Planning a trip to Peru often means your itinerary includes bucket-list sights like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cusco, or the lively streets of Lima. While these experiences are unforgettable, they also make reliable internet a must, whether it’s for navigation, booking tickets, or simply sharing your journey with friends. Yet, depending on public Wi-Fi or paying expensive data roaming fees can quickly turn into frustration.

Luckily, a travel eSIM makes things much easier. With an eSIM, you get instant mobile data without the struggles of local SIM cards or surprise roaming charges. It’s a modern, flexible solution for travelers who value convenience and peace of mind.

In this guide, we’ll explain what an eSIM is, its benefits when traveling in Peru, and why Saily stands out as our recommendation for the best eSIM for Peru.

Key takeaways

• An eSIM for Peru lets you avoid data roaming fees and skip buying local SIM cards.
• Saily is our top choice thanks to its flexible plans, affordable pricing, and extra security features.
• Plans range from 1 GB to 10 GB, with options for 7–30 days, plus Latin America and global coverage.
• Saily makes setup quick with automatic installation, and your plan activates as soon as you arrive.

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

An eSIM, short for “embedded SIM,” is a digital version of the plastic SIM card you’d usually insert into your phone. Instead of swapping out tiny cards, the eSIM is built directly into your device and can be activated with just a QR code or app.

For travelers, this makes life much easier. A travel eSIM lets you connect to local mobile networks abroad without buying a SIM card at the airport or paying expensive data roaming fees. You simply purchase a data plan online, scan the activation code, and your phone is ready to go.

Another big advantage is convenience. With a travel eSIM, you can set everything up before you land in Peru and be online the moment you arrive. If you run out of data during your trip, you can top up instantly through the app.

Benefits of using eSIM when traveling in Peru

In Peru, having reliable internet can make a big difference. You might need maps in Cusco, train tickets for Machu Picchu, or quick access to restaurant reviews in Lima. A travel eSIM takes away many of the usual frustrations of staying online abroad.

Key benefits include:

• Avoid data roaming charges: Using your home carrier abroad can get expensive fast. With a Peru eSIM, you pay only for the data you need at local rates.
• No store visits and SIM card swaps: Travelers often waste time looking for local SIMs or dealing with language barriers at kiosks. With an eSIM, the whole process is digital.
• Set up before you arrive: You can install your eSIM while still at home and land in Lima already connected, instead of searching for a SIM card vendor at the airport.
• Flexible options: Plans vary by data size, duration, and region. That means you can pick a short plan for a one-week trip, or a longer one if you’re exploring Peru and other South American countries.
• Access to multiple networks: Many travel eSIMs don’t rely on just one local carrier. They connect to several networks in Peru, which helps maintain coverage if one signal is weak.
• Keep your main number active: Since your eSIM handles data, your physical SIM can stay in your phone. That way you won’t miss important texts or calls from home.
• Easy top-ups: If you use up your data halfway through the Sacred Valley, you can add more through the app without tracking down another SIM card.
• Reliable connection vs. patchy Wi-Fi: Hotel or café Wi-Fi in Peru can be slow, unstable, or even unsafe. An eSIM gives you steady mobile data wherever the network reaches.

Tip: If you decide to try Saily, you can save on your Peru eSIM by using the code PERURAIL5 for 5% off your plan.

How to activate an eSIM?

Activating an eSIM is simple, and most providers let you set it up by scanning a QR code or entering details manually.

With Saily, there’s also an automatic installation option, which is the easiest and fastest method. After purchasing a plan, you just tap Check your eSIM plan, then Install eSIM, allow the process, and follow the on-screen instructions.

When we tried Saily, we used this automatic setup and liked how easy it was. The eSIM was ready in minutes, and once we landed abroad, it activated automatically as soon as we enabled data roaming.

If automatic installation isn’t available, you can still set up Saily the usual way with a QR code or manual entry. Here’s how it works on iPhone and Android:

How to install an eSIM on iPhone

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Check your eSIM plan and select Install eSIM. Instructions for installation will appear on your screen.
3. Go to Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM.
4. Choose to scan a QR code or manually enter your eSIM details.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.

How to install an eSIM on Android

1. Open your device’s Settings.
2. Tap Check your eSIM plan and then select Install eSIM. Instructions for installation will appear on your screen.
3. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.
4. Choose between scanning a QR code or entering the details manually.
5. Follow the instructions displayed to finalize setup.

eSIM-compatible phones

Before you pick a Peru eSIM, it’s worth double-checking that your phone supports eSIM technology. Most newer models do, but some older ones still don’t – and the last thing you want is to buy a plan and then realize your phone can’t use it.

Popular eSIM-compatible phones include:

• Apple: iPhone XS and newer (including XR, 11–16 series). US models from iPhone 14 onward are eSIM-only with no SIM tray.
• Samsung: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, Z Flip, and Z Fold series.
• Google: Pixel 3 and newer, including the Pixel 6, 7, and 8 lines.
• Other brands: Many newer Huawei, Oppo, and Motorola models also support eSIM.

How do I know if my phone is eSIM-compatible?

There are a few easy ways to check:

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM. If the option appears, your device supports eSIM.
• On Android: Look in Settings > Connections > SIM manager. If you see Add eSIM, your phone is compatible.
• Universal method: Dial *#06#. If your device shows an EID number alongside your IMEI, it supports eSIM.

You can also check your phone manufacturer’s website or Saily’s compatibility page before purchasing a plan.

FAQ

1. How does an eSIM work?
   How an eSIM works is simple: it’s a digital SIM built into your phone that replaces a physical card. You install it through an app or QR code, then connect to a mobile network for data without needing to swap SIM cards.
   
   
2. Can I make calls with an eSIM for Peru?
   Most eSIMs for Peru are data-only, so you can’t make traditional calls or send SMS. Instead, you can use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Messenger to call and text over the internet.
   
   
3. How much data do I need in Peru?
   How much data you need in Peru depends on your usage. Around 1GB covers maps and messaging for a week, while social media may use 3–5GB weekly. Streaming video can take up 1GB per hour, so heavier use requires a larger plan.
   
   
4. What is Saily?
   Saily is a travel eSIM app created by the team behind NordVPN. It offers flexible data plans in over 200 destinations, including Peru, along with features like 24/7 support and built-in security tools.