Internet & Calling in Peru

Internet, Telephones & Electricity in Peru

Internet and phones

With mysterious ancient ruins, the Amazon rainforest and imposing mountains, Peru is a great place to disconnect and relax. That said, for those who have to stay connected, here are our tips:

Most hotels in Peru provide internet access (sometimes at a cost) and international telephones – although for calling home, you will likely receive better rates using an internet-based phone service such as Skype or WhatsApp. Do not expect good WiFi access in all locations, especially in remote lodges and on cruises. In particular, in Peru, the Amazon, trekking destinations (the Inca Trail or Colca Canyon) and Lake Titicaca islands are remote areas and WiFi should not be relied on.

For heavy internet users, a service such as Skyroam, a wireless hotspot device, could be your best option for connecting to the internet in Peru. GlocalMe is another good hotspot option. If you plan on bringing your smartphone to Peru, make sure to remember to leave it on airplane mode to avoid any roaming charges. Just enable WiFi to access the Internet.

We don’t recommend buying a cell phone or sim card in Peru. There are often long waits, non-English speaking employees and local ID may be required. In addition, if you are traveling to multiple countries within South America, you will most likely need to buy a sim card for each. The easiest option for travel to Peru is to get a plan with your carrier in your home country that allows you to make emergency calls and/ or receive texts. If you do choose to buy a sim card in Peru, ask your guide where they recommend finding one and make sure your telephone is unlocked. Specifically at Peru airport, the price is significantly higher than buying one in the city. Before traveling, consider checking about international call options and prices with your network provider.

Electrical adaptors

When traveling to Peru, we recommend taking an electrical adapter on your trip. Some hotels in Peru provide adapters, but you should not rely on this. Before using adapters make sure to check the voltage of your electronic device to ensure that you have a charger equipped to handle a higher voltage. If not, you will need to use a voltage converter.

In the Amazon they focus on conservation and electricity may not be provided all day. In trekking destinations, you should bring portable chargers for cameras and phones and a digital watch for an alarm. If you are taking a sleeper train through Peru, an Amazon cruise, or a Lake Titicaca cruise you should check with the cruise or train to see what type of socket they have.

Peru uses plug type and socket type A and C But, an E and F type plug will also work with a C socket. The standard voltage is 220 V and frequency 60 Hz.

This means:

• When traveling from the USA or Canada to Peru you will need an electrical adaptor and voltage convertor.
• When traveling from Australia or New Zealand to Peru, you will need an electrical adaptor.
• When traveling from the UK, Ireland, Malaysia or Singapore to Peru, you will need an electrical adaptor.
• When traveling from South Africa to Peru, you will need an electrical adaptor.