can be hidden costs associated with roaming in Peru, even if the roaming charges themselves aren’t intentionally obscured. While providers usually outline their per-minute, per-text, and per-megabyte rates, less obvious expenses can still arise. These often stem from things like receiving calls (which many forget is a chargeable activity while roaming), background data usage by apps, premium SMS messages, voicemail access, and international call forwarding. These costs aren’t necessarily hidden by the provider, but they can be easily overlooked by the user, leading to unexpected charges. Therefore, while the basic roaming fees are generally transparent, the potential for unforeseen costs exists.

III. Roaming Charges in Peru

✨Disclaimer

  • Roaming costs and plans can vary. For the latest information and pricing in Peru, please contact your carrier directly. Below are some examples from major international carriers, but these are subject to change.
Source: T-Mobile Roaming Charge Checker

1. Roaming Peru with Verizon (USA)

  • Making a call: Around $2.99/minute.
  • Receiving a call: Around $1.99/minute.
  • Sending a text: Around $0.50/text.
  • Receiving a text: Around $0.05/text.
  • Internet: Around $2.05/MB.

How do I activate with the My Verizon App?

  • Download and log in: Download the My Verizon app from your device’s app store and log in with your Verizon credentials.
  • Navigate to International: Usually, there’s an “Account” or “Plan” section. Look for “International,” “International Roaming,” or similar wording.
  • Select your destination and dates: Choose “Peru” as your destination and enter your travel dates.
  • Choose a plan or pay-as-you-go: Verizon offers various international plans like TravelPass (daily fee for using your domestic allowance) or monthly international plans. If none suit your needs, you can opt for pay-as-you-go rates.
  • Activate: Follow the on-screen prompts to activate your chosen option.

2. T-Mobile (USA)

  • Making a call: $0.25/minute.
  • Receiving a call: Free.
  • Sending a text: Free.
  • Receiving a text: Free.
  • Internet: Data roaming is included at up to 2G speeds. For faster data, you’ll need to purchase a high-speed data pass through the T-Mobile app or website. Prices vary depending on the data amount and duration.

3. AT&T (USA)

  • Making a call: Approximately $2.00 – $3.00 per minute.
  • Receiving a call: Approximately $1.00 – $2.00 per minute.
  • Sending a text message (SMS): Approximately $0.50 – $1.00 per message.
  • Receiving a text message (SMS): Often free or very low, around $0.10 – $0.25 per message.
  • Data (Internet): Approximately $2.00 – $10.00 per MB. Some plans may offer daily or weekly data allowances for a fixed price.

4. T-Mobile (Germany)

  • Making a call: Approximately 1-3 EUR per minute.
  • Receiving a call: Approximately 0.5-1.5 EUR per minute.
  • Sending a text (SMS): Approximately 0.2-0.5 EUR per message.
  • Internet: Approximately 5-15 EUR per MB (prices may be lower if you purchase a roaming data package).

5. Movistar (Spain)

  • Making a call: €1.20 – €2.50/minute
  • Receiving a call: €0.90 – €1.80/minute
  • Sending a text: €0.50 – €1.00/text
  • Internet: Data roaming can be very expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or using Wi-Fi whenever possible. If you must use data roaming, check with Movistar about their data roaming packages for Peru. Expect pay-per-use data to be in the range of €6-€10 per MB.

6. Entel (Chile)

  • Making a call: Charges can range from £1.80 to £2.00 per minute, depending on the carrier.
  • Receiving a call: Receiving calls may cost approximately £1.80 to £2.00 per minute as well.
  • Sending a text: Sending a text message might cost between 50p to 60p per message.
  • Internet: Mobile data usage can go up to £7.20 per MB or more, depending on the provider.

How to active it?

Para equipos iOS:

Conexión: Configuración / Datos celulares / Opciones / Voz y datos / 3G (activar).

Datos: Configuración / Datos celulares / Opciones / Roaming de datos (activar).

Para equipos Android:

Conexión: Configuración (Ajustes) / Redes móviles (Más redes) / Modo de red / (WDCMA 3G).

Datos: Configuración (Ajustes) / Redes móviles (Más redes) / Roaming de datos (debe estar activo).

NOTA: Si viajas a varios destinos, se debe volver a activar el modo Operador Automático.

7. Claro (Chile)

  • Making a call: Charges can typically range from $1.00 to $3.00 per minute, depending on the destination.
  • Receiving a call: Receiving calls may cost around $0.50 to $2.00 per minute.
  • Sending a text: Sending a text message usually costs between $0.30 to $1.00 per message.
  • Internet: Mobile data usage can range from $5.00 to $15.00 per MB, depending on the provider and the specific plan.

8. TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile)

  • Making a call: Charges can typically range from €1.00 to €2.00 per minute, depending on the destination.
  • Receiving a call: Receiving calls may cost around €0.50 to €1.50 per minute.
  • Sending a text: Sending a text message usually costs between €0.25 to €0.50 per message.
  • Internet: Mobile data usage can range from €5.00 to €10.00 per MB, depending on the specific plan and destination.

9. Vodafone Italia

  • Making a call: €2.99 per minute.
  • Receiving a call: Free of charge.
  • Sending a text: €0.70 per message.
  • Internet:
  • €0.02 per MB when roaming while traveling by sea.
  • €0.25 per MB when roaming while traveling by air

IV. eSIM as An Alternative to Avoid Roaming Charges in Peru

Roaming charges can be unexpectedly high when traveling abroad, but with an eSIM, you can avoid these costs entirely. eSIMs offer clear pricing with no hidden fees, making them a reliable and budget-friendly alternative to traditional roaming plans.

Why Choose eSIM Over Roaming?

  • Transparent Costs: Say goodbye to surprise charges. eSIM plans are straightforward and designed to fit your data needs.
  • Affordable Options: Enjoy lower rates compared to expensive roaming services.
  • Instant Connectivity: Activate your eSIM and stay connected as soon as you arrive in Peru.
  • Switch to eSIM for a smarter, more economical way to stay connected during your trip. For more details and to explore our services, visit our homepage https://peruesim.com/.

Note: Getting mobile internet in Peru doesn’t have to involve expensive roaming charges. Opt for alternatives like consider local SIM cards, free Wi-Fi hotspots, or portable Wi-Fi devices to enjoy affordable and convenient connectivity throughout your trip.

Understanding Roaming charges in Peru policies is crucial to avoid unexpected costs while traveling. Roaming charges can be expensive, especially if hidden fees apply. Opting for an eSIM is a smart alternative, offering transparent pricing and easy activation. By planning ahead and choosing cost-effective solutions, you can stay connected throughout your trip without overspending.