Do you remember that feeling you get when packing everything before traveling to a new place, especially places like Peru? If you’re old enough, then you remember swapping SIM cards at the airport; it was a hassle. Thankfully, nowadays, the eSIMs make everything a lot simpler.
Long gone are the days when you needed to arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport to buy a SIM card just to let your family know you’re okay and that the flight was good. It wasn't that bad; many people still do that, but it’s pricier and bulkier than just getting an eSIM.
An eSIM is a digital version of the SIM card. You can easily activate it whenever you need it. This means you can keep your number and add a local data plan for Peru only.
How eSIMs work (and what to check)
Now, before picking a company, there are many things you need to know about the best eSIM for Peru. Make sure to do this BEFORE the actual trip, that way any possible issue can be solved easily.
The first thing you need to know is that your mobile phone must support eSIM. While most of the newer phones do support eSIM, it’s always best to double-check before traveling. Many providers share a compatibility list of all the models that work with eSIM.
The second most important thing you need to know is that you need to buy an eSIM specific to the country you’re visiting, not your home country, not an international one.
After payment, you will
• You will receive a QR code or installation link. The process is usually really straightforward and not complex at all.
• You activate it after arrival, and it gives you data (and sometimes calls/texts) on a local network.
• Make sure that your SIM is active, and use the eSIM for data.
On the other hand, when it comes to activation rules, the most relevant usually is “does it start on purchase or on first use?”
Depending on the eSIM provider's answer, you will need to pinpoint your activation day to avoid data loss.
Top eSIM for Peru
When it comes to choosing the best providers, all you need to do is compare packages. The right first step would be knowing how many days you will need it and how much data you need.
With those questions answered in mind, all you need to do is compare the top providers, and while their website can easily do this for you, it’s best to take a pen and do it manually.
Here are some of the solid providers to consider:
Airalo:
Airalo is the go-to for many travelers; it’s a well-reported provider. For example, for Peru, they offer data packs like 1 GB for around $8 for 7 days and 5 GB for $32.50, and 30 days.
It has good reviews on several different platforms.
eSIM Plus:
eSIM Plus is a budget approach for connectivity in Peru; it offers a plan that starts at around $1.65 per day (depending on data and duration).
Their list shows 5 GB for 30 days at about $1.09, and up to 100 GB for 30 days.
Local Carriers:
Another good shot is the local carriers, many of which offer eSIM in the country they operate in, with some plans covering several countries in South America.
A good example is Claro Peru, which offers an “OLO eSIM” for tourists with an unlimited internet connection for 7, 15, or 30 days.
Vodafone Travel eSIM:
Just like local carriers are offering eSIM for visitors, many other carriers that are considered ”global carriers” offer similar options too. Like Vodafone Travel eSIM, which for Peru offers 5 GB for $12.5 (10 days), or 10 GB for $19.5 (30 days).
So, you’ve got options: global eSIM marketplaces, local-carrier eSIMs, regional packages.
How to pick the best eSIM provider for Peru
After learning what it is, how it works, and which ones are the best providers for Peru, it’s time to learn how to choose the right one for you and your travel style.
Like I mentioned before, start by asking those questions to yourself:
• How many days am I staying in Peru?
• How much time will I be using my phone?
• Will I be using it for anything other than texts?
While there’s no perfect answer to “which package suits me better?”, by answering those questions, you’re already one step ahead.
For example, if you’re in Peru for a short trip (e.g., 5-10 days) and you know that you will probably mostly use WiFi in hotels/cafés, you’ll be fine with a small data plan (1–3 GB) valid for 7 days.
On the other hand, if you’re doing a full Peru trip (say 2–4 weeks), and you will be visiting Lima, the Andes, and maybe even the rainforest, you’ll want something like 5–10 GB for 30 days.
Now, before deciding, you need to consider stuff like:
• Undocking from WiFi a lot
• Sharing data with friends
• Uploading lots of high-resolution images/videos
• Doing video calls
If you do most of that stuff, then you need to go for 20 GB or something like that.
eSIM is the best option to stay connected while traveling to other countries, as it is not only easy to install but also lets you maintain your main number at all times. So, if you’re planning to visit Peru, an eSIM is the best move you can make. Whether you’re in Lima, Cusco, or the beach, you sure will have a decent connection.
Just pick a plan that matches how long you’re staying and how much data you’ll use, install and activate it smartly, and you’ll be good to go.