Peru eSIM: Stay Connected from Lima to Machu Picchu
Skip roaming fees and SIM-card queues. A Peru eSIM gets you online the moment you land, with fast 4G/5G across Lima, Cusco and beyond.
Touching down in Lima with a dead phone and no Wi-Fi is no way to start an adventure. A Peru eSIM gets you online before you even leave the airport, so you can book a taxi, message home and pull up your Machu Picchu tickets in seconds.
Why use an eSIM in Peru
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install by scanning a QR code. No plastic, no shop visits, no surprise roaming bills.
Peru has strong mobile coverage from Claro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel. A HelloSIM eSIM connects to the best available partner network automatically.
Lima: dependable 4G and growing 5G across the city
Cusco: solid 4G coverage, your base for the Sacred Valley
Arequipa: reliable 4G in the White City
Expect fast data in cities and towns. Coverage thins on remote Andean treks and deep jungle, so download maps before you go.
How to get connected
1. Buy your Peru eSIM from HelloSIM and check your email
2. Scan the QR code to install the eSIM profile
3. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line and you are online
How much data do you need
Light (maps, chat, email): 1-3 GB
Standard (social, photos, browsing): 5-10 GB
Heavy (streaming, hotspot, video calls): 15 GB or more
For a one to two week trip, most travelers are comfortable with 5-10 GB.
Good to know
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Capital: Lima
Language: Spanish (Quechua and Aymara also official)
Time zone: PET (UTC-5)
Must-see: Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley near Cusco, and the Nazca Lines
Will my phone work with an eSIM?
Most phones from the last few years support eSIM, including recent iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel models. Check your settings for an Add eSIM option.
When should I install it?
Install at home over Wi-Fi before you travel. The data plan only starts when you connect in Peru, so you arrive ready to go.
Can I keep WhatsApp and my number?
Yes. Your number stays on your physical SIM, so WhatsApp, calls and texts keep working while the eSIM handles your data.
Frequently asked questions
Does an eSIM work in Peru?
Yes. Peru has good mobile coverage in cities and most tourist regions, and a HelloSIM eSIM connects to local partner networks so you have data the moment you arrive, with no physical SIM to buy.
Is my phone compatible with a HelloSIM eSIM for Peru?
Most recent phones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy S, Note and Z models. The phone must also be carrier-unlocked.
How do I check if my device supports eSIM?
On iPhone open Settings, Mobile Data and look for Add eSIM; on Android open Settings, Network and internet, SIMs and look for Add eSIM. Dialing *#06# and seeing an EID also confirms eSIM support.
Which local networks does HelloSIM use in Peru?
HelloSIM roams on major Peruvian operators such as Claro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel, which between them cover Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and most travel routes across the country.
How do I buy a HelloSIM eSIM for Peru?
Pick a Peru data plan on the HelloSIM website or app, pay online, and you'll receive the eSIM instantly by email as a QR code with manual setup details, usually within a couple of minutes.
How do I install and activate my Peru eSIM?
Open your confirmation email, go to your phone's eSIM settings, choose Add eSIM and scan the QR code. Install it on Wi-Fi before your trip, then activate the line and roaming once you're in Peru.
How do I install the eSIM on an iPhone for Peru?
Go to Settings, Mobile Data, Add eSIM, Use QR Code, and scan the HelloSIM code. Label it Peru and set it as your data line while keeping your home SIM for calls and texts.
How do I install the eSIM on Android for Peru?
Open Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, tap Add eSIM, and scan the HelloSIM QR code. The exact menu names vary a little on Samsung, Pixel and Xiaomi devices.
Do I need to scan a QR code to set up my Peru eSIM?
Yes, scanning the QR code installs the profile. On most HelloSIM plans your data validity begins when the eSIM first connects to a Peruvian network, not simply when you install it.
Should I activate my Peru eSIM before departure or after landing?
Install it before you fly so it's ready, but switch the line on and enable data roaming after you land in Peru. That keeps the validity period aligned with your actual trip dates.
Is 5G available in Peru?
5G is live in parts of Lima and some other cities and is gradually expanding through local operators. In most places you'll connect on solid 4G LTE, which handles maps, streaming and video calls well.
Is 4G coverage good in Peru?
Yes. 4G LTE is standard across Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Trujillo and the main highways. Coverage thins out in the high Andes and remote Amazon regions.
What data plans are available for Peru?
HelloSIM offers a range of data-only Peru plans, from a few gigabytes for a short trip to larger bundles for longer stays, each with its own validity. Check the store for the current lineup.
How much data do I need for a week in Peru?
For a week of navigation, messaging, social media and light streaming, most travelers are comfortable with around 3 to 5 GB. Heavy streaming or hotspot use may need 10 GB or more.
How much does a Peru eSIM cost?
Prices depend on the data amount and validity, generally ranging from a few dollars for small bundles to more for larger, longer plans. See HelloSIM for exact current pricing.
How long is my Peru eSIM valid?
Validity varies by plan, commonly from about 7 days up to 30 days after activation. The window is shown clearly on each plan before purchase.
Can I use my HelloSIM eSIM as a hotspot in Peru?
