PeteFoley

Does anyone have any advice for the best way to have an option for emergency phone contact while traveling in Peru?

We're trying to decide between a phone card, or renting a phone + sim card, or other options? We only want this for emergencies (e.g. Cancelled flights, missed connections) so that we can contact either local agents or our US operator if we run into a problem.

We are traveling pretty much all over the country for a couple of weeks, and have no idea if public phones are freely available (which would make a phone card OK), or if cell phone coverage is decent (not much point renting a cell phone if there is limited reception).

If anyone has had experience, or has suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Pete and Marcia

crellston

We took an unlocked cellphone with us on our travels around the world and just bought a SIM card in each country we visited. In Peru cellphone coverage was limited outside the major cities - Cusco, Lima, Arequipa. Do check that the phone is unlocked AND the correct frequency band for Peru. Alternatively, internet centres are readily available even in smaller towns like Olly and Urumbamba and Skype is a viable and cheap alternative for outgoing calls (can also be used on and iPhone if wifi is available.

crellston

Forgot to add - don't rely on emails when contacting tour agents hotels etc. IME Peurvians rarely respond even if you write in Spanish!

PeteFoley

Thank you, that is very helpful, pete

GMBC

Other option: As soon you arrive to the Lima International Airport, some girls will offer you a rental cellual phone. Inmediatelly you can be in contact with anyone.

lcuy

If you will only be calling in the event of an emergency, juut have your home cell carrier set you up for international roaming. The per minute charges may be high, but you don't have the up-front fees associated with getting a new SIM or renting a phone, so it may be cheaper over all. And easier.

mick675

I booked a trip with www.mythicaltrailsperu.com for Peru and Machu Picchu and they gave me a cellphone in case of emergency....It was useful I think.

Paul_travel_bug

You can rent a phone at Lima airport on arrival and take this with you, this is probably quite an expensive option. Take an unlocked phone with you and remember to activate the roaming function with the network, or do what I did and spend $30 on a phone an sim card when you get to Peru - you only need a passport to get one.