Should I rent or buy a cell phone for a 2 week trip in Peru? Cusco, Machu Picchu & Puerto Maldonado area?

Question

Where do I buy or rent a cell phone? Any recommendations for what company to go with?

Answer 1

new celulars  since 30 dollars,, from movistar,, and second hand  in la cachina :),,  avenida argentina, lima :)  he he

salu2

Answer 2

Depending on the purpose of your trip, I don't know that you'll need one.  Public phones are plentiful in the cities and you probably won't find yourself away from the cities all that often.

There is no cellular service at Machu Picchu because it's too remote to have a tower nearby.  In Cusco you'll be able to receive calls on an ordinary American cell phone provided that it's unlocked.  Check with your current service provider about the phone you already have.  My day-to-day use phone from the states worked just fine almost everywhere I went in Peru but I used it pretty infrequently.

Answer 3

If this is your first time in Peru or don't really know your way around, get it at the Lima airport. Just get the cheapest phone and put some minutes in it. Claro or Movistar are good companies, and they're very competetive so they're prices/plans are almost the same.

If you know people, or know your way around Lima, take and old unlocked phone and go to an athorized store (like a liquor store, you'll notice 'cause they have either the claro or movstar logo outside) and put some money in it.

Hope that helps!

Answer 4

If you're just travelling, I don't see the need.  OTtherwise rent at the airport or buy.  Buying is about 50 bucks, and then you can pay as you go.

Answer 5

If you have a cell phone that is unlocked, you can buy a movistar chip for $5 or $10 US.

If your phone is not unlocked, maybe you can borrow one from a friend.

Answer 6

I would rent one at the airport. There are several companies but the one with best coverage is Claro or Movistar. I would personally chose Claro and I would rent a cheap one which I would use during the stay and if something happens to it (being stoles, fall into a river, etc) I wouldn't think twice about it! As soon as you arrive at Lima's airport you will see both companies being announced and a stand where you can rent one (by luggage and customs).