In short: Traveling from Peru to Europe without a prepaid eSIM means paying between PEN 280 and PEN 450 per day just for data roaming. With PuraSim, you cover the entire month in Europe for less than PEN 135. This guide explains everything: prices in soles, compatible phones, activation, and tips for the Peruvian traveler.
What is an eSIM and why do you need it in Europe?
An eSIM (electronic SIM) is a virtual SIM card that is installed directly into your phone's memory via a QR code. There is no physical chip to insert, no need to go to a store, and you don't have to remove your Peruvian SIM. The eSIM coexists with your Claro, Movistar, or Bitel number — you simply add a second line with European data.
For the Peruvian traveler to Europe, the eSIM solves a real problem: international roaming from Peruvian operators is among the most expensive in Latin America. Activating Claro Peru or Movistar Peru's "Travel Plan" for Europe can cost you between PEN 75 and PEN 120 per day with limited data. A PuraSim eSIM gives you 10 GB for the entire month for less than what you'd pay for 2 days of roaming.
Moreover, the eSIM is 100% digital: you buy it online, receive the QR by email, and install it from Lima before traveling. Upon landing in Madrid, Rome, or Paris, you'll already have working data.
Learn more in our eSIM plans for Europe or eSIM Peru.
Price comparison in Peruvian Soles (PEN)
As of June 2026 (1 USD ≈ PEN 3.75):
| Option | Data | Estimated Price (PEN) | Per GB (PEN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claro Peru Roaming (Travel Plan) | 200 MB/day | ~PEN 90/day | ~PEN 450 |
| Movistar Peru Roaming | 100 MB/day | ~PEN 75/day | ~PEN 750 |
| eSIM PuraSim Europe 5 GB | 5 GB 4G/5G, 30 days | ~PEN 30 | ~PEN 6 |
| eSIM PuraSim Europe 15 GB | 15 GB 4G/5G, 30 days | ~PEN 90 | ~PEN 6 |
| eSIM PuraSim Europe 20 GB | 20 GB 4G/5G, 30 days | ~PEN 131 | ~PEN 6.6 |
The savings are enormous. For PEN 90 with Claro Peru roaming, you get only 200 MB for one day. For PEN 90 with PuraSim, you get 15 GB for the entire month across Europe.
Activation guide for Peruvian cell phones
Follow these steps before traveling:
- Check if your phone supports eSIM. Most recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S and A series, and Motorola Edge phones are compatible. Check in Settings → About device → SIM status.
- Request unlocking from your operator. If you bought the phone with a postpaid plan in Peru, it might be locked. Claro and Movistar Peru must unlock it for free by law.
- Purchase your eSIM plan from PuraSim. Select "Europe" and the plan size you need. For 2-3 weeks, 5-10 GB is sufficient for moderate use.
- Install the eSIM. Scan the QR with your phone: on iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Add plan. On Android, go to Settings → Network & internet → SIM → Add eSIM.
- Set up the eSIM as your data line. Keep your Peruvian SIM as your voice line and the eSIM as your data when in Europe.
- Activate it in Europe. Install from Lima, activate upon landing. The balance starts counting with the first use.
For more context on international connectivity, visit Internet without roaming — how to get it.
Most visited European destinations by Peruvians
Peruvian travelers have clear favorite destinations in Europe:
- Spain — The number 1 destination for Peruvians. Madrid and Barcelona host a huge Peruvian community. The subway, taxi apps, and online museum reservations require constant data.
- Italy — Rome, Florence, and Venice are dream destinations. The Trenitalia train system and museum reservations (Colosseum, Uffizi) are 100% digital.
- France — Paris is a must-see. The 2024 Olympic Games increased Peruvian interest in France and European tourism in general.
- Portugal — Lisbon and Sintra are increasingly popular. Direct Lima-Lisbon flights have facilitated access.
- Germany and Netherlands — Popular for business trips and cultural tourism.
All these destinations are covered by PuraSim's Europe plans. One single plan, without changing chips.
Tips for the Peruvian traveler in Europe
- Carry cash in euros. Although Europe is very digital, some markets and rural transport only accept cash. Your eSIM helps you find nearby ATMs with Google Maps.
- Use Google Translate with the camera. For menus in Italian, German, or French, Google Translate's camera function is invaluable. It needs data — your eSIM solves that.
- The weather in Europe surprises Peruvians. Temperatures can change drastically. Check the daily forecast with data from your eSIM.
- WhatsApp works with data, not SMS. Keep your family in Lima informed with WhatsApp video calls using your eSIM's data.
- Download apps before traveling. Bolt, Uber, Citymapper, Google Maps offline. Install them in Lima to avoid using data upon arrival.
- Check the exchange rate. Many ATMs in Europe offer "dynamic conversion" to PEN with terrible rates. Always decline and pay in local euros.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM for Peruvians in Europe
- Which Peruvian phones are compatible with eSIM?
- iPhones from XS onwards, Samsung Galaxy S21 onwards, Motorola Edge, and many modern Xiaomi phones. Phones purchased with a Claro or Movistar Peru plan may be locked — request unlocking before traveling.
- How much does an eSIM for Europe cost in Peruvian soles?
- As of June 2026 (1 USD ≈ PEN 3.75), PuraSim plans for Europe range from approx. PEN 30 (1 GB) to PEN 131 (20 GB). Incomparably cheaper than roaming.
- Does the eSIM replace my Peruvian SIM?
- No. The eSIM works on your phone's second line. Your physical Peruvian SIM remains active to receive calls and SMS without interruption.
- Do I need a Schengen visa to travel from Peru to Europe?
- Yes, Peruvian citizens require a Schengen visa to travel to most European countries. The eSIM does not replace the visa, but it does guarantee your connectivity once there.
- Can I buy the eSIM from Lima?
- Yes. You buy it online, receive the QR by email, and install it on your phone from Lima before traveling.
Ready to travel to Europe well-connected? Check out our eSIM plans for Europe and secure your internet before leaving Jorge Chávez.
