How to call Peru | In-depth guide with examples

Connecting with Peru from the United States is essential for many reasons, including business, personal, and cultural interactions.

Peru has thriving sectors such as mining, agriculture, and tourism. Its rich cultural tapestry, marked by vibrant festivals, unique traditions, and world-renowned cuisine, makes it a fascinating partner in international exchanges.

Understanding the nuances of communicating with Peru is an important step for nurturing both business and personal relationships and ensuring that connections are meaningful and effective.

Guide to calling Peru

Before making an international call to Peru, check the rates with your service provider and ensure a reliable connection. Additionally, understanding the time difference can help you make the call at a convenient time for the recipient.

1. Check the time in Peru

When calling Peru, keep in mind the time difference. Peru operates on Peru Time (PET), which is UTC-5. There is no daylight saving time, so the time difference between Peru and the U.S. can vary depending on the U.S. time zone and daylight saving adjustments.

Typically, Peru is 1-2 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

2. Dial the exit code

For international calls from the U.S., the exit code is 011.

3. Enter Peru's country code

Next, dial Peru's country code, which is +51.

4. Dial the area code and local number

After the exit and country codes, dial the area code and the local number.

For a landline

Peru's area codes are one or two digits long. After the area code, dial the seven-digit local number. For example, to call a landline in Lima with the area code 1 and the local number 2345678, you would dial 011-51-1-2345678.

For a mobile phone

Peruvian mobile numbers begin with a 9 and are followed by eight digits. To call a Peruvian mobile number like 912345678, dial 011-51-9-12345678.

Tips for a successful call

Before calling Peru, ensure you have a strong and stable connection. Have a backup plan in case the call drops, such as knowing whether to call back or wait for the other party to reconnect.

Understanding and respecting Peruvian business culture and etiquette is crucial. Business meetings often start with small talk, so allow some time for this before diving into business matters. Use formal greetings like “Señor” or “Señora” followed by the last name, and if someone holds a professional title such as “Doctor” or “Ingeniero,” use it.

Be aware of local holidays and events, as Peru has many national celebrations that might affect business operations. Major holidays include Independence Day (July 28-29) and Christmas. It’s best to avoid scheduling calls around these times.

While Spanish is the primary language spoken in Peru, English is increasingly used in business settings. However, using simple Spanish greetings like “Hola” (Hello) or “Buenos días” (Good morning) can help build rapport.

Finally, be patient and flexible. The pace of business in Peru may be slower compared to the U.S., and decisions might take longer. Show understanding and adaptability to foster effective and respectful communication.

Considerations for calling Peru

When planning to make calls to Peru, several key factors can influence your experience. Understanding these considerations will help ensure smooth and effective communication.

Language and cultural nuances

Spanish is the official language of Peru, though Quechua and Aymara are also recognized as official languages in regions where they are predominantly spoken. While English is taught in schools, it is not widely spoken outside of major cities and tourist areas.

When initiating a call, it is customary to start with a polite greeting, such as:

• “Buenos días” (Good morning)
• “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon)
• “Buenas noches” (Good evening)

It is also considered polite to inquire about the well-being of the person you are calling before delving into the primary reason for the call. A simple “Cómo está?” (How are you?) demonstrates respect and courtesy.

Peruvian culture emphasizes politeness and formality. Addressing individuals with appropriate titles, such as “Señor” (Mr.) or “Señora” (Mrs.), is essential.

Time zones

Peru observes Peru Time (PET), which is five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This means that Peru is in the same time zone as Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months. However, unlike most of the U.S., Peru does not observe Daylight Saving Time. This creates a shift in the time difference during the summer months.

Here's a table summarizing the time differences between Peru and various US time zones:

Call costs

Call costs to Peru vary depending on your service provider and the type of call you are making. Traditional landline calls tend to be the most expensive, while internet-based calling services, like Skype or WhatsApp, can be more cost-effective.

To get the most accurate information on call costs, contact your service provider and inquire about their international calling rates to Peru. Some providers offer special international calling plans or packages that can reduce the cost per minute.

How much does it cost to call Peru?

Call charges to Peru can vary based on your carrier, the duration of the call, and the time of day. Check with your service provider for detailed rates.

Carrier rates are particularly significant, as different service providers offer varying tariffs for international calls. These rates can fluctuate based on the type of plan you have, whether it's a standard pay-as-you-go rate or a specialized international calling plan.

Some carriers might offer discounted rates for calls to Peru during off-peak hours or as part of a bundle that includes a set number of international minutes. It's advisable to thoroughly review your carrier's pricing structure and any available international calling packages to ensure cost-effective communication.

Additionally, the duration of your call plays a role in determining the overall cost. Longer calls will incur higher charges, making it important to manage the length of your conversations, especially if you're on a pay-per-minute plan.

The time of day when you place the call can also impact the cost due to varying peak and off-peak rates. Calls made during peak hours are often more expensive compared to those made during off-peak times, such as late evenings or weekends, depending on your carrier's specific rate schedule.

Being mindful of these factors and planning your calls accordingly can help in managing communication expenses effectively while staying connected with contacts in Peru.

Make affordable calls to Peru with Telnyx

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call Peru with confidence.

If you’re looking for more guidance on global calling, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication.

Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services.

Our elastic SIP trunking services make it easy to call nearly every country in the world. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of local phone numbers in over 140 countries, Telnyx provides cost-effective calling solutions with unmatched expertise.