Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is Peru's main airport, in Callao about 10 km northwest of Lima's historic centre. This is what to sort out before you land and what to expect afterwards: the terminal, getting online and the way into the city.
Before you land
Phones brought from abroad are registered in Peru only when they use a Peruvian SIM; a phone that just roams needs nothing, and the eSIM roams. The eSIM is bought on this page and installed at home, so there is no counter to visit.
Keep the QR code where you can open it without a connection, printed or on a second device. The QR code shows on your order page seconds after payment, so bookmark that page or save the code before you leave it.
Getting online
The terminal has free Wi-Fi, so you can add the eSIM while you wait for your bags if you did not do it at home (install the eSIM). The plan roams on a Peruvian partner network and your phone shows its name, so turn on data roaming for the eSIM line after landing (switch it on after landing). Peru's networks are Claro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel.
Your usual SIM stays in the phone with your number, and WhatsApp keeps the same number while the eSIM carries your data. Travelling on? The plan on the Peru eSIM page covers Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Ecuador with one eSIM.
From the airport to the city
Airport Express Lima is the official bus to Miraflores and San Isidro: buy a ticket at its desk in arrivals, and it takes luggage and has Wi-Fi on board. Taxis and app cars wait outside the terminal; use the official taxi desks inside arrivals or the signposted app pickup area, and agree the fare before you set off.
Traffic in Lima decides the time: about 45 minutes to Miraflores outside rush hour, and far longer in the peaks.
Good to know
- Altitude. Lima sits at sea level, but Cusco is about 3,400 m: take the first day there easy.
- Time. Peru is on UTC-5 all year, with no daylight saving time.
- Emergencies. Call 105 for the police, 106 for an ambulance and 116 for the fire brigade.
