At present all people want to be connected and even more if it is in a place like Machu Picchu. Here are some tips to stay connected, without having to worry about the high costs of roaming or international calls.

Tourist in Machu Picchu

How can I be communicating during my trip to Machu Picchu?

There are ways to stay connected in Peru, Cusco and Machu Picchu, without accumulating huge roaming accounts. One of the common is to have a cell phone unlocked, this will allow you to use a low-cost SIM card during your trip to Machu Picchu.

GSM Networks

GSM (Global System for Mobile) is the basic technology used by cellular phones in most Latin American countries, including Peru.

If you have an unlocked cell phone, you can purchase a SIM card (prepaid) that will allow you to communicate in the interior of the country without worrying about the additional expenses caused by using international roaming.

GSM Networks

CDMA networks do not use SIM cards; Instead, this technology uses records from people who use their services to verify specific users. Many phone companies in the United States use CDMA networks (Verizon, Wireless and Sprint). Because CDMA devices are compatible only with their own network, most US phones can not be used in Peru.

Some CDMA technology phones have a slot to support foreign GSM networks; however, these computers still use CDMA to authenticate their phones.

Cell phone locked or unlocked

Remember that in addition to GSM compatibility, your cell phone must be unlocked, to work correctly with a SIM card from a telephone operator in Peru. The locking of a telephone is intended to ensure that the telephone is used only by its own operator.

An unlocked phone does not have lock software, so they can be used with SIM cards from telephone operators in Peru.

What do you need to stay connected in Peru?

While many devices with Android and iPhones sold in Apple stores are unlocked by default; most GSM devices will be blocked. Travelers can give up the hassle and risk of trying to unlock their own cell phone and buy one that is already unlocked upon arrival in Peru. This is not a considerable expense; you can buy cell phones unlocked at “Claro and Movistar” distributors, two of the leading cellular companies in Peru; or other (independent) electronics stores. Prices range from S / 60 (about US $ 17) to more expensive options.

How to buy and use a SIM card in Peru?

If you already have an unlocked phone, you can buy and use a SIM card in Peru.

• Get an unlocked phone with a slot to insert a SIM card.
• Buy a prepaid SIM card. – You can purchase a prepaid SIM card from the Claro and Movistar distributors (dominant providers in Peru). The purchase of a prepaid SIM card (without contract) is usually the best option for foreign travelers in Peru; with it you can make local and national calls (in Peru), add additional credit if you need it, or acquire data packets to access the internet or your social networks.
• You can find Claro or Movistar authorized dealers throughout Peru, Cusco and Machu Picchu. You will only need to carry your passport for identification and cancel in local currency. Remember that there is no difference between Prepaid Chip or Prepaid SIM Card.
• A SIM card in Peru costs around S / .15 (US $ 5), and can be recharged physically or virtually from S / 3 (US $ 1); when you recharge your device, you will receive a text message confirming the recharge amount.
• Make calls in Peru.- The SIM card you buy in Peru, will come with a local contact number. (9 digits) Example: 9 ?? – ??? – ???.

Frequently asked questions about cellular communication in Perú

What is the country code for Peru?

Peru: Country code “51”

How can I make local calls from my new cell phone when I’m in Peru?

To make calls in Peru, it is not necessary to enter the country code. Just dial the 9 digits of the cell phone with which you want to communicate. If you want to communicate from your cell phone to a “fixed number”, you must use the city code (Cusco or Machu Picchu – 084).

What are the emergency numbers in Peru?

• Emergencies: 112
• Civil Defense: 115
• Police: 105
• Firefighters: 116
• Ambulance: 117

Remember

Remember to pay attention to your own communication needs; not all travelers need to keep in touch with other people in Peru.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last Update, 09-25-2017