How to Get a SIM Card in Peru: Complete Guide 2026
Complete guide to buying a SIM card in Peru. Claro vs Movistar vs Entel comparison, prices, where to buy, activation process, and data plans for travelers.
Getting a local SIM card in Peru is easy and affordable. Having local data keeps you connected for maps, Uber, WhatsApp, and emergencies. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about buying and using a SIM card in Peru.
Quick Overview
Key Facts
- • Cost: 30-50 soles ($8-$13)
- • Data: 5-15GB for 7-15 days
- • Providers: Claro, Movistar, Entel
- • Required: Passport (original)
- • Activation: Immediate
- • Phone: Must be unlocked
Where to Buy
- • Lima Airport (easiest)
- • Cusco Airport
- • Official stores in cities
- • Authorized retailers
- • Shopping malls
- • Avoid street vendors
Mobile Providers Comparison
Claro (Best Coverage)
Recommended for most travelers. Best nationwide coverage, especially in rural areas, mountains, and tourist destinations.
Coverage:
- Excellent in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Puno
- Best coverage on Inca Trail and Machu Picchu area
- Good in Sacred Valley and remote areas
- Works in most of Amazon region
- 4G LTE in major cities, 3G in rural areas
Tourist Plans:
- 7 days: 30 soles ($8) - 5GB data + calls
- 15 days: 45 soles ($12) - 10GB data + calls
- 30 days: 60 soles ($16) - 15GB data + calls
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Best coverage, reliable, works everywhere
Cons: Slightly more expensive, can be crowded at stores
Movistar (Cheapest)
Good budget option with decent coverage in cities. Cheapest plans but weaker signal in rural areas.
Coverage:
- Excellent in Lima and major cities
- Good in Cusco, Arequipa, Puno
- Weaker in rural areas and mountains
- Limited on Inca Trail
- 4G LTE in cities
Tourist Plans:
- 7 days: 25 soles ($7) - 5GB data + calls
- 15 days: 40 soles ($11) - 10GB data + calls
- 30 days: 50 soles ($13) - 15GB data + calls
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Cheapest, good in cities, easy to find stores
Cons: Weaker rural coverage, less reliable in mountains
Entel (Mid-Range)
Middle option between Claro and Movistar. Decent coverage and pricing.
Coverage:
- Good in major cities
- Decent in tourist areas
- Moderate rural coverage
- 4G in cities, 3G elsewhere
Tourist Plans:
- 7 days: 28 soles ($7.50) - 5GB data + calls
- 15 days: 42 soles ($11) - 10GB data + calls
- 30 days: 55 soles ($14.50) - 15GB data + calls
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Mid-range pricing, decent coverage
Cons: Not as good as Claro, not as cheap as Movistar
Where to Buy SIM Cards
1. Airport (Easiest)
Lima Airport (Jorge Chávez)
- Location: Arrivals hall after baggage claim
- Providers: Claro and Movistar booths
- Hours: 24/7
- Staff: Speak English
- Time: 5-10 minutes
- Price: Same as city stores
- Tip: Best option for arriving travelers
Cusco Airport
- Location: Small booth in arrivals
- Providers: Usually Claro
- Hours: During flight arrival times
- Note: Sometimes closed - buy in Lima if possible
2. Official Stores
- Claro stores: Found in all major cities, shopping malls
- Movistar stores: Widespread, easy to find
- Entel stores: Less common, mainly in cities
- Pros: Official, reliable, good service
- Cons: Can have long waits, need to find store
- Hours: Usually 9am-7pm, closed Sundays
3. Authorized Retailers
- Small shops with provider logos
- Found throughout cities
- Faster service than official stores
- Same prices and plans
- Look for "Claro Autorizado" or "Movistar Autorizado" signs
⚠️ Avoid Street Vendors
Don't buy SIM cards from street vendors or unofficial sellers. They may sell:
- Used/deactivated SIM cards
- SIM cards registered to other people
- Fake or stolen SIM cards
- Cards that stop working after a few days
Always buy from official stores or authorized retailers.
Step-by-Step Buying Process
How to Buy a SIM Card
- Check your phone is unlocked
Your phone must be unlocked to use foreign SIM cards. Check with your home carrier before traveling. Most phones bought outright are unlocked.
