Last updated on March 8th, 2024 at 06:06 am
Traveling to Lima and in search of a Lima Airport SIM card? While we determine the best SIM card in Limar and eSIM options.
Landing at Lima Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Lima Airport? Yes, you can buy a sim card with PeruSIM Claro which is the leading provider for SIM card providers in Lima and Peru.
The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in Lima. For eSIM options, you can opt for Airalo and Holafly
If you are going from Lima Airport to the city center you should know that it will take 40 minutes by taxi and 60 minutes by public transportation.
Not sure if Peru SIM Card Lima Airport is the best choice for you? Peru, it’s crucial to consider not just convenience but also cost-effectiveness and coverage. While Movistar is our local SIM Card of choice in Peru, you can get unlimited data with Holafly if you have an eSIM compatible phone.
We’ll explore the pros and cons, drawing from our travel experiences in Lima and other Peruvian cities.
Related Travel Guides:
- How to get from Cusco Airport to city center
- Things to know Before Visiting Peru
- 2 weeks in South America – Andean Itinerary
- Traditional Peruvian Breakfast
WHERE TO STAY IN LIMA
Accommodation price can take you around $10 USD if you sleep in a dorm. For mid-budget accommodation starts at $30-50 USD and for more than $80 USD you will find luxury accommodation in Peru. Most of people choose to stay in Miraflores near the beach area in Lima.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
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Personal Stories from our Trip in Lima Peru – Lima Airport SIM Card
Our journey through Lima and deciding to buy a SIM card Lima airport was easy. There is a Claro shop near the ATM just before leaving the airport but prices are so high and it’s not worth it to buy the sim card at Lima AIrport.
There are several options outside the airport and the wifi was also strong enough to just book a cab and worry about it later. For us, we were traveling in the city much longer than usual and were ready to rest for a couple of weeks before we headed to the colder and more touristy Cusco so we had time to explore the city to get our Movistar sim card this way.
Navigating Lima Airport for SIM Cards – Buying A SIM Card In Lima
Terminal Building and Connectivity at Lima Airport – Peru SIM Card Lima Airport
- Upon arrival at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, travelers will find modern facilities equipped with amenities including shops, restaurants, lounges, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- The airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi, allowing travelers to access the internet for basic needs like ride-hailing services or browsing.
SIM Card Purchase Options in Lima Airport Vs Buying A SIM Card In Lima
PeruSIM – Lima Airport Sim Card Best Option
Specifically tailored for travelers, offering plans like 5GB, 15GB, or 30GB with unlimited local calls, SMS, Facebook, and WhatsApp for 30 days. They provide excellent bilingual support and accept international credit cards. Located inside the International Arrivals Hall next to the taxi companies at Lima Airport.
If you want to purchase PeruSIM online and get them at the airport, that’s also possible. This is their address in Miraflores: Parque Kennedy, Av Diagonal 494 Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Claro Lima Sim Card – Best Option For Coverage
Known for its extensive coverage and fast internet speeds, Claro SIM cards have the best coverage for sim card in Lima and Peru.
- Price and Data: Claro SIM cards are priced at approximately 5 PEN (about $1.25 USD), offering competitive data plans.
- Plans: Claro offers a variety of plans, including data, calls, and texts. Details of specific plans and pricing vary and can be found on their official website or at local stores.
- Validity: The plans are typically valid for a range of durations, depending on the selected package.
- Coverage and Speed: Claro is known for having the best 4G/LTE coverage experience across Peru, making it a reliable option for connectivity.
- Pros: Extensive coverage, high-speed internet, and a range of plan options make Claro a versatile choice.
- Cons: Prices at the airport are significantly higher than in the city.
It’s not worth it to buy a Claro sim card at Lima AIrport since the price is very high compared to buying a sim card in Lima at the phone stores in the city.
Check the exact location to find Claro stores to buy a sim card in Lima.
Movistar Lima Sim Card
As the largest mobile operator in Peru, Movistar offers extensive coverage and the cheapest sim card in Lima if you are looking for data packages with calls.
- Price and Data: Movistar SIM cards start around 10 PEN (about $2.65 USD), with various data packages available.
- Plans: Movistar provides a range of plans including data, calls, and social media packages, adaptable for different user needs.
- Validity: Different plans come with varying validity periods, generally up to 30 days.
- Coverage and Speed: Movistar is known for the best overall network coverage in Peru, including strong 4G/LTE availability.
- Pros: Excellent coverage and a wide range of plan options.
- Cons: No availability of Movistar SIM cards at Lima-Jorge Chávez International Airport.
Check the exact location to find Movistar stores to buy a sim card in Lima.
Entel Lima Sim Card
A notable provider in Peru, Entel offers competitive services for mobile users.
- Price and Data: Entel SIM cards are available for around 20 PEN (about $5.35 USD), with various data options.
- Plans: Entel’s plans include diverse data packages along with call and text options, catering to different requirements.
- Validity: Plan validity varies, with some options up to 30 days.
- Coverage and Speed: Entel is known for good network coverage in Peru, especially in urban areas.
- Pros: Good urban coverage and a variety of plan choices.
- Cons: Higher starting price for SIM cards compared to other providers.
Check the exact location to find Entel stores to buy a sim card in Lima.
