Is it worth getting an eSIM for Peru?
Yes, for most travelers an eSIM is the easiest and most affordable way to stay connected in Peru. It saves you from expensive roaming fees, lets you skip airport SIM kiosks at Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, and avoids the passport registration that comes with buying a local Peruvian SIM card.
The cost difference is the biggest factor. UK travelers using their normal mobile plan in Peru often face daily roaming charges. As a rough guide based on standard pay-as-you-go rates from major UK networks:
- EE: around £6 per day for roaming in Peru
- Vodafone UK: around £6 per day under their Global Roaming Plus add-on
- O2: around £6 per day on their Travel Bolt-On
That works out to roughly £42 for a one-week trip and £84 for a two-week trip, just for staying connected. By comparison, an eSIM plan from Ubigi or Nomad starts at $4.50 for 1GB and runs up to $79 for unlimited data over a month, depending on how much you need. Even the largest data plans usually come in well below what you'd pay in roaming charges.
Beyond the savings, eSIMs are simply more convenient. You can install your plan before you fly, activate it the moment you land, and manage everything from your phone without visiting a store or speaking Spanish at a counter. For short trips, multi-week itineraries through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, or longer digital nomad stays in Lima or Cusco, an eSIM is the smarter choice for almost every traveler heading to Peru.
What is an eSIM, and Why Should You Use One in Peru?
An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you download an eSIM profile from a provider, which gives you access to a mobile network in Peru without ever visiting a store. Setup happens through a QR code or app, usually in under five minutes.
Why Use an eSIM in Peru?
- Convenience: No need to find a Claro or Movistar store, queue at the airport, or hand over your passport for registration.
- Cost-effective: Skip expensive international roaming fees from your home carrier.
- Flexibility: Switch between providers or top up your plan directly from your phone.
- Reliability: Strong 4G coverage across Peru's main cities, tourist areas, and travel routes.
Does Peru support eSIM?
Yes, Peru fully supports eSIM technology for travelers. You can use an eSIM from international providers like Ubigi and Nomad as soon as you land, and your phone will connect automatically to a partner network. All four major Peruvian carriers (Claro, Movistar, Entel, and Bitel) support eSIM technology, with international roaming agreements that let travel eSIMs connect seamlessly.
There's no need to register your eSIM with Peruvian authorities or visit a local store. As long as your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible (most iPhones from XR and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models support eSIMs), you can install your plan before you fly and activate it the moment you arrive at Lima or any other Peruvian airport.
Local Peruvian carriers also offer eSIM plans for residents, but these usually require visiting a store with your passport, so they're less convenient than international travel eSIMs for short or medium-length trips.
Mobile networks in Peru: which one matters for your trip?
Peru has four main mobile networks, and the one your eSIM connects to has a real impact on the kind of coverage you'll get. Before picking a provider, it helps to understand the differences.
Claro is widely regarded as the best all-round network in Peru. It offers excellent 4G and 5G speeds in cities like Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and the Sacred Valley, and is generally considered the strongest performer for tourists.
Movistar (operated by Telefónica) is the second major network and is known for having the widest rural footprint of any Peruvian carrier. It performs well in major cities and is often the most reliable option in remote areas, including parts of the Andes, the Sacred Valley, and the route to Machu Picchu. Movistar also has solid 4G and emerging 5G coverage in urban centers.
Entel is fast and reliable in Lima and along the coast but can be inconsistent in the high Andes and remote regions.
Bitel is the smallest of the four major networks and is rarely used by international eSIM providers, so you're unlikely to encounter it when comparing travel eSIMs.
Which network matters for your eSIM choice
When you're comparing eSIM options for Peru, it's worth checking which network each provider partners with:
- If your trip focuses on cities and tourist areas, both Claro and Movistar will deliver strong, reliable connectivity.
- If your itinerary includes rural regions, the high Andes, or smaller villages, Movistar's wider rural footprint makes it the safer choice.
- If you're heading to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley, both Claro and Movistar perform well in Aguas Calientes and the surrounding area, though signal can be intermittent at the citadel itself due to altitude and remote terrain.
Here's how our two recommended providers stack up: both Ubigi and Nomad connect to Movistar in Peru, which gives them strong city coverage plus the widest rural reach of any major Peruvian network. Because both ride the same network, your choice here comes down to price and plan structure rather than coverage.
