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Best eSIM for Peru (2024)


If you're planning a trip to Peru, an eSIM is a must. It will save you from the hassle of getting a local SIM card or paying expensive roaming charges. eSIMs are virtual SIM cards that work like regular SIM cards, allowing you to make calls, send text messages, and access the internet.

eSIMs offer unparalleled flexibility. You can easily switch between networks if you’re in a remote part of Peru where the network signal is weak. Many eSIM providers offer regional and global plans, too, so you can use the same eSIM across South America or any part of the world.

While eSIMs are widely available online, finding the best one for Peru can be challenging. But don't worry — we’ve tested several highly rated eSIMs and will tell you about the best eSIMs for Peru.

Top 5 eSIM providers for Peru - our shortlist

What to consider when choosing eSIM

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an eSIM for Peru:

  • Coverage: It’s essential to confirm the availability of your preferred eSIM in Peru, particularly if you’re visiting less popular regions. You can check a coverage map to see what parts of the country each network provider covers.
  • Data plans: eSIM providers offer different types of data plans. We recommend estimating how much data you'll use daily in Peru and choosing a plan that will suffice for the duration of your trip. It’s essential to opt for an eSIM that allows you to top up easily. This is especially important if you’re not getting a pay-as-you-go plan.
  • Cost: Compare prices from different eSIM providers before choosing a plan. The cheapest data plan isn’t necessarily the best option, and neither is the most expensive one. It’s best to opt for an eSIM that has all the features you need and offers the best price.
  • Compatibility: Before purchasing an eSIM data plan, ensure your phone is eSIM-compatible. Although most new smartphones work with eSIMs, some may not.
  • Activation process: Activating an eSIM is usually straightforward. Pick a provider that has clear steps guiding you through the process. Also, ensure the eSIM provider has a responsive customer service team so you can get assistance if you run into any issues while activating or using your eSIM.
  • Validity period: The validity of eSIM plans varies depending on the plan and provider you choose. eSIM plans may be valid for a day, a month, a few months, or a year. There are also pay-as-you-go eSIM plans that don’t expire. Choose an eSIM plan that will be valid throughout your trip.

The best eSIMs for Peru travel - our detailed list

We tested several eSIMs to come up with a list of the best eSIMs for Peru. During our tests, we assessed the coverage of each eSIM in Peru and the data plans they offer. We also looked at their prices, ease of activation, and customer service channels.

Here are our top 5 eSIMs for Peru:

1. Saily - overall best eSIM for Peru in 2024

Saily esim banner
Coverage:150+ countries
Plans in Peru:4
Supports 5G:Yes
Regional plans:Yes

Saily is one of the best eSIMs available today, and it’s an excellent option for travelers visiting Peru. This eSIM service offers both local and regional plans, providing flexibility for various travel needs. It also has a sleek, user-friendly app and is easy to activate.

Coverage: Saily is available in over 150 countries, including Peru and other popular travel destinations in South America. While it supports 5G, 4G, and 3G, Saily doesn’t say which local network carriers it works with. Saily is a data-only eSIM; it doesn’t support calling or texting.

Peru data plans: Saily has four data plans for Peru, offering 1 GB to 10 GB of data and valid for 7 to 30 days.

Activation process: To activate Saily eSIM, you need to download the app, click “Activate eSIM,” and follow the on-screen prompts. You can reach Saily’s customer service team via 24/7 live chat and email if you encounter any issues. You don’t have to verify your identity to use this eSIM.

Price: Saily’s eSIM plans for Peru start at $6.99 for a 1 GB, 7-day plan.

For an in-depth analysis of the features and performance of this eSIM service, read our Saily review.

2. Airalo - top-rated Peru eSIM with wide global coverage

Airalo banner
Coverage:200+ countries
Plans in Peru:4
Supports 5G:Yes
Regional plans:Yes

Airalo is one of the best travel eSIMs with a wide global coverage. Besides local plans for Peru, it has regional plans covering 19 South American countries.

Coverage: Airalo has eSIM plans for over 200 countries. In Peru, it works with Movistar to provide internet connectivity. Airalo doesn’t support calling or texting with its Peru eSIM. For those services, you must opt for its Discover+ global plan, which covers 124 countries.

Peru data plans: Airalo has 4 different data plans for Peru, offering 1 GB to 5 GB of data and valid for 7 to 30 days.

Activation process: You can activate an Airalo eSIM via the app, by scanning a QR code, or manually. While Airalo performs KYC verification for some locations, it doesn’t do so for Peru. Airalo has multiple customer support channels, including 24/7 live chat and email.