Bitel Lima Sim Card
Bitel, also known as Viettel Perú, is a reputable option for obtaining a prepaid SIM card in Peru. Bitel SIM cards are known for offering good coverage and fast connection speeds across the country.
Here’s a brief overview of Bitel’s SIM card offerings:
- Price and Data: Bitel SIM cards are slightly more expensive compared to other providers, costing around $2.5, but they come with 1.5 GB of mobile data.
- Plan Turista: You can add the “Plan Turista” package to your Bitel SIM card for just $5. This plan includes 7 GB of data as well as unlimited calls and texts within Peru.
- Validity: The plan is typically valid for 30 days. If you are a heavy data user, you might need to top up before the end of the 30-day period.
- Coverage and Speed: Bitel offers good coverage and fast internet speeds, making it a reliable option for connectivity throughout Peru.
- Pros: Bitel’s SIM card plans are affordable and offer a substantial amount of data for the price. They also include unlimited calls and texts, providing good value for travelers.
- Cons: Bitel offers limited plan options, so there’s less flexibility compared to other providers.
Check the exact location to find Bitel stores to buy a sim card in Lima.
Prices for SIM Cards
Generally, SIM cards cost around S/15 (under $5). It’s advisable to purchase phone credit simultaneously for immediate call access. Inquire about text and WhatsApp messaging rates as they might differ.
SIM Card Kiosks in Peru Airport – Lima Airport SIM Card
SIM card kiosks at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport offer various options for travelers:
- PeruSIM Store: Located inside the International Arrivals Hall next to all the taxi companies. PeruSIM, a sister brand of Cuy Movil from Guinea Mobile, is highly recommended for travelers as it utilizes Claro’s extensive network, providing countrywide high-speed coverage. It offers data plans with unlimited local calls and SMS, and options like Facebook and WhatsApp for 30 days. The store provides bilingual support and accepts international credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and DinersClub.
- Claro Counter: Situated in the baggage claim area or in the holding room before the arrivals area. These counters provide temporary SIM cards, with the cheapest option costing S/.80.00 (80 Soles). This location might be more suitable for travelers looking for a short-term SIM card option.
- ‘be! smart’ Shop: Found in the Departures area on the 2nd floor, near the entry to the Departure Gates behind Dunkin’ Donuts and close to the food court. This shop offers Bitel SIM cards with a minimum of a 1-month plan. The available plans include options like S/80 for 30 GB of data, S/100 for 40 GB of data, and S/160 for unlimited data. Note that these plans do not offer a pre-paid option and will expire at the end of the month without auto-renewal.
When selecting a SIM card, consider factors like the length of your stay, the amount of data you need, and whether you require short-term or long-term connectivity.
For more convenience and to avoid the hassle of physical SIM card purchase and activation, you may also explore eSIM options provided by services like Airalo, Alosim, and Holafly. These eSIM providers offer various data plans and use networks like Movistar Peru, ensuring good coverage throughout your stay in Peru.
eSIM Options (Airalo, Alosim, and Holafly)
eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are a modern alternative to traditional SIM cards, offering a flexible and convenient connectivity solution, especially for travelers. Here are the eSIM providers for Peru:
Airalo – Recommended Lima eSIM Card
- Airalo (Habla Telefon eSIM): Offers three options using the Movistar Peru network. Plans include 1 GB for 7 days at $6, 3 GB for 30 days at $15, and 5 GB for 30 days at $20.
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Alosim
- Alosim: Provides four options using the Movistar Peru network. Plans range from 1 GB for 7 days at $6 to 5 GB for 30 days at $25. Although Alosim eSIMs don’t have 5G NR access in Peru yet, they are noted for their reasonable pricing. Check prices and data packages
Holafly (Sim Card Peru Lima Airport)
- Holafly: Offers unlimited data plans on the Movistar Peru network. Options range from 5 days at $27 to 30 days at $79. While unlimited, note that speeds may be throttled after high usage.
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These eSIM options provide a hassle-free activation process and varying data packages to cater to travelers’ connectivity needs in Lima, Peru. They offer a flexible and potentially cost-effective solution for staying connected without the need for a physical SIM card.
eSIM Options for Lima Airport:
- eSIMs for Peru range from $6 to $79, offered by Airalo, Alosim, and Holafly, with options from 1 GB to unlimited data.
- Airalo eSIMs: Uses Movistar Peru network with options like 1 GB for 7 days at $6, 3 GB for 30 days at $15, and 5 GB for 30 days at $20.
- Alosim eSIMs: Offers four options including 1 GB for 7 days at $6 and 5 GB for 30 days at $25, using the Movistar Peru network.
- Holafly eSIMs: Provides unlimited data plans using the Movistar Peru network. Options range from 5 days at $27 to 30 days at $79. Speeds may be throttled after high usage.
Our Recommendation and Final Thoughts on Peru SIM Card Lima Airport
For a seamless experience with reliable coverage, consider PeruSIM if you are looking for comfort for $20 USD with 5 GB data but for half of the price you can buy a sim card in Lima city center with Claro or Movistar sim card having a great coverage in Lima and Peru.
For those preferring digital solutions, eSIMs from Airalo and Holafly offer various data plans with the convenience of prior setup and activation upon landing in Peru.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.