Understanding Telephone numbers in Peru and International Calling

Peru's telephone number system is a bit complex, but don't worry, I've got you covered.

In Peru, a standard phone number consists of 9 digits, starting with a 0 followed by the area code.

International calling to Peru requires a country code, which is +51.

In Peru, telephone numbers are made up of a country code, area code, and subscriber number. The country code for Peru is +51.

Peruvian phone numbers typically have 9 digits, including a 1-digit area code for Lima or a 2-digit area code for other regions, followed by a 7-digit local number. Toll-free numbers, which begin with 1-800 or 1-888, are also used for customer service and support.

The correct format for a Peru phone number is +51, followed by a 1-digit area code for Lima or a 2-digit area code for other regions, and then a 7-digit local number. This format is consistent across the country.

To give you a better idea, a phone number in Lima might look like this: +51 1 2345678, where +51 is the country code, 1 is the area code, and 2345678 is the subscriber number.

In Peru, fixed land lines have a distinct way of being dialed. The number of digits in a fixed land line number depends on the location.

In the Metropolitan Area of Lima and Callao, fixed land line numbers have seven digits. This is a notable difference from other parts of the country.

In the rest of the country, fixed land line numbers have six digits.

If you're planning to make a call to a fixed land line in Peru, you'll want to know the correct dialing sequence. The examples below will guide you through it.

Here's a summary of the dialing sequences for fixed land lines in Peru:

For domestic dialing within Peru, there's a specific rule to keep in mind. When calling a mobile phone, do not dial the '0' trunk prefix.

Area codes in Peru are used to identify specific geographic regions for phone calls, ensuring accurate routing and connection. They are necessary for both domestic and international dialing.

Peruvian area codes are 2 digits long, except for Lima and Callao, which have a single digit area code of 1. This is because Lima and Callao are the capital and largest city in Peru, respectively.

Here is a list of area codes for major cities in Peru:

Using local phone area codes in Peru enhances business credibility, boosts customer engagement, meets regulatory requirements, and increases call response rates.

Mobile calls in Peru are a bit unique. From September 4, 2010, a national Mobile Virtual Area was created, making all mobile numbers non-geographical.

In Peru, a cell-phone number starts with a 9, thanks to the mobile virtual area that eliminated the use of area codes for mobile numbers.

If you're planning a trip to Peru or just trying to reach a friend there, it's good to know that mobile numbers are now nine digits long: 9xx xxx xxx.

To call a mobile number in Peru, you'll need to dial the nine-digit number, starting with a 9.

Here are the access codes for some of the major mobile operators in Peru:

Calling a fixed line in Peru from abroad requires dialing your country's exit code, followed by Peru's country code (+51), the area code, and the local number. For instance, to call a Lima landline from the US or Canada, dial 011-51-1-1234567.

To dial a Peruvian number from abroad, use the format: country's exit code +51 + area code + phone number. For example, to call a Lima landline from the US or Canada, dial 011-51-1-1234567.

You can choose a carrier for international calls different from your usual carrier/provider in Peru, known as "call by call" (Llamada por llamada). Each carrier uses a 4-digit prefix (format 19XX).

To write a Peru phone number internationally, start with your country's exit code, followed by Peru's country code (+51), and then the local number. Use the plus sign (+) before the country code if dialing from a mobile phone.

Here are the area codes for major cities in Peru:

You can also use the international prefix (011) when calling abroad from the US or Canada, followed by Peru's country code (51), the area code, and the local number.

Calling and dialing in Peru can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. To call a fixed line in Peru, you need to dial the international access code of the country you're calling from, followed by Peru's country code (+51), the area code, and the phone number.

From North America, it's 011 + 51 + area code + phone number. For example, if you're calling a number in Lima, you would dial 011 + 51 + 1 + phone number.

If you're calling a mobile number in Peru, you need to dial the carrier's prefix (such as 1911 for Movistar) followed by the phone number.

To call abroad from Peru, you can choose a different carrier for international calls, known as "call by call" (Llamada por llamada). Each carrier uses a 4-digit prefix (format 19XX).