Price: Airalo’s plans for Peru start at $8 for a 1 GB, 7-day plan.

3. Nomad - best Peru eSIM with flexible data plans

Nomad banner
Coverage:170+ countries
Plans in Peru:4
Supports 5G:Yes
Regional plans:Yes

Nomad is a trusted eSIM service that offers flexible data plans for over 170 countries across the world.

Coverage: Like Airalo, Nomad works with Movistar to provide 4G internet connectivity in Peru. While it doesn’t have regional plans for South America, its global plan covers Peru and other South American countries.

Peru data plans: Nomad has 4 data plans for Peru, offering 1 GB to 10 GB of data and valid for 7 to 30 days.

Activation process: Activating Nomad eSIM involves scanning a QR code and changing your device’s settings. You don’t have to verify your identity to use this eSIM. Nomad doesn’t have a live chat; the only way to reach its customer support team is by sending a ticket via its website.

Price: Nomad’s eSIM plans for Peru start at $8 for a 1 GB, 7-day plan.

4. Jetpac - affordable eSIM for Peru

JetPac banner
Coverage:170+ countries
Plans in Peru:8
Supports 5G:Yes
Regional plans:Yes

Jetpac is one of the most affordable eSIMs, and it has multiple data plans for Peru.

Coverage: Jetpac is available in over 170 countries. It doesn’t have a local data plan for Peru, but its Latin America plan covers 16+ countries, including Peru. It works with Claro Peru to provide internet access in the country.

Peru data plans: Jetpac’s South America data plans (which cover Peru) offer 1 GB to 40 GB of data and are valid for 4 to 30 days.

Activation process: You need to scan a QR code to activate your Jetpac eSIM. If you run into any issues, there are multiple customer support channels to get assistance, including live chat and email. Jetpac doesn’t perform KYC verification.

Price: Jetpac’s South America regional plans (which cover Peru) start at $1 for a 1 GB, 4-day plan.

5. aloSIM - best Peru eSIM for calling and texting

aloSIM banner
Coverage:170+ countries
Plans in Peru:5
Supports 5G:Yes
Regional plans:Yes

aloSIM offers flexible local and regional plans covering Peru. What sets this eSIM apart is that it comes with a phone number and supports calling and texting — but you need to download a separate app to access those features.

Coverage: aloSIM is available in over 170 countries, including Peru. It works with Claro Peru and supports LTE connectivity in the country.

Peru data plans: There are 5 different aloSIM local data plans for Peru to choose from, offering 1 GB to 10 GB of data and valid for 7 to 30 days.

Activation process: You can activate your aloSIM eSIM via the app, by scanning a QR code, or manually. The process is generally straightforward; the company provides detailed instructions to guide you. aloSIM doesn’t perform KYC checks.

Price: aloSIM’s local data plans for Peru start at $8 for a 1 GB, 7-day plan.

Comparison of the best eSIM providers for Peru

Here’s a comparison of our top 5 eSIM providers for Peru at a glance:

BrandPlan durationData sharingUnlimited dataAppGB per planSupportPriceTrustpilotScore
Saily7 and 30 daysYesNoYes1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GBIn English, via live chat and email$2.99 to $69.993.34.9
Airalo7, 15, 30, 60, 180, 365 daysYesYesYes1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, 50 GB, and 100 GBIn English, via live chat$4.50 to $1852.44.7
Nomad1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 30, 45, and 60 daysYesNoYes1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, and 30 GBIn English, via email support$2.5 to $1254.44.6
Jetpac4, 7, and 30 daysYesNoYes1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 15 GB, 20 GB, 25 GB, 30 GB, and 40 GBIn English, via live chat, email, and WhatsApp$1 to $804.44.5
aloSIM7, 15, 30, 90, and 180 daysYesNoYes1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 50 GB, and 100 GBIn English, via live chat and email$4.5 to $1854.04.4

How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for Peru

In selecting the best eSIMs for Peru, we only picked providers that meet stringent requirements. Our criteria included the following:

  • Coverage in Peru: Peru is a popular travel destination, but not all eSIM providers are available in the country. We checked the availability of different eSIM services in the country and only selected those with wide coverage in Peru.
  • Data plans: When selecting the best eSIMs for Peru, we paid particular attention to the data plans providers offer. We chose eSIM providers that offer a variety of plans to suit both short-term and long-term travelers. We also included eSIM services that offer regional plans covering South America.
  • Network connection: For good connection speeds, we chose eSIMs that support 5G and 4G. We also assessed user reviews to see what customers have to say about the stability and network quality of different eSIM providers in Peru.
  • Compatibility: Most new smartphones are eSIM-compatible, but some eSIMs may not work with every phone. We picked eSIMs that work with a wide variety of phones.
  • Customer support: We created a shortlist of eSIM services with multiple customer service channels. We then tested each service's response time and settled on those that answered our queries quickly.
  • Price: We considered the prices of eSIM plans for Peru from different providers and selected those that offer the most affordable ones.

