Stay Connected in Lima & Peru - Media Access

News, Media & Communication Technology in Peru

Since 1990 Peru has one of the freest and most varied presses in the world, with virtually no curbs on what is published. There is quite a wide selection of informative media available airing sometimes quite controversial views and criticism of the current political situation and economical decisions. Other newspapers for example the "El Peruano" publish a daily listing of decrees and government proceedings passed by the congress informing the citizens about changes. Peru has a selection of various state and privately owned television channels and radio stations, providing relatively well-balanced news, international and national music.

Modern technology brought the Internet with all its possibilities of additional information sources and social networks. The infrastructure with phone lines, cable TV (digital, HD), WiFi and Internet is in Lima available to the population that can afford it as the prices compared on an international level are quite high. The communication technology in Peru mainly focuses on the provinces along the cost and mayor cities spread across the country. More and more international operator are constantly improving the situation due to a good and stable economy.

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Peruvian Newspapers in Lima

In Lima a wide variety of newspapers is published. Around every corner you find a kiosk selling numerous dailies, well respected and reputable ones as well as lots of yellow press publications. Most newspapers have their own web page. Here you can either read the latest news or flick through a digital version of the latest edition. All Peruvian dailies are of course written in Spanish. For Peruvian news in English check out established web sites.

In case you are homesick and would like to read a newspaper from back home, go to the Ovalo in Miraflores. Here street vendors sell quite expensive and a few days old papers from the US and Europe. Or have a look at Zeta bookstores either on Av. Espinar block 2 or Larcomar both in Miraflores. They sell foreign newspapers and magazines.

Peruvian Radio Stations (Lima Frequencies)

Listening to the radio is a great way to improve your Spanish skills and get a feeling for the Peruvian music scene. Very popular here with young and old are Creole music, Cumbia, Salsa and Reggae; so quite a lot radio stations broadcast this music style. If you once in a while miss the good old Rock & Pop music in English, no worries, you won't be left out in the cold. Almost all stations have a web page where you can listen online. Below you can find a selection of Peruvian radio stations broadcasting either only in Lima or nationwide with the frequencies for Lima.

Peruvian TV Channels & International TV in Peru

For most of us television is an important must even when being on holidays. With the introduction of satellite and cable TV in Peru, we now can enjoy, depending on the provider, around 150 channels including HD transmissions; only very few are national programs, the rest include international TV channels (movie, news, documentary, entertainment...), mostly from the US that are broadcasted in Spanish and English and some other foreign language channels.

When you are residing in one of the better hotels you quite surely have a TV on your room and can zap through the channels as you please. Most hostels have a TV room. Or just stop by one of the numerous small bars or restaurants where the TV is switched on the whole day. Here you can enjoy an afternoon with Peruvian news, sports or the latest telenovela (soap opera). A good way to improve your Spanish listening skills and get informed about what's going on in the country. As most of you are familiar with the international channels, below an introduction to Peruvian TV channels.

Cellphones & Mobile Phone Provider in Peru

If you want to bring your cell phone with you to Lima, make sure it works in Peru. To avoid frequency compatibility problems best have a GSM multi-band phone. While you can use your SIM card from home, be aware of high roaming charges. To avoid these fees, you can buy a quite inexpensive local pre-paid SIM card (incl. internet, e-mail,… for smartphone users) directly at Jorge Chavez International Airport which you can exchange for your original one as long as you have an unlocked cell.

Another option is to rent a local mobile phone incl. a local SIM card at the airport. You can choose between two providers: Claro and Movistar. Just have a chat with the nice young ladies waiting for potential customers before you get your luggage and pick a plan that best suits your needs. The mobile can be returned at the airport next to the food parlor before you leave.

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WiFi Access in Lima, Peru

State of the art technology didn't pass by Peru completely. In Lima you find numerous public places with free Wi-Fi. Some hotels and hostels as well as a few cafés, especially in Miraflores and San Isidro, also offer this service to their customers. All Starbucks have Wi-Fi, most are free, but at some places you are charged.

At Jorge Chavez International Airport you have free Wi-Fi at the waiting hall, at the VIP lounge, at Peru Plaza (food court) and at the national and international departure hall. Here you can find an "internet café" as well. Prices are around US$ 1.50 to US$ 2.- per hour.

Other public places with free Wi-Fi include Parque Kennedy / Parque de la Exposicion in Miraflores at the roundabout, the Municipality in Miraflores on Av. Larco (at the waiting hall and library), Parque de la Amistad at the corner of Av. Benavides and Caminos del Inca in Surco and parts of the district of Magdalena del Mar.

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Internet Cafes in Lima, Peru