The Best Internet Connections in Peru for Digital Nomads

Planning to work while traveling through Peru? You're in for a treat. From Lima's lively streets to the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu, Peru is full of culture and adventure. But if you're a digital nomad, staying online is a must. Here's how to find the best internet connections in Peru to keep your remote work on track.

Internet Connectivity in Peru

Peru's internet has improved a lot recently. Major cities have fast and reliable connections, but the quality can change when you move to smaller towns or rural areas. Knowing what to expect helps you avoid surprises.

Internet Speeds and Reliability

In Peru, the average internet speed is about 6.2 Mbps. In cities, you can get faster speeds, good for video calls, streaming, and uploading big files. In rural areas, internet might be slower or hard to find.

What Affects Internet Quality

Several things can affect your internet connection in Peru:

• Location: Cities have better internet than remote areas.

• Provider: Different companies offer different speeds and reliability.

• Type of Connection: Fiber-optic is faster than DSL or satellite internet.

• Time of Day: Networks can slow down when lots of people are online.

Main Internet Service Providers

Picking the right internet provider can make a big difference. Here are the main companies in Peru and what they offer.

Claro

Claro is one of the biggest telecom companies in Peru. They offer mobile, home internet, and TV packages.

• Coverage: Wide coverage in cities and many rural areas.

• Plans: Different plans with various speeds and data limits.

• Customer Service: Support centers and helplines are widely available.

Movistar

Movistar is another big provider known for solid services.

• Internet Options: Offers fiber-optic in some areas for high-speed internet.

• Bundles: You can save by combining internet with TV and phone services.

• Network Reliability: Generally reliable with good speeds.

Entel

Entel is growing fast and becoming popular.

• Mobile Internet: Good mobile data services at competitive prices.

• 4G Coverage: Strong in cities, weaker in rural areas.

• Plans: Flexible options for different data needs.

Bitel

Bitel is popular for its low prices.

• Pricing: Some of the cheapest mobile data plans.

• Unlimited Plans: Offers unlimited data at lower speeds.

• Network Growth: Improving coverage, especially in cities.

Other Providers

• Americatel: Mostly serves businesses but offers home services in some areas.

• Olo: Provides wireless internet but with limited coverage.

Mobile Internet: SIM Cards and Plans

If you're on the move, mobile internet is essential. Here's how to get a local SIM card.

Buying a SIM Card

It's easy to get a Peruvian SIM card:

• Where to Buy: Visit official stores like Claro, Movistar, Entel, or Bitel. Airports, malls, and authorized sellers also have them.

• What You Need: Bring your passport for registration. A photocopy can be helpful.

• Cost: SIM cards are cheap, usually less than 10 soles (about $3 USD).

Picking the Right Plan

Think about how much data you need:

• Light Users: If you mainly use Wi-Fi and need data occasionally, a basic prepaid plan works.

• Heavy Users: If you do a lot of video calls, streaming, or big file transfers, look for plans with more data or unlimited options.

• Plan Duration: Plans can be daily, weekly, or monthly. Choose what fits your stay.

Adding Credit

You can easily top up your SIM card:

• In Person: Go to convenience stores, supermarkets, or kiosks with your provider's logo.

• Online: Use the provider's website or app to add credit with a credit or debit card.

• Auto Recharge: Set up automatic top-ups if you have a long-term plan.

Tips for Using Mobile Internet

• APN Settings: Sometimes you need to set up the Access Point Name (APN) settings. Store staff can help.

• Phone Compatibility: Make sure your phone works with local networks. Most modern smartphones do, but it's good to check.

• SIM Card Sizes: SIM cards come in standard, micro, and nano sizes. Tell them which size you need.

Wi-Fi Access in Peru

Wi-Fi is common in Peru, especially in traveler spots.

Where You Stay

Most places you stay will have free Wi-Fi:

• Hotels: Mid-range and luxury hotels usually have reliable Wi-Fi in rooms and common areas.

• Hostels: Many hostels offer free Wi-Fi, but the quality can vary. Common areas might have better signals.

• Airbnb: Many Airbnb listings mention internet speed. Read reviews to see if it's reliable.

Cafés and Restaurants

Cafés are great for working or relaxing while staying connected:

• Chains: Places like Starbucks and local chains often have free Wi-Fi.

• Local Cafés: Many offer Wi-Fi to attract customers. Look for signs or ask.

• Etiquette:

  • Purchase Something: Buy a drink or snack if you're staying a while.

  • Power Outlets: Not all places have outlets, so charge up before you go.

Public Wi-Fi

Some cities offer public Wi-Fi:

• Parks and Squares: In Lima and Cusco, you might find free Wi-Fi in public areas.

• Limitations: Speeds might be slow and connections unstable.

Internet Cafés

Though less common now, internet cafés are still around:

• Services: Besides internet access, they might offer printing, scanning, and fax services.

• Cost: Usually paid by the hour or part of an hour, and rates are low.

Portable Wi-Fi Devices

If you need constant and reliable internet, portable Wi-Fi might be a good option.

Why Use Portable Wi-Fi

• Stable Connection: You don't have to rely on local networks.

• Security: Safer than public Wi-Fi.

• Multiple Devices: Connect your laptop, phone, and tablet at the same time.

How to Get One

• Rentals: Companies like Tep Wireless and Travel Wi-Fi rent devices for your trip.

• Buy Locally: Purchase a portable Wi-Fi router from electronics stores and use a local SIM card.

• Order Online: Set it up before you arrive and have it sent to your accommodation.

Things to Consider

• Cost: Include rental or purchase price plus data usage.

• Data Limits: Some plans slow down after you use a certain amount of data.

• Battery Life: Portable devices need charging. Check how long the battery lasts.

