Most trips to Peru fly into Lima and head for Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, often adding Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca or a few days in the Amazon from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. Much of the route runs high in the Andes, and the signal varies as much as the altitude. Peru is not part of the EU's Roam Like at Home area, and European operators usually charge for roaming there by the day.
Key facts for Peru
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Movistar (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 105; ambulance 106; fire 116
- Embassies: in Lima
Lima
Coverage is strong across Lima, from Miraflores and Barranco to the historic centre. Book taxis through an app or a registered company rather than flagging down cars in the street, and keep your phone out of sight on crowded pavements and in slow traffic, where snatch thefts happen.
Cusco and the altitude
Cusco lies at about 3,400 metres, Lake Titicaca at about 3,800, and the trail to the Rainbow Mountain climbs above 5,000. Take the first days gently, drink water and go easy on alcohol until you adjust; if a headache or breathlessness gets worse, descend and see a doctor. Coverage is good in Cusco and in the towns of the Sacred Valley.
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
Entry tickets to Machu Picchu are sold through the Ministry of Culture's official website, with a daily cap and fixed circuits inside the site, so book well ahead for the busy months from June to November. Aguas Calientes, the town below the ruins, has coverage, but the Inca Trail and the Salkantay trek have long stretches with no signal: download maps and leave your itinerary with someone at home before you start. Strikes and protests occasionally block the roads and the railway to Machu Picchu at short notice, so follow your operator's updates.
The Amazon and the border areas
In Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado the signal is fine in town, but jungle lodges are often out of range, with limited Wi-Fi at best. The UK and other governments advise against all but essential travel to the VRAEM valleys of the central jungle and to parts of the Colombian border area in the Loreto region.
The IMEI rule for Peruvian SIMs
A visitor who buys a Peruvian SIM has to register the phone with the operator, which means a shop visit with your passport and an IMEI check. On international roaming, which is how a travel eSIM connects, there is nothing to do.
Paying
Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa, but cash in soles is still needed for markets, small shops, taxis and village entrance fees. Carry small notes, as change can be scarce.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM goes on your phone before you leave and starts with its first connection in Peru, so you can order a ride at Lima airport straight away. Your usual number keeps receiving texts and bank codes. Combining Peru with Bolivia, Chile or Ecuador? An Americas plan covers all four countries.
Peruvian prepaid SIMs from Claro, Movistar, Entel or Bitel are sold in phone shops and shopping centres; you need your passport, and the phone has to be registered.
Consular protection: who to call in Peru
- 105 for the police, 106 for an ambulance (SAMU) and 116 for the fire service; on the highways, the road police answer on 110.
- Embassies are in Lima, many of them in the Miraflores and San Isidro districts. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Peru, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- The app has emergency phrases in Spanish, ready to show on screen.
Questions travellers ask about Peru
Does my EU plan work in Peru?
No. Peru is outside Roam Like at Home, so check what your operator charges per day.
Is there signal on the Inca Trail?
For long stretches, no. Download maps and your tickets before you set off.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Peru?
Movistar, with 4G where available.
What are the emergency numbers?
105 for the police, 106 for an ambulance and 116 for the fire service.
The short version
Book Machu Picchu early, install the eSIM before you fly, give yourself time to adjust in Cusco, download maps before any trek, and save 105 and 106.
Related reads:
Ready to stay connected without surprises?
Activate your eSIM in seconds and travel connected in 200+ countries and territories.
See plans