Getting a local SIM card is one of the first and most important things to do when you arrive in a new country. It gives you freedom and security. With a local number and data, you can use maps to explore, translate menus, call a taxi, and stay in touch with new friends without worrying about expensive roaming fees. In many Latin American countries, life happens on WhatsApp, and having a local plan is your key to being included. This process can seem difficult if you don't speak the language. Phone plans have specific vocabulary. But don't worry! Most of the time, you only need a few key phrases. This guide will teach you the simple, high-frequency sentences to explain what you need, understand the options, and get your phone working. With this vocabulary, you can handle the situation easily and start your adventure with a connected phone.
Hello, good morning. Can you help me, please?
A polite way to get the attention of a store employee when you first walk in.
I would like to buy a SIM card.
This is the most direct way to state your main goal. 'Quisiera' is a polite form of 'I want'.
I need a prepaid plan, please.
Use this to specify that you don't want a long-term contract, just a pay-as-you-go plan.
It's for my cell phone. It's unlocked.
An important piece of information to give the clerk. A local SIM only works in an unlocked phone.
I need internet and some calls.
Use this to explain the basics of what you need the plan for.
I'm going to be here for two weeks.
Tell the clerk your length of stay (e.g., 'un mes' for one month) so they can recommend a suitable plan.
I mostly use WhatsApp and maps.
This helps the clerk understand your data usage. Many plans include unlimited social media.
What plans do you have?
A simple question to ask about the available options.
How many gigabytes does this plan have?
The most important question for data users. 'Gigas' is the common term for gigabytes.
How much does it cost?
The essential question for asking the price of a specific plan or the SIM card itself.
Does the plan include social media?
Ask this to see if apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram are included without using your main data allowance.
I want this one, please.
Use this while pointing to the plan you've decided on.
Here is my passport.
You will almost always need to show official ID to register a new SIM card. Have it ready.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Important to ask before they start the process, as some smaller shops might be cash-only.
Can you help me install it?
Don't be shy! It's very common to ask the clerk to put the SIM in your phone and activate it for you.
I think it's not working.
A simple way to get help if you don't see a signal or can't access the internet after installation.
I don't have internet.
Use this specific phrase if the calls are working but the data is not.
A traveler enters a busy official 'Claro' phone store in Lima, Peru, and approaches the counter where a clerk is available.
Hola, buenas tardes. ¿Me puede ayudar?
Hello, good afternoon. Can you help me?
Buenas tardes. Claro, dígame.
Good afternoon. Of course, tell me.
Quisiera comprar una tarjeta SIM prepago.
I would like to buy a prepaid SIM card.
Perfecto. ¿Su celular está desbloqueado?
Perfect. Is your cell phone unlocked?
Sí, está desbloqueado. Necesito internet y algunas llamadas.
Yes, it's unlocked. I need internet and some calls.
¿Por cuánto tiempo va a estar en Perú?
How long will you be in Peru?
Por tres semanas.
For three weeks.
OK. Tenemos un plan de 10 gigas por 30 soles. Incluye redes sociales ilimitadas y llamadas locales.
OK. We have a 10-gigabyte plan for 30 soles. It includes unlimited social media and local calls.
Ah, perfecto. ¿Cuánto cuesta la SIM?
Ah, perfect. How much does the SIM cost?
La SIM cuesta 5 soles. En total son 35 soles. Necesito su pasaporte para el registro.
The SIM costs 5 soles. In total it's 35 soles. I need your passport for the registration.
Sí, aquí está mi pasaporte. Quiero ese plan, por favor.
Yes, here is my passport. I want that plan, please.
Muy bien. Un momento... Listo. ¿Me presta su celular?
Very good. One moment... Ready. Can I have your cell phone?
Claro. ¿Me puede ayudar a instalarlo?
Of course. Can you help me install it?
Por supuesto. Ya está. En unos minutos va a tener señal. Su número es este.
Of course. There you go. In a few minutes you will have a signal. This is your number.
¡Excelente! Muchísimas gracias por su ayuda.
Excellent! Thank you so much for your help.
Always bring your physical passport when buying a SIM card. In nearly all Latin American countries, it's legally required to register a new phone line with a national ID or passport. A photocopy or a picture on your phone is usually not accepted. Don't be surprised when they take a photo of you and your passport; it's part of the official registration process to prevent fraud.
Go to an official store for a major carrier (like Telcel, Claro, Movistar, Tigo) instead of a small kiosk or pharmacy, especially for your first time. While kiosks can sell you a SIM, they often can't help with registration or activation, which is the hardest part for a tourist. The staff in official 'Centros de Atención a Clientes' are trained to handle foreign passports and will usually install and activate the SIM for you, saving you a lot of potential trouble.
Understand the difference between 'saldo' and 'paquetes'. 'Saldo' or 'crédito' is pay-as-you-go credit, which can be expensive for data. A 'paquete' is a data bundle you buy with your credit that gives you a set amount of gigabytes, calls, and texts for a fixed period (e.g., 7 or 30 days). Always use your initial credit to buy a 'paquete' for the best value. You can usually do this by dialing a short code (like *123#) or through the carrier's app.
Topping up your credit is called a 'recarga'. You can do this at thousands of locations, including supermarkets, pharmacies, and corner stores ('tienditas'). Just look for the logo of your phone company. You'll need to tell the cashier your phone number and how much money you want to add. It's wise to write down your new number so you can show it to them easily.
The word for SIM card is almost always 'chip' (pronounced 'cheep'). The dominant carrier is Telcel, which has the best coverage but can be slightly more expensive. When you top up, you ask for a 'recarga para Telcel'. The registration process with a passport is strictly enforced.
In Spain, they use 'tarjeta SIM' for SIM card and 'móvil' for cell phone. Topping up is 'hacer una recarga' or 'recargar el móvil'. The market is very competitive with many low-cost carriers like Digi, Simyo, and Pepephone in addition to the major ones (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange). 'Gigas' is the common word for gigabytes.
Both 'SIM' and 'chip' are understood. The main carriers are Claro, Tigo, and Movistar. It is extremely common to buy the SIM card in one place (like a supermarket) and then go to a different small stall or pharmacy to 'hacer una recarga' (top up). Activating a data 'paquete' (package) is essential for getting good value.
The standard term is 'chip'. The word for cell phone is 'celular'. To top up, you say you want to 'cargar crédito'. The main carriers are Claro, Movistar, and Personal. Be aware that the country's economy can affect plan prices and availability, so it's good to check the current offers upon arrival. Also, the 'voseo' (using 'vos' instead of 'tú') is universal in speech.
Found this useful? Save it for later.