How to Use Calling Cards in Peru

Travel to Peru can be exciting. The history and culture of the Inca is woven throughout the cities and villages of Peru. While actually getting to Peru is easily accomplished by airplane, navigating the cities can be challenging. It is often necessary to maintain contact with loved ones even while backpacking to Machu Picchu. Keeping in touch with friends and family outside of Peru is possible via international calling cards purchased in Peru.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

How to Use Calling Cards in Peru

Things You’ll Need:

Peruvian currency
Peruvian currency

Step 1

Be sure to find out the currency exchange rate before arriving in Peru. This will make it easier for you to purchase a calling card from vendors in Peru once you arrive. Exchange your money at a bank or currency exchange office to be sure you are getting the correct exchange rate. Counterfeit bills are common in Peru, so examine your currency when making purchases.

Step 2

Find a vendor. Once you have decided to purchase a calling card, look for a vendor in Peru. Do not purchase an international calling card in the U.S. for use in Peru because many U.S. calling cards will not work. Instead, look in a pharmacy or bank for international calling cards. Newspaper kiosks and street vendors also sell usable international calling cards.

Step 3

Use the correct country code. When making an international call from Peru, be sure to dial the calling card access number and input the required information. Once the calling card information has been accepted, remember to dial the country code before dialing the number. If you are calling to the United States, enter 001 and then the area code and phone number.

Step 4

Keep track of the value remaining on your calling card. By keeping a record, you will be able to buy a new card before the value on your old card reaches zero, and your phone call is cut off.

Tips & Warnings

If communication via telephone is not absolutely necessary, think about using e-mail at an internet café for 1.50 Peru Nuevo Soles or less for an hour of use. Internet cafés are very popular in Peru. If constant availability via telephone is desired, you may also choose to rent a phone at the Peruvian airport. These phones cost $10 U.S. for 30 days of use, and they are paid for in the airport using U.S. dollars. Incoming calls are free, and outgoing calls are charged at $1 U.S. per minute. The phone is returned at the airport upon your departure. Additionally, using your own cell phone is possible, but international calls can be expensive with some cell phone carriers.

If constant availability via telephone is desired, you may also choose to rent a phone at the Peruvian airport. These phones cost $10 U.S. for 30 days of use, and they are paid for in the airport using U.S. dollars. Incoming calls are free, and outgoing calls are charged at $1 U.S. per minute. The phone is returned at the airport upon your departure. Additionally, using your own cell phone is possible, but international calls can be expensive with some cell phone carriers.

Be sure to safeguard your money. Tourists who flash money become targets for thieves.

Article Written By Shannon Crawford

Shannon Crawford has been writing since 1991, contributing to various websites and publications. Her work has appeared in a national print publication and numerous local newspapers. Crawford frequently writes about green-living topics and all things financial.

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