How to Call Peru
Complete guide to dialing Peru (country code +51)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in South America? Learning how to call Peru doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher, this comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Peru from anywhere in the world. We'll cover the essential dialing instructions, including country codes and area codes, so you can reach both landlines and mobile phones successfully. You'll also discover common mistakes that people make when placing international calls and how to avoid them. Plus, we'll share important insights about Peruvian phone etiquette and provide a helpful list of useful numbers for emergencies, customer service, and travel assistance. Let's get you connected to Peru quickly and confidently.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Peru: Complete International Calling Guide
Calling Peru requires understanding the international dialing format. Peru's country code is +51, and you'll need to follow specific steps depending on your location and the type of number you're calling.
International Dialing Format Structure
The standard format for calling Peru is:
Exit Code + 51 + Area Code + Local Number
Dialing from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 51 (Peru country code)
- Dial the area code and local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 51 (Peru country code)
- Dial the area code and local number
From other countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00), then follow with 51 and the local number.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling Lima landline from USA:
Lima number: (01) 234-5678
Dial: 011-51-1-234-5678
*Note: Drop the leading "0" from the area code*
Example 2 - Calling Cusco landline from UK:
Cusco number: (084) 123-456
Dial: 00-51-84-123-456
*Drop the "0" before 84*
Example 3 - Calling Peruvian mobile from USA:
Mobile number: 987-654-321
Dial: 011-51-987-654-321
*Mobile numbers have no leading zero*
Important Note About Leading Zeros
Peru's landline area codes start with "0" when dialing domestically (01 for Lima, 084 for Cusco). Always drop this leading zero when calling internationally. Mobile numbers (starting with 9) never have a leading zero.
Quick Reference
- Lima landlines: Start with 1 (after removing 0)
- Other city landlines: Two-digit codes (after removing 0)
- Mobile numbers: Nine digits starting with 9
- Emergency services: Cannot be dialed internationally
Following these steps ensures successful connections to any Peruvian number.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Peru, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero - Many Peruvian phone numbers are listed with a leading zero (like 01 for Lima), but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if you see 01-234-5678, dial +51-1-234-5678, not +51-01-234-5678.
Using incorrect exit codes - Different countries use different exit codes (011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). Know your country's exit code or simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones by holding the 0 key.
Confusing the country code with area codes - Peru's country code is +51, not to be confused with Lima's area code (1) or other regional codes. Always dial +51 first, then the area code without the zero.
Incorrect spacing or formatting - While spaces don't technically affect connections, inconsistent formatting causes confusion. Use a standard format like +51-1-234-5678 for clarity.
Not accounting for mobile vs. landline differences - Peruvian mobile numbers start with 9 and require the country code +51 followed by the 9-digit mobile number.
Cultural Etiquette
In Peru, phone etiquette reflects the country's warm and relationship-oriented culture. Understanding these customs will help you communicate more effectively.
Greetings and Formality
Always begin calls with "Aló" (hello) followed by a polite greeting like "Buenos días" (good morning) or "Buenas tardes" (good afternoon). For business calls, use formal titles such as "Señor" or "Señora" with last names until invited to be more casual. Personal calls allow for immediate warmth and friendliness.
Business vs Personal Norms
Business calls should be professional but not cold. Peruvians typically engage in brief small talk before discussing business matters, asking about family or well-being. This relationship-building is important and shouldn't be rushed.
Best Times to Call
Avoid calling during lunch hours (1-3 PM), as this is sacred family time. Business calls work best between 9-11 AM or 3-5 PM. Personal calls are welcome in evenings, but avoid calling after 9 PM unless it's urgent or with close friends.
Voice Messages
When leaving voicemails, speak clearly and always leave your full name and phone number. Peruvians appreciate detailed messages explaining your reason for calling.
Cultural Considerations
Patience is essential—phone service can be inconsistent in some areas. Don't be surprised if conversations run longer than expected; abrupt endings are considered rude. If someone doesn't answer, try again later rather than calling repeatedly, which may seem aggressive.
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Emergency Numbers
Essential Emergency Numbers for Peru:
- Police (Policía): 105
- Fire Department (Bomberos): 116
- Ambulance (SAMU): 106
- Tourist Police (Policía de Turismo): 1105 or (01) 460-0921 in Lima
- General Emergency Number: 911 (available in Lima and major cities)
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Peru. The 911 service operates 24/7 and connects you to police, medical, and fire services in one call.
Important Notes: English-speaking operators are limited, so having basic Spanish phrases ready is advisable. The Tourist Police (POLTUR) is specifically trained to assist foreign visitors and more likely to have English-speaking staff. Response times may vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Consider saving your hotel's address in Spanish for emergencies.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 103: National directory assistance for phone numbers throughout Peru
- 108: Telephone information and customer service queries
International Services
- 109: International operator for placing calls outside Peru
Tourist & Travel Support
- (01) 574-8000: iPeru tourist information hotline (multilingual support available)
- (01) 421-1627: Tourist Police (English-speaking officers)
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly for citizen services. Major embassies are located in Lima's Miraflores and San Isidro districts. Check your government's website for 24-hour emergency numbers.
Additional Helpful Numbers
- 116: Time service
- *611: Mobile operator customer service (varies by carrier)
- (01) 315-1800: Jorge Chávez International Airport information
Keep these numbers accessible alongside emergency contacts during your stay in Peru.
Tips for Calling Peru
When calling Peru, remember the country operates on Peru Time (PET), which is UTC-5 year-round—they don't observe daylight saving time. To find the best calling window, calculate the time difference from your location accordingly.
For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM PET, Monday through Friday. Peruvian companies typically break for lunch between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, so mid-morning or late afternoon works best. Always schedule important business calls in advance via email to ensure availability and demonstrate professionalism.
Consider off-peak calling rates if using traditional phone services—evenings and weekends often cost less. However, verify with your provider as rates vary.
Avoid calling during major Peruvian holidays: New Year's Day, Holy Thursday/Good Friday, Labor Day (May 1), Independence Days (July 28-29), and Christmas. Also be mindful during local festival periods when businesses may close.
For clear communication, speak slowly and confirm details twice—connection quality can vary. If calling mobile phones, ensure you include the country code (+51) and the nine-digit number. Keep a written agenda handy to stay focused despite any language barriers or technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Peru is +51. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Peru from anywhere in the world. It's an essential prefix for connecting your call to Peru's telephone network.
To dial Peru from your cell phone, start with + (or 011 in the US), then dial 51 (Peru's country code), followed by the area code and local number. For example: +51 1 XXX XXXX for Lima numbers. The + symbol is typically accessed by holding the 0 key.
Yes, you should drop the leading zero from the area code when calling Peru internationally. If a local number shows as 01-XXX-XXXX, dial +51 1 XXX XXXX instead. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Peru, not for international dialing.
The cheapest way to call Peru is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Peru.
In Peru, dial 105 for police (Policía Nacional), 116 for fire department (Bomberos), and 117 for medical emergencies (SAMU). These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone. For tourist police assistance, call 0-800-2-3500 or +51 1 460-1060 from abroad.
Yes, you can call Peru directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Peruvian phone number you want to reach, and start calling—no downloads or special software required. It's convenient, easy, and works on any device with internet access.
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