How to Call Peru From the US: Complete Guide (+51)

How to Dial Peru From the US

Peru uses the country code +51. With over 600,000 Peruvian-Americans in the US — particularly in New Jersey, Florida, New York, and California — Peru is one of the most-called South American countries.

Dialling Format

From a US phone: 011 + 51 + area code + local number

From a mobile with + dialling: +51 + area code + local number

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Peru simplified its dialling in 2020. Landlines in Lima are now 7 digits after the area code. Mobile numbers are 9 digits and do not use an area code — just dial +51 + 9-digit mobile number.

Example Calls

Peruvian Area Codes

Peruvian mobile numbers always start with 9 and are 9 digits total. No area code needed for mobiles — just dial 51 + the 9-digit number. Major carriers: Movistar, Claro, Entel, and Bitel.

Cost Comparison

Best Time to Call Peru

Peru is on Peru Time (PET, UTC-5), the same as US Eastern Standard Time. Peru does not observe daylight saving time.

Same as ET (Nov-Mar): 9 AM in New York = 9 AM in Lima
1 hour behind ET (Mar-Nov): During US daylight saving, Lima is 1 hour behind New York
3 hours ahead of PT (always): 9 AM in LA = 12 PM in Lima

Peru's time zone alignment with the US East Coast makes it one of the easiest South American countries to call. You rarely need to worry about odd hours.

Practical Tips

WhatsApp dominates. Peru has very high WhatsApp adoption. It is used for everything: personal calls, business communication, restaurant reservations, and even government services.
Mobile numbers start with 9. The simplest way to identify a Peruvian mobile: it starts with 9 and is 9 digits. No area code needed.
Fiestas Patrias. July 28-29 are Peru's independence days. Massive celebrations, parades, and family gatherings. An important time to call Peruvian family and friends.
Altitude matters. If calling someone in Cusco (3,400m/11,200ft) or other highland cities, be aware that extreme weather and terrain can occasionally affect connectivity. Generally fine though.
Spanish language. Peru speaks Spanish with a clear, neutral accent that is considered one of the easiest to understand. Quechua is spoken in highland areas.

Summary

To call Peru from the US, dial 011 + 51 + area code + number (landlines) or 011 + 51 + 9-digit number (mobiles). BubblyPhone offers $0.01/min rates. Peru is on the same time zone as the US East Coast, making scheduling easy. WhatsApp is the go-to communication app.