Peru
Plan Peru around verified rides, official tickets, cash backups and changing conditions
Peru rewards a deliberately mixed digital and offline setup.
The essentials
What to know before you go to Peru
Uber, WhatsApp, Google Maps with offline areas, and a delivery app cover the most common urban needs, but no app replaces local verification. Yape and Plin are visible everywhere, yet neither is a sensible arrival download for an ordinary short-term visitor: Yape registration with a passport or foreign-resident card still requires a BCP debit card, while Plin works through participating Peruvian bank apps and a linked local account. Carry soles for small businesses and fragmented public transport, plus two cards kept separately. Lima transit uses several systems and fare cards rather than one universal visitor app.
Buy Machu Picchu admission only through the Ministry of Culture's TuBoleto service and book any train separately with an authorized operator. Road blocks, protests, landslides and floods can alter bus and rail plans, so recheck every long journey. Save passport-linked bookings, insurance details, emergency numbers and accommodation contacts offline. Altitude, mosquito-borne illness and food or water risks vary sharply by itinerary, so obtain route-specific health advice before departure.
Ride Hailing
UberEssential
The lowest-friction first ride app, with six Peruvian cities in Uber's current official directory.
inDrive
A fare-offer alternative in seven currently listed Peruvian cities, with driver and vehicle choice before acceptance.
Cabify
A useful second quote in Lima, Piura and Trujillo, the three cities on Cabify's current Peru list.
DiDi
A practical comparison app in Arequipa, Cusco and Lima, its three currently documented Peruvian markets.
Food Delivery
PedidosYaEssential
The most useful first delivery app for broad restaurant, grocery and shop coverage in Peruvian cities.
Rappi
A strong second choice for restaurant, grocery, pharmacy and convenience delivery in supported urban areas.
DiDi Food
A useful Lima-only delivery comparison according to DiDi Food's current official Peru service page.
Messaging
WhatsAppEssential
The main practical channel for accommodation, guides, tours, restaurants, bus companies and drivers in Peru.
Navigation
Google MapsEssential
The strongest general map for urban places, saved pins, offline areas and sharing exact entrances in Peru.
Transit
Moovit
The best general starting point for Lima routes and stops, though predictions and informal-bus coverage need verification.
Language
Google TranslateEssential
The most practical visitor aid for Spanish text, camera and conversation translation, including offline packs.
Intercity Transport
redBusEssential
A useful comparison and booking app for many Peruvian bus routes and operators, but not a complete timetable.
Utilities
#IGP
Peru's official Geophysical Institute app for verified earthquake, volcano and other geophysical information.
Also covered
Internet in Peru
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Foreign visitors must buy in person at an official carrier center and pass biometric validation against the immigration database.
- Typical prepaid offers include around 4GB, while starter prices begin near S/35-40.
- Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at an official city store, and test the SIM before leaving.
- Airport prices are usually higher than city or online prices.
- A travel eSIM is the simpler option and avoids local SIM registration steps.
Use an official carrier store and complete registration and activation before leaving the counter.
Local carriers
Claro
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
Bitel
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Movistar
Strong in major cities, with weaker rural coverage.
Entel
The weakest network here; choose it only for a clear price advantage.
PeruSIM
Tourist-friendly choice with a straightforward purchase process.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have apps for traveling in Peru?
The essential apps for Peru are Uber, PedidosYa, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Google Translate.
How many travel apps does Peru have?
We've curated 13 apps across 9 categories for traveling in Peru, including 6 essential apps.
What is the best ride hailing app in Peru?
Uber. The lowest-friction first ride app, with six Peruvian cities in Uber's current official directory.
Keep exploring
Also traveling in Latin America?
Paraguay
The right apps for Paraguay, from city rides to buses, borders and storm alerts
Uruguay
Travel Uruguay with verified rides, official bus tools, card backups and current tax rules
Argentina
Cards, peso cash, open transit payments and dependable local apps
Bolivia
Cash backup, QR payments, cable cars and roadblock-aware travel
Brazil
Use Uber or 99, expect CPF barriers, and carry backup cards and reais
Chile
Use Uber, learn the local transit payment, and prepare for long distances