- Bring your passport
Original passport required by law. Photocopies not accepted. Staff will scan or photocopy your passport.
- Choose provider and plan
Tell staff: "Quiero un chip prepago para turista" (I want a prepaid SIM for tourist). They'll show you tourist plans.
- Pay for SIM and plan
SIM card: 5-10 soles. Tourist plan: 30-50 soles. Total: 35-60 soles ($9-$16). Cash or card accepted.
- Staff installs and activates
Staff will insert SIM, configure APN settings, and activate your plan. Takes 5-10 minutes. Test data before leaving.
- Save your number
Write down your new Peruvian number. You'll need it for Uber, WhatsApp, and emergencies.
- Keep receipt
Save receipt for recharging data or troubleshooting issues.
Important Information
Phone Compatibility
- Must be unlocked: Locked phones won't work with foreign SIM
- Check before travel: Contact your home carrier to unlock
- iPhone: Usually unlocked if bought from Apple
- Android: Check in settings or with carrier
- Dual SIM: Can keep home SIM in second slot
Data Usage Tips
- 5GB plan: Enough for 7-10 days of normal use
- 10GB plan: Good for 2 weeks with moderate use
- 15GB plan: Plenty for 3-4 weeks
- Use WiFi: At hotels/restaurants to save data
- Download maps: Offline maps use no data
- Disable auto-updates: Prevent apps using data
Recharging Data
- At stores: Visit any provider store or retailer
- Online: Use provider app or website
- USSD codes: Dial codes to check balance and recharge
- Cost: Same as initial plans (30-50 soles)
- Validity: Plans expire after time period (7/15/30 days)
WhatsApp & Calls
- WhatsApp: Works with data, no extra cost
- Local calls: Included in tourist plans
- International calls: Expensive, use WhatsApp instead
- SMS: Usually included, but use WhatsApp
- Your number: Changes to Peruvian number
Which Provider Should You Choose?
Choose Claro if:
- Visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley
- Traveling to rural or remote areas
- Hiking Inca Trail or other treks
- Want best coverage everywhere
- Don't mind paying $2-3 more
Choose Movistar if:
- Staying mainly in Lima and major cities
- On a tight budget (cheapest option)
- Not visiting remote areas
- Want to save $5-10 on SIM card
Choose Entel if:
- Want mid-range option
- Claro and Movistar stores are crowded
- Staying in major tourist areas
💡 Our Recommendation
Claro is the best choice for most travelers. The extra $2-3 is worth it for reliable coverage everywhere in Peru, especially in tourist areas like Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. Buy at Lima Airport arrivals for maximum convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a SIM card in Peru?
Buy at airport (easiest), official stores, or authorized retailers. Bring passport. Choose Claro, Movistar, or Entel. Tourist plans cost 30-50 soles ($8-$13) for 7-15 days with 5-15GB data. Activation is immediate. No contract needed. SIM cards work in unlocked phones only.
How much does a SIM card cost in Peru?
SIM card costs 5-10 soles ($1.50-$3). Tourist data plans: 30-50 soles ($8-$13) for 7-15 days with 5-15GB. Monthly plans: 35-80 soles ($9-$21) with 10-50GB. Claro has best coverage. Movistar is cheapest. Entel is mid-range. Buy at airport or official stores.
Which is the best SIM card in Peru?
Claro has best coverage nationwide, especially in rural areas and mountains. Movistar is cheapest with good urban coverage. Entel is mid-range with decent coverage. For travelers visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu, and remote areas, choose Claro. For Lima and major cities only, Movistar works fine.
Can I buy a SIM card at Lima Airport?
Yes, Claro and Movistar have booths in Lima Airport arrivals hall. Open 24/7. Tourist plans available: 30-50 soles for 7-15 days. Bring passport. Staff speak English. Activation takes 5-10 minutes. Most convenient option for arriving travelers.
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Peru?
Yes, passport is required by law to register SIM cards in Peru. Bring original passport (not copy). Registration is mandatory for all SIM purchases. Process takes 5-10 minutes. Some small shops may not enforce this, but official stores always require passport.