How to activate eSIM in Peru?

Activating an eSIM is generally easy, both on iPhones and Android smartphones. We’ll explain the different ways to activate your eSIM below:

  • Activating an eSIM via the app: This involves downloading the provider’s app and clicking a button to initiate the eSIM installation and activation. Depending on the eSIM, you may need to go into your device’s settings and make some changes to complete the activation.
  • Activating an eSIM via a QR code: This is another easy installation method. It involves scanning a QR code that’s usually sent to you via email. You may be directed to install the eSIM app and tweak your device’s settings to complete the process.
  • Activating an eSIM manually: This method is a bit more complicated. It involves entering the eSIM details (like the SM-DM+ address) manually into your device’s settings. Unless you’re a tech-savvy user, we don’t recommend activating your eSIM manually.

Troubleshooting tips for activating an eSIM

  1. You can’t use an eSIM on a carrier-locked device. If you try to do so, you’ll receive an error message that the eSIM can’t be added to your device.
  2. If you receive an error message saying the QR code is invalid when installing an eSIM, the chances are that the eSIM has already been added to your device. Check your device’s settings to see if the eSIM has been added. If it hasn’t, contact the eSIM provider for support.
  3. If you’re using an iPhone, you may see your eSIM status is stuck at activating. This is normal. You need to arrive at your destination for the installation process to be completed.

Benefits of using an eSIM in Peru

There are numerous benefits to using an eSIM on your trip to Peru. We’ll discuss some of the perks of using an eSIM below:

  • Cost-effective: Using an eSIM is generally cheaper than buying a local SIM card or paying international roaming rates.
  • Flexibility: eSIMs offer much flexibility compared to physical SIM cards. For example, you can switch between network carriers depending on your eSIM provider. You can also use the same eSIM in multiple countries.
  • Convenience: Using an eSIM on your trip to Peru is very convenient as it eliminates the need to visit a phone shop. You can easily sign up for an eSIM before your trip to Peru, so you'll be connected upon arrival and avoid the hassle of finding a phone vendor or changing SIM cards.
  • Security: eSIMs are more secure than physical SIM cards. You’re less likely to lose an eSIM, and they’re more difficult to hack. Plus, if you lose your phone during a trip, you can easily sign in to the provider’s website and disable your eSIM.
  • Local number: Getting an eSIM with a local number allows you to make calls and send text messages at local rates. You can also share the local number with acquaintances you meet in Peru for easy communication.
  • Environmentally friendly: eSIMs are generally more environmentally friendly than traditional SIM cards, which are made of plastic. Since eSIMs are digital, they do not come with packaging. In comparison, regular SIM cards generate a lot of waste and have a more significant carbon footprint. eSIMs are the way to go if you're passionate about protecting the environment.

How much travel data do I need in Peru?

The amount of data you'll need in Peru depends on your online activities. You'll need between 1-2 GB a week if you mainly check emails, use Google Maps, read the news, and browse social media. However, if you plan to make video calls, watch videos, and even stream, you'll need more than 2-3 GB daily. Here’s a table showing how much data different online platforms consume per hour.

PlatformData consumed per hour
Instagram200 MB to 600 MB
Facebook200 MB to 700 GB
Twitter300 MB to 750 MB
TikTok400 MB to 1 GB
Netflix400 MB to 7 GB
YouTube300 MB to 2 GB
Amazon Prime800 MB to 6 GB

Final thoughts on eSIMs for Peru

Using an eSIM on your Peru trip will save you a lot of money and headaches. For a stable connection, we recommend choosing an eSIM with extensive coverage in big cities and rural areas across the country. The eSIM providers we’ve highlighted above are excellent options for Peru, and they offer global eSIM plans, making them suitable for other destinations.

Wondering which of our top 5 eSIMs to pick? Saily is our top choice. It offers an array of eSIM plans for short-term and long-term travelers. Its Peru eSIM plans are also affordable. Unfortunately, Saily doesn’t support calling and texting, but you can use VoIP apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime to stay in touch with family and friends.

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