Where to Buy a SIM Card in Lima for Your Trip

Staying connected while traveling is essential, and Lima, Peru, offers several options for purchasing a local SIM card. This guide provides information on Where to buy SIM cards in Lima, the types available, prices, and essential tips for a smooth experience.

1. Where to buy sim card in Lima

- Lima Airport (Jorge Chávez International Airport): Buying a lima airport sim card is convenient upon arrival.

- Claro Store: Located in the arrivals area between baggage belts 1 and 2.

- Peru Sim Store: Situated in the arrival hall.

- Mobile Service Stores: Major carriers like Movistar and Claro have kiosks outside the arrivals or baggage claim area.

- Convenience Stores: Some convenience stores or travel shops may stock SIM cards.

- Note: SIM cards at the airport can be overpriced.

- Official Phone Stores in Lima Center:

- Movistar: Located in Larcomar, Miraflores.

- Claro: At the Jockey Plaza, Santiago de Surco.

- Entel: In Real Plaza, Civic Center.

- Official stores of Movistar, Claro, and Entel are in shopping malls and tourist areas.

- Tourist Information Centers:

- Parque Kennedy (Miraflores): Av. Diagonal 494.

- Av. Larco (Miraflores): Av. José Larco 799.

- Online:

- Amazon: Offers international SIM cards.

- Operator Websites: Movistar, Claro, and Entel allow online purchases.

- eSIM Providers: Airalo, GigSky, and Holafly offer eSIMs for Peru.

- Other Authorized Stores:

- Grocery stores and supermarkets in Lima offer prepaid SIM cards.

>> Where to Buy a SIM Card in Peru for Tourists and price

2. Types of SIM Cards Available in Lima

- Physical SIM Cards:

- Claro: Known for extensive coverage and various prepaid plans.

- Movistar: A top choice with excellent coverage and reliable high-speed internet.

- Entel: Offers competitive plans with unlimited social media access.

- Bitel: Has the smallest/weakest network coverage in Peru.

- PeruSIM: A specialized brand using Claro's network, tailored for tourists.

- eSIMs (Embedded SIMs):

- GigSky: Offers convenient eSIM plans with unlimited data.

- Airalo: Provides eSIMs with options for calls and texts.

3. SIM Card Plans and Prices (Approximate)

- Claro:

- SIM card: S/5 (approx. $1.3 USD).

- 4 GB data + 500 minutes + unlimited SMS + WhatsApp: S/20 (approx. $5.3 USD).

- 10.5 GB data + unlimited minutes/SMS/WhatsApp: S/30 (approx. $8 USD).

- 13.5 GB data + unlimited minutes/SMS/WhatsApp: S/40 (approx. $10.7 USD).

- Entel:

- SIM card registration: S/5.

- 7 GB data + unlimited minutes + unlimited Facebook/Instagram: S/20 (approx. $5.3 USD).

- 12 GB data + unlimited minutes + unlimited Facebook/Instagram: S/29 (approx. $7.7 USD).

- 20 GB data + unlimited minutes + unlimited Facebook/Instagram: S/39 (approx. $10.4 USD).

- Movistar:

- Various plans with unlimited calls/SMS and social media.

- 2.5 GB data for 15 days: S/15 (approx. $4 USD).

- 4 GB data for 20 days: S/20 (approx. $5 USD).

- 4.5 GB data for 25 days: S/25 (approx. $6 USD).

- 7 GB data for 30 days: S/30 (approx. $7.5 USD).

- PeruSIM (Tourist SIM):

- 5GB, 15GB, or 30GB data plans available.

- Includes unlimited local calls and SMS, Facebook and WhatsApp for 30 days.

- eSIMs (Airalo):

- 1 GB data + 10 minutes + 10 SMS (7 days): $6 USD.

- 2 GB data + 20 minutes + 20 SMS (15 days): $10.5 USD.

- 3 GB data + 30 minutes + 30 SMS (30 days): $14 USD.

- 5 GB data + 50 minutes + 50 SMS (30 days): $20 USD.

- 10 GB data + 100 minutes + 100 SMS (30 days): $34 USD.

- 20 GB data + 200 minutes + 200 SMS (30 days): $49 USD.

4. Important Tips When Buying a SIM Card

- Passport: Bring your passport for registration.

- Unlocked Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked for international use.

- Cash: Have cash (Soles) as some stores may not accept credit cards.

- Coverage: Check the coverage map of the provider, especially if traveling to remote areas. Claro and Movistar have the best coverage.

- Registration: Ensure the SIM card is registered in your name.

- Receipt: Always ask for a receipt to avoid potential overcharging.

- Check Compatibility: Ensure your phone is compatible with the local GSM network.

- Tourist SIM: Consider tourist-specific SIM cards for tailored benefits.

- eSIM Compatibility: Verify your phone supports eSIM if opting for an eSIM.

- Top-Up: Inquire about how to top up your SIM card.

- WhatsApp: Confirm if the plan includes unlimited WhatsApp.

- APN Settings: Ensure the sales consultant configures the APN settings.

Additional Tips

- Avoid Lima Airport for SIM Purchase: SIM cards can be overpriced at the airport.

- Check Customer Reviews: Refer to customer reviews before choosing a provider.

- eSIM Convenience: eSIMs offer immediate connectivity upon arrival.

- PeruSIM App: Download the "MiCuy" app to manage your PeruSIM account.

By following these tips, you can easily find where to buy sim card in Lima and stay connected throughout your trip.