Yes, Peru data plans support tethering, so you can share your connection with a laptop, tablet or a travel partner. Keep in mind hotspot use burns through data faster.
Can I keep my home number while using the eSIM in Peru?
Yes. On a dual-SIM phone your home SIM stays active for calls and texts while the HelloSIM eSIM handles data. Turn off your home line's data roaming to avoid extra charges.
Does the eSIM replace my regular SIM?
No. The eSIM installs alongside your existing SIM, so both can run at once. You just select the HelloSIM eSIM as your data line during the trip.
What APN settings do I need in Peru?
Usually none, as the eSIM configures itself automatically. If data doesn't connect, HelloSIM provides the correct APN in your setup email to enter manually under mobile network settings.
Do I need to turn on data roaming for the eSIM in Peru?
Yes. The eSIM connects through a local partner network, so data roaming must be enabled on the HelloSIM line. It does not cause any extra fee on the HelloSIM plan itself.
What do I do when I run out of data in Peru?
Buy a top-up or a new HelloSIM plan from your account and it applies to the same eSIM, so there's no need to reinstall a profile or swap anything.
Can I top up my Peru eSIM?
Yes, if your plan supports top-ups you can add more data through your HelloSIM account, keeping the same eSIM profile active on your phone.
Can I use my Peru eSIM in nearby countries like Bolivia, Chile or Ecuador?
A single-country Peru plan works only in Peru. For a multi-country South America trip, choose a HelloSIM regional plan that covers the countries on your itinerary.
Is there a regional plan covering Peru and its neighbors?
Yes. HelloSIM offers regional South America and global plans spanning several countries. If you're crossing borders, a regional plan is usually simpler than buying separate eSIMs.
Will my eSIM work at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
Yes. Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) has strong network coverage, so your HelloSIM eSIM should connect within a few minutes of landing once you switch off airplane mode.
Can I get connected as soon as I land in Peru?
Yes. If the eSIM is installed before you fly, just turn off airplane mode, choose the HelloSIM line for data and enable roaming, and you should be online quickly at the airport.
Does the eSIM include calls and SMS in Peru?
HelloSIM Peru plans are data-only, so they don't come with a local number for standard calls or texts. You use data apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or Messenger to call and message.
How do I make calls in Peru with a data-only eSIM?
Use internet-based calling over your data, such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger or Google Meet. These work well on the eSIM and are how most travelers stay in touch in Peru.
What is the emergency number in Peru?
In Peru dial 105 to reach the National Police, 116 for firefighters, and 106 for medical emergencies (SAMU). Emergency calls generally connect even without a local calling plan.
What is coverage like in Cusco and around Machu Picchu?
Cusco city and the town of Aguas Calientes have reliable 4G coverage. On the mountain trails and inside the Machu Picchu ruins signal is spotty, so download offline maps and tickets in advance.
Will the eSIM work on the Inca Trail or in the Sacred Valley?
Sacred Valley towns like Ollantaytambo and Urubamba generally have coverage, but the Inca Trail and remote mountain passes often have little or no signal. Plan for offline stretches while hiking.
Does the eSIM work in the Amazon, like Iquitos or the jungle lodges?
Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado have city coverage, but deep in the rainforest and at remote lodges signal is usually weak or nonexistent. Treat jungle excursions as offline.
Does high altitude in Peru affect the eSIM?
No, altitude itself doesn't affect the eSIM. What matters is network coverage, which is strong in towns and thinner on remote high mountain trails, regardless of elevation.
My eSIM shows no service in Peru, what should I do?
Confirm the HelloSIM line is on, data roaming is enabled and the eSIM is set for data. Toggling airplane mode or restarting the phone usually forces it to re-register on a local network.
My eSIM isn't registering on a network in Peru, how do I fix it?
Manually select a network under Settings, Mobile Network, Network Operators, choosing a partner such as Claro, Movistar or Entel. Restarting and re-enabling roaming clears most connection issues.
What internet speeds can I expect in Peru?
On 4G LTE in Lima and other cities you can generally expect speeds fine for HD streaming, video calls and navigation. Speeds fall in remote Andean and Amazon areas.
Do I need to register the SIM or show my passport in Peru?
No. You connect as a visitor on a partner network, so there's no local SIM registration or paperwork. You just install the eSIM and start using data.
Can I get a refund if the eSIM doesn't work in Peru?
HelloSIM support can help troubleshoot first, and a genuinely faulty, unused eSIM may qualify for a refund under the store's policy. Reach out to support before activating for the best result.
Should I set up my eSIM before flying to Peru?
Yes. Buy and install it on home Wi-Fi so the profile is ready, then just activate the line and turn on roaming after you land. It avoids scrambling for connectivity on arrival.
Any tips for staying connected in Peru?
Download offline Google Maps of Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, save your Machu Picchu tickets and train details offline, and keep your home SIM's roaming off so only the HelloSIM data line is used.
Does WhatsApp work on the eSIM in Peru?
Yes. WhatsApp and other messaging and calling apps run over the eSIM's data connection, which is how most travelers communicate in Peru since the plans are data-only.