Recommended eSIM Providers for Peru
1. Ubigi: Reliable speeds and easy setup
Ubigi is one of the most well-known eSIM providers for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers. It offers reliable data plans for Peru with strong coverage on the Movistar network, making it a solid choice for trips that mix city stays with travel through the Sacred Valley, Cusco, or the Andes.
Why choose Ubigi for Peru:
- App-based setup or QR code installation in under five minutes
- Plans only start counting down once you connect to a Peruvian network, so you can install in advance without losing validity
- Real-time data tracking and easy top-ups in the Ubigi app
- A 30-day unlimited plan, which Nomad does not offer for Peru
- Supports tethering for laptops and tablets
- Reusable in 200+ destinations worldwide, ideal for digital nomads who travel frequently
- 10% off your first purchase with code NOMADWISE
Ubigi pricing for Peru
Ubigi offers a range of data plans for Peru that scale with how much data you need and how long you'll be in the country. Plans only start counting down once you arrive and connect to a local network, so you can install your eSIM well in advance without losing any of your validity.
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $6 |
| 3 GB | 15 days | $12 |
| 10 GB | 7 days | $22 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $24 (bestseller) |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $35 |
| 25 GB | 30 days | $42 |
| Unlimited | 30 days | $79 |
Peru Ubigi prices as of July 2026. Prices vary by country, so always check the current rates for your destination in the Ubigi app before purchasing.
The 10GB / 30 days plan is Ubigi's bestseller for Peru, offering the best balance of data and value for typical 2-3 week trips. Top-ups and plan changes can be managed directly in the Ubigi app, and the NOMADWISE discount code gives you 10% off your first purchase.
2. Nomad: Better value on small plans and unlimited day passes
Nomad is a trusted eSIM provider with a clean app experience and a wide range of data plans for Peru. Like Ubigi, it connects to the Movistar network, so coverage is identical. Where Nomad stands out is price: it undercuts Ubigi on the small plans and, more significantly, on unlimited data, where it also offers short 3 and 10 day passes that Ubigi does not sell.
Why choose Nomad for Peru:
- Cheaper 1GB and 3GB plans, at $4.50 and $11.50 against Ubigi's $6 and $12
- Unlimited day passes from 3 days, at $11, $18, $25 and $33
- A 7-day unlimited pass at $25, against Ubigi's $35 for the same thing
- Reliable 4G coverage on Peru's Movistar network, the same as Ubigi
- Earn Nomad credits on every purchase for use on future trips
- Free 1GB trial eSIM for new users
- Coverage in 170+ countries worldwide for travelers heading beyond Peru
Nomad pricing for Peru
Nomad keeps its plan structure simple with clearly defined data buckets across short trips and longer stays, plus a full range of unlimited day passes. Plans activate when you connect to a Peruvian network, so installation can happen any time before your trip.
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $11.50 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $17 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $25 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $35 |
| Unlimited | 3 days | $11 |
| Unlimited | 5 days | $18 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $25 |
| Unlimited | 10 days | $33 |
Peru Nomad prices as of July 2026. Prices vary by country, so always check the current rates for your destination in the Nomad app before purchasing.
Worth being clear about how the two compare. Nomad is cheaper on the small fixed-data plans and substantially cheaper on unlimited, at $25 against $35 for a week. Ubigi edges it at 10GB over 30 days, $24 against $25, and is the only one of the two offering a 30-day unlimited plan, at $79. Since both run on Movistar, there is no coverage difference to weigh against price.
Both providers are safe, traveler-friendly, and easy to use, and both ride the same Movistar network. Ubigi is the better choice if you want a polished app experience, an eSIM you can reuse across 200+ destinations, or a full month of unlimited data. Nomad is the better value on small plans and on unlimited passes of ten days or less. For more options, see our Peru eSIM directory to compare additional providers.
eSIM coverage across Peru's main destinations
Peru's geography spans coast, mountains, and jungle, which means coverage varies significantly depending on where your trip takes you. Both Ubigi and Nomad connect to Movistar, which gives them solid 4G coverage across cities and most tourist routes, plus the widest rural footprint of any major Peruvian network.
Lima
As Peru's capital and main international gateway, Lima has excellent network coverage across all major providers. Both Ubigi and Nomad will deliver fast, reliable speeds for navigation, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Beat, calls over WhatsApp, and remote work from cafés or coworking spaces in Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro. You can install your eSIM before your flight and activate it the moment you land at Jorge Chávez International Airport.
Cusco
Cusco has strong 4G coverage on Movistar, making it one of the easier high-altitude destinations to stay connected in Peru. Both providers work well here, and the city's coworking spaces and digital nomad cafés are well served by Movistar's network. Setup takes around five minutes via QR code on iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel devices.
Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley, including towns like Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, and Pisac, has decent Movistar coverage along the main travel routes. Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) at the base of the citadel also has signal on Movistar, so you'll be able to check tickets, contact your tour guide, and use translation apps. At Machu Picchu itself, signal can become intermittent due to the altitude and remote terrain, this is true across all networks, not just Movistar. We'd suggest downloading offline maps and any essential information before heading up to the citadel.
Arequipa
Peru's second city, Arequipa, has strong network coverage on Movistar across the historic center, the white-washed colonial neighborhoods, and the main viewpoints. Both Ubigi and Nomad work reliably here.
Lake Titicaca and Puno
Puno and the Lake Titicaca area have generally good Movistar coverage in the town and around the main port, though signal can become patchy on the floating Uros islands and Taquile. For boat tours, expect intermittent connectivity once you're out on the lake.
The Amazon and Iquitos
Iquitos itself has decent Movistar coverage as Peru's largest jungle city, but signal drops sharply once you head into the Amazon rainforest on lodge trips or river cruises. This is a Peru-wide reality across all networks, and you should plan to be largely offline for any deep jungle excursions. Download maps, translations, and any reservation details to your phone before you go.
Mancora and the north coast
Mancora, Punta Sal, and the northern beach destinations have solid Movistar coverage in the towns themselves and along the Pan-American Highway. Both providers work well here for surfing trips, beach stays, and remote work from coastal cafés.
How to Choose the Right eSIM for Peru
Picking the right eSIM for Peru comes down to a few key factors:
Data usage: Light users who mainly need maps, messaging, and basic browsing can get by with 1-3GB. Heavy users who stream, video call, or work remotely should look at 10GB or more. If you're a digital nomad working from cafés in Cusco or Lima for several weeks, the 10GB or 20GB plans offer the best value per gigabyte.
Trip length: Short trips of a week or less work well with 7-day plans, and Nomad's unlimited day passes are worth a look here. Longer Peru itineraries that combine Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Arequipa benefit from 30-day plans with larger data allowances.
Budget: Nomad is cheaper on the small plans and on unlimited passes up to ten days. Ubigi is marginally cheaper at 10GB over 30 days and is the only option for a full month of unlimited data. Since both run on Movistar, price is the main lever.
Device compatibility: Most modern smartphones support eSIMs, including iPhone XR and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy models, and Google Pixel 4 and above. Check your settings under "Mobile Network" or "SIM Management" to confirm your device is compatible and unlocked.
Tethering needs: If you plan to share your connection with a laptop or tablet (useful for digital nomads working from cafés or co-living spaces), both Ubigi and Nomad support tethering.
How to Set Up Your eSIM in Peru
Setting up an eSIM for Peru is quick and can be done before your flight. Once installed, your phone will connect automatically when you land.
- Confirm your device supports eSIMs: Check your phone settings under "Mobile Network" or "SIM Management" to make sure your device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
- Purchase your eSIM: Buy your plan from Ubigi or Nomad before your trip.
- Install the eSIM: You'll receive a QR code by email or you can install directly through the provider's app. Scan the code or follow the in-app instructions to add the eSIM profile to your phone.
- Activate data roaming: Once installed, enable data roaming in your phone settings and select your eSIM as the primary mobile data line.
- Test your connection: When you land in Peru, open a browser or maps app to confirm you're online before leaving the airport Wi-Fi.
💡 Tip: Before installing a new eSIM, delete any expired profiles from your device and rename the new one (e.g. "Peru Trip 2026") to keep things organised.
Final thoughts and recommendations
Whether you're exploring Lima's coastal neighborhoods, hiking to Machu Picchu, surfing in Mancora, or working remotely from a café in Cusco, a reliable eSIM makes Peru travel smoother and safer. Both of our recommended providers connect to Movistar, which gives you strong city coverage and the widest rural reach of any major Peruvian network.
- 👉 Choose Ubigi if you want a polished app experience, real-time data tracking, a full month of unlimited data, or an eSIM you can reuse across 200+ destinations on future trips. Use code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first purchase.
- 👉 Choose Nomad if you want the lower price on a small plan, or an unlimited pass of ten days or less, where it undercuts Ubigi by a clear margin. Nomad also offers a free 1GB trial eSIM for new users.
No matter which provider you choose, an eSIM will make your Peru trip easier and keep you connected from the moment you land at Jorge Chávez International Airport.