To dial a Peru phone number from abroad, you need to enter your country's exit code, followed by Peru's country code (+51), the area code, and the local number. For example, to call a Lima landline (01 234 5678) from abroad, you would dial +51 1 234 5678.

Here's a list of common area codes for major cities in Peru:

Using local phone area codes in Peru enhances business credibility, boosts customer engagement, meets regulatory requirements, and increases call response rates.

To dial a Peru phone number internationally, start with your country's exit code, followed by Peru's country code (+51), and then the local number.

If dialing from a mobile phone, use the plus sign (+) before the country code. For domestic calls within Peru, simply dial the local number directly, or include the area code before the local number if calling a different area.

Area codes for major cities in Peru include Lima (1), Cusco (84), Arequipa (54), Trujillo (44), Chiclayo (74), Piura (73), Iquitos (65), Puno (51), and others.

To verify a Peru phone number, check if it follows the format: +51, a 1-digit area code for Lima or a 2-digit area code for other regions, and a 7-digit local number.

In Peru, you'll find various special number categories beyond standard landline and mobile numbers. These categories serve specific purposes and have distinct prefixes.

Peru's toll-free numbers start with 0800, followed by 5 digits, making it easy to reach customer service or technical support without incurring a cost.

Peru has a range of special numbers, including premium rate numbers starting with 0805, which are used for services like voting systems, entertainment, and professional consultations.

Here's a breakdown of the special number categories:

In Peru, you'll find various types of numbers, each with its own unique characteristics. A toll-free number, for instance, starts with 0800 followed by 5 digits and allows callers to reach businesses without incurring any charges.

Local numbers, on the other hand, are tied to a specific geographic area and may incur charges for the caller. This is a key distinction from toll-free numbers.

Some numbers are designed for special purposes. For example, emergency services in Peru include 105 (Police), 116 (Fire), and other specialized services.

Premium Rate numbers, used for services like voting systems, entertainment, and professional consultations, start with 0805 followed by 5 digits. This is in contrast to Shared Cost numbers, which start with 0801 followed by 5 digits and are used for services where the cost is shared between the caller and receiver.

Related reading: Access-independent Services

Government Services often use 1800 series numbers for priority routing. This is a convenient way for citizens to access important government services.

Here's a summary of special number categories in Peru:

A typical Peruvian phone number has 9 digits. This includes a 1-digit area code for Lima or a 2-digit area code for other regions, followed by a 7-digit local number.

Peru phone numbers starting with 1-800 or 1-888 are toll-free numbers, allowing callers to reach businesses without incurring charges. These numbers are often used for customer service and support.

The country code for Peru is +51, and it's essential to include this code when dialing internationally to reach a Peruvian phone number.

To dial a phone number in Peru internationally, start with your country's exit code, followed by Peru's country code, and then the local number. Use the plus sign (+) before the country code if dialing from a mobile phone.

The country code for Peru is unique and necessary to route your call to the correct country. It's like a special address that helps your call find its way to the right destination.

If you're calling Peru from abroad, you can use the following format: 011 + 51 + area code + phone number. For example, if you're calling a number in Lima, you would dial 011 + 51 + 1 + phone number.

Here's a list of the country code and exit code for Peru:

Remember to include the country code and area code when dialing a Peruvian phone number, and don't forget to remove any initial zeros from the local number.

Calling Peru explained: dial 011, followed by 51, and then the phone number (without the initial 0). This is the standard format for making calls from the US or Canada.

To call within Peru, you don't need to dial the '0' trunk prefix for mobile phones, as long as the phone number starts with '9'.

For international calls, Peru uses a system called "call by call", where you can choose a carrier with better rates for each call. Each carrier uses a 4-digit prefix, such as 19XX.

Here's a quick rundown of how to call Peru from abroad:

International long distance calls can be a bit tricky, but with the right information, you'll be making calls like a pro. To call a fixed line in Peru, you'll need to dial the international prefix, which is 011, followed by the country code, which is 51.