Internet Speeds and Coverage in Different Areas

Internet access changes depending on where you are in Peru.

Lima

As the capital, Lima has the best internet services:

• Fast Connections: Fiber-optic internet is available in many areas.

• Coworking Spaces: Lots of options with excellent facilities.

• Availability: Many cafés, restaurants, and public places have free Wi-Fi.

Cusco

Cusco, a big tourist spot, has decent internet:

• City Center: Reliable connections in hotels and cafés.

• Busy Times: During tourist season, networks can get crowded.

• Outside the City: Internet gets weaker in rural areas.

Arequipa

Peru's second-largest city also has good internet:

• Infrastructure: Well-developed with several providers.

• Digital Community: Growing number of coworking spaces and tech events.

Other Cities

• Trujillo and Chiclayo: Good internet in urban areas.

• Iquitos: Limited because it's in the Amazon, but cities have basic services.

Rural Areas

In the countryside:

• Limited Access: Internet might be slow or missing.

• Mobile Networks: Coverage can be spotty. Having SIM cards from different providers can help.

• Satellite Internet: Some remote lodges or camps have it, but it's slow and expensive.

Tips for Staying Online in Remote Areas

If you're heading off the beaten path, these tips can help:

• Plan Ahead: Download maps, documents, and entertainment before you go.

• Portable Chargers: Keep your devices powered with battery packs.

• Tell Others: Let friends or colleagues know when you won't be reachable.

• Ask Locals: They might know the best spots for mobile reception.

Coworking Spaces and Cafés

Finding a good workspace can boost your productivity and help you meet people.

Coworking Spaces

The coworking scene is growing in Peru, especially in big cities.

Lima

• WeWork Lima: Modern facilities, high-speed internet, and networking opportunities.

• Residencia Coworking: Located in Miraflores, offers a creative space.

• Espacio Lima: Known for its friendly community and events.

Cusco

• The Meeting Place: A café with coworking spaces.

• Realidad Virtual Coworking: Comfortable workspace with good internet.

Arequipa

• AWI Coworking: Ergonomic furniture, meeting rooms, and event spaces.

• Workia Coworking: Centrally located with affordable rates.

Internet-Friendly Cafés

Working from a café is a nice change of scene.

• Lima Cafés:

  • Café Verde: Great coffee and reliable Wi-Fi.

  • Kulcafé: Calm atmosphere good for work.

• Cusco Cafés:

  • Jack's Café: Popular with travelers.

  • Café D'wasi: Cozy with a good internet connection.

Networking Events

• Meetups: Join local groups or attend tech or freelancing events.

• Online Groups: Find digital nomad communities in Peru to connect with others.

Local Laws and Regulations

Knowing local laws can prevent headaches.

SIM Card Registration

• Required Registration: All SIM cards must be registered using your passport.

• Limits: You might be limited in the number of SIM cards you can register.

Drone Usage

If you use drones for work:

• Need Permission: Operating a drone requires civil aviation authority approval.

• No-Fly Zones: Drones are banned in some areas, like Machu Picchu.

Work Visas

• Tourist Visa: Officially, working on a tourist visa isn't allowed, but many digital nomads do without problems.

• Visa Extensions: Tourist visas can often be extended if you stay longer.

Cultural Tips

Getting to know the culture can make your stay richer.

Language

• Spanish: Main language spoken. Learning some basics helps.

• Quechua: Spoken in some regions, especially in the Andes.

Business Hours

• Lunch Breaks: Some businesses close for lunch, usually from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Holidays and Festivals

• Plan Ahead: During big festivals, businesses may close and internet services might be affected.

Safety Tips

Stay safe to enjoy your stay.

• Protect Devices: Use locks and watch your belongings in public places.

• Secure Connections: Use VPNs on public Wi-Fi to protect your data.

• Be Cautious: Beware of offers that seem too good to be true.

Cost of Living

Some insights help with budgeting. Of course, all prices may be different for each person, however, you can have an idea of what it is like to live in Peru.

Accommodation

• Hostels: Budget options start around $10 USD per night.

• Apartments: Monthly rentals in cities like Lima are from $400 to $800 USD.

Food and Drink

• Eating Out: A meal at a local place might cost about $5 USD.

• Groceries: Markets have fresh produce at low prices.

Transportation

• Public Transport: Buses and trains are cheap.

• Taxis and Rideshares: Uber and similar services are available in major cities.

Internet and Mobile Costs

• SIM Cards: Low initial cost; data plans vary.

• Home Internet: Monthly costs depend on the plan and range from $20 to $50 USD.

Overall

There are various internet connection options, depending on what you need and expect from your internet connection. It is better to search on the Internet in advance, talk with the local sellers and choose which one suits your needs. Do not forget to make a little negotiation as well! It may work in Peru as well as it works everywhere, good luck!

FAQ

Can I use my home SIM card in Peru?

Yes, if your provider offers international roaming in Peru, but charges can be high. Getting a local SIM card is usually cheaper.

Is public Wi-Fi safe in Peru?

Public Wi-Fi can be unsecured, so your data might be at risk. Using a VPN adds security.

Are there coworking spaces outside Lima and Cusco?

Yes, coworking spaces are popping up in other cities like Arequipa and Trujillo. Check online for current listings.

How reliable is mobile internet in rural areas?

Mobile internet can be unreliable in remote areas. It's best not to depend on it outside cities.

What's the best mobile provider in Peru?

It depends on where you are and your data needs. Claro and Movistar have wide coverage; Bitel offers cheap plans.

Do I need a special visa to work remotely in Peru?

Working remotely on a tourist visa is a gray area. Many digital nomads do so without issues, but be aware of local laws.