1.- INTRODUCTION
Mobile communication has become an indispensable necessity for the many travelers from around the world who come to visit Peru, with the growth of the tourism sector multiple destinations such as Machu Picchu, Puno, Cusco and even in the Amazon jungle have seen convenient to have the availability of access to a network connection not only to show off photos or videos on social networks but also as a form of personal safety because many of the areas in extreme points like the Andes or the Amazon jungle are at risk, plus of course exclusion for communication with local guides or the same travel agency. It is the SIM card in Peru who plays a vital role in this as it provides the user with a permanent connection and allows access to useful applications during the trip such as maps or translator to interact with local people, so the trip becomes more fluid and smooth.
With the passage of time Peru has developed a quite remarkable growth in terms of coverage and quality of service, having as main representatives companies such as Claro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel. Each of these companies has coverage mainly in urban areas, however in remote areas such as the Amazon or some villages in the Andes it is certain that none of them can have signal, however there is always a way of communication in some areas, for this you must properly investigate what is the best SIM card in Peru for you according to your destination.
2.- THE DECISION BEFORE BUYING A SIM CARD IN PERU
The first step before purchasing a SIM card in Peru is that the cell phone must be unlocked for different lines, fortunately all models globally that belong to the generation since 2021 are unlocked, for this reason when you place the SIM card in Peru it accepts it without any problem. Globally there are two networks that are used in the different phones, first the GMS (Global System for Mobile) which is the main one used by all South America including Peru and then the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) which is used to other countries in the world, in this second network often happens that the SIM card in Peru does not work properly so before buying it is important to do a test in the store. Fortunately the models belonging to the 2022-II generation are adapted to accept both networks and allow the SIM card in Peru to work without any problem.
| “Sometimes you have to travel far to get back home.” |
3.- MAJOR MOBILE OPERATORS IN PERU
3.1.- Movistar
It is considered one of the oldest companies that create a SIM card in Peru, it also has a user base with a long history over the years. Its coverage is nationwide mainly in urban and tourist areas. Currently its coverage provides a 5G connection in most cities and in some rural areas, but in other remote areas such as the Amazon it is much weaker and almost nonexistent.
Authorized distribution place in Lima: Av. Alfredo Benavides 671 – Miraflores
Authorized distribution place in Cusco: Av. El Sol 382 – Cusco
3.2.- Claro
Considered as the direct competitor of Movistar, Claro is another of the main SIM card providers in Peru, it also has a 5G network that offers an efficient, fast and reliable service. During the last few years it has worked in the implementation of new antennas in rural areas allowing the connection to be more stable, in more remote places it is possible to find 3G coverage.
Authorized distribution place in Lima: Av. José Larco 652 – Miraflores
Authorized distribution place in Cusco: Av. El Sol 310 – Cusco
3.3.- Entel
It is one of the most recent companies entered within the Peruvian market, since 2014 it became a competition for users of the two main companies, thanks to its 5G coverage in major cities and 4G in rural areas is a great alternative for those seeking to have a stable connection.
Authorized distribution place in Lima: Av. José Larco 497 – Miraflores
Authorized distribution place in Cusco: Av. El Sol 449 – Cusco
3.4.- Bitel
It positioned itself as one of the low cost companies preferred by many users, unlike the other main companies this offers much more affordable plans so it gained almost immediate popularity, although it is the newest of all reached the 5G coverage without problem due to the large number of antennas placed in various parts of the country allowing its connection in remote places is much more stable than in big cities.
Authorized distribution place in Lima: Av. José Larco 534 – Miraflores
Authorized distribution place in Cusco: Av. El Sol 847 – Cusco
4.- TYPES OF SIM CARDS AVAILABLE
4.1.- Prepaid vs. Postpaid options
The SIM card in Peru is quite useful to keep you permanently connected and to know which is the ideal one for you you should know that there are two types to choose from:
4.2.- Prepaid
This type of SIM card in Peru is much more flexible and allows the owner to control the balance as a result of a recharge as needed without the obligation to pay a fixed monthly fee. This type of SIM card in Peru is the most recommended for all travelers who have a short stay as they do not require a long term commitment. Depending on the amount of the recharge and the company to which the SIM card in Peru belongs, Internet data packages, calls, messages and other specifications are included. A recharge can last between 7, 10 or 15 days depending on the amount.
4.3.- Postpaid
This SIM card in Peru is more oriented for local people and for travelers who have very long stays either for vacation or business, regularly unlimited plans are included but subject to monthly fees, in many cases these contain better benefits in terms of data for the connection speed. The service generally lasts 30 days until it is renewed.
4.4.- Tourist-specific SIM cards
Many of the companies that provide a SIM card in Peru also have a specific type for tourists, designed mainly for short stays with unique benefits that facilitate a permanent connection, mainly provided by Movistar, Claro and Entel with plans that last between 7 and 30 days with very affordable prices, they are easy to find in their sales outlets, shopping malls and even the airport itself.
5.- A SECURITY ACTION
“Having a SIM card in Peru ensures that you can communicate frequently with your family and loved ones, this is a safe way to keep them informed of where you are at all times.
6.- Data-only SIM cards
You can also find a specific type of SIM card in Peru which works as an Internet router completely excluding calls and messages services, this SIM card in Peru has become quite popular among content creators who visit Peru in search of a new adventure, this is the ideal option for those who are more attached to messaging applications and social networks in parallel.
7.- How to Purchase a SIM Card in Peru
Acquiring a SIM card in Peru is quite simple, for a traveler only represents having to show your identification document either passport or identity card at any of the points of sale authorized by the companies, although it does not require a formal contract to obtain it if requested to have a user control, this mainly works easier with the mode of SIM card in Peru in prepaid version, the postpaid version has a different handling.
8.- FAQs ABOUT THE SIM CARD IN PERU
- Do I need a SIM card in Peru?
Although it is not mandatory to have a SIM card in Peru, it is highly recommended to maintain a connection and frequent communication wherever you are.
- Can I use my home country’s SIM card in Peru?
Yes, there is the option to activate the roaming service which allows you to have connection with your own SIM without having to switch to a SIM card in Peru, however this has an extra cost depending on which operator you have.
- What are the main mobile operators in Peru?
Mainly there are four, we have Movistar, Claro, Entel and Bitel. As a recommendation we suggest you to use Claro as it is considered by many as the best SIM card in Peru that has better coverage and if you have any problem it will be attended much faster.
- What documents do I need to buy a SIM card in Peru?
As a foreigner the only thing you must do to get a SIM card in Peru in an authorized place is to present your identity document which can be your passport or identity card, this allows you to register as a user, you do not need to make a contract.
- How much does a SIM card cost in Peru?
Acquiring a SIM card in Peru is quite cheap, it can cost up to s/15.00 soles for each one, which is equivalent to between $4.00 dollars.
Of all the tips we can give you, this will certainly be the one that will help you the most. Having a SIM card in Peru not only allows you to communicate with your family but also to have permanent internet access even in the street without the need to use the Wifi of the hotel or restaurant. Auri Peru seeks to provide you with a complete experience and that is why we can include in our services to get the best SIM card in Peru for you, contact us now to start designing your next adventure.
“He who loves you well will make you travel.”