You'll also need to dial the area code and phone number. For example, to call a fixed line in Lima, you'd dial 011 511 1234567. The same goes for calling a fixed line in Cusco, where you'd dial 011 5184 123456. Interestingly, the area code for Machu Picchu is the same as Cusco.

Here's a quick reference guide to help you make international long distance calls:

If you're calling from North America, you can use the format 011 + 51 + area code + phone number. From Europe or most APAC countries, use 00 + 51 + area code + phone number. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and it's always a good idea to check with your carrier for specific instructions.

In Peru, you can call a mobile number by dialing the 9 at the beginning of the phone number.

Mobile phone numbers in Peru start with a 9, and you won't need to use an area code.

To call within Peru, you shouldn't dial the '0' trunk prefix for calls to mobile phones.

Here's a list of mobile virtual area codes for various service providers:

Peruvian phone numbers are a bit unique, and understanding them can be helpful when making or receiving calls. A local number in Peru is tied to a specific geographic area and may incur charges for the caller.

Toll-free numbers, on the other hand, allow callers to reach businesses without incurring any charges. They often start with 0800.

Peru phone numbers typically have 9 digits, including a 1-digit area code for Lima or a 2-digit area code for other regions, followed by a 7-digit local number. Some toll-free numbers begin with 1-800 or 1-888.

Telephone numbers in Peru are made up of a country code, area code, and subscriber number. The country code for Peru is +51.

A phone number in Lima might look like this: +51 1 2345678, where +51 is the country code, 1 is the area code for Lima, and 2345678 is the subscriber number.

Peru's telecommunications sector has undergone a dramatic transformation since the 1990s, moving from a state-owned monopoly to a competitive market regulated by OSIPTEL.

Key milestones in this evolution include the privatization of telecommunications in 1994, which involved the auctioning of state-owned companies to Telefónica de España, and the implementation of mobile number portability (MNP) in 2010, empowering consumers to switch carriers while retaining their numbers.

The MNP process initially faced challenges with long porting times and complex procedures, but was later streamlined and secured through further regulations in 2021 and 2025, focusing on improved efficiency and security for users.

Here are the major milestones in Peru's telecommunications evolution:

Looking ahead, OSIPTEL is actively shaping the future of Peru's numbering plan to accommodate emerging technologies like 5G and the growing need for numbers for connected devices.

Peru's telecommunications sector has undergone a dramatic transformation since the 1990s.

The privatization of telecommunications began in 1994, marking a shift towards a more open market. This involved the auctioning of state-owned companies Compaña Peruana de Teléfonos S.A. (CPT) and Entel Perú to Telefónica de España, which was later merged into CPT.

Mobile number portability (MNP) was implemented in 2010, allowing consumers to switch carriers while retaining their numbers. However, initial implementation faced challenges with long porting times and complex procedures.

Fixed number portability (FNP) was launched in 2014, extending the benefits of number portability to landlines. This coincided with the standardization of 9-digit mobile numbers and a shift to a more streamlined MNP process managed by a new administrator.

Discover more: Compagnie Générale De La Télégraphie Sans Fil

Key milestones in Peru's telecommunications evolution include:

These reforms have fostered competition, improved service quality, and given consumers more choices.

The future of telecommunications is an exciting and rapidly evolving field. Peru's OSIPTEL is actively shaping the future of the country's numbering plan to accommodate emerging technologies like 5G and beyond.

One of the key areas of focus is IoT device integration, which is becoming increasingly important as more devices become connected. This requires a growing number of numbers for these devices, which OSIPTEL is addressing.

OSIPTEL manages number resource allocation through a structured process involving application, technical evaluation, and implementation phases. This ensures responsible and efficient use of the limited number resource.

To give you an idea of the types of emerging technologies OSIPTEL is accommodating, here are some of the key areas:

These changes will have a significant impact on how we communicate and access services, and it's great to see OSIPTEL taking a proactive approach to shaping the future of telecommunications in Peru.