The 51 country code belongs to Peru. Whether you're calling Lima, Cusco, or anywhere else in Peru, the +51 prefix connects you to the country's 34 million residents.
Quick Answer: The country code +51 is for Peru. Mobile numbers have 9 digits (starting with 9) and landlines vary by region. A Lima landline looks like
+51 1 234 5678and a mobile like+51 912 345 678.
How to Call Peru: Quick Reference
The dialing format depends on where you're calling from and whether you're using a mobile or landline. Here's a reference table for the most common countries.
| Calling From | Dialing Format |
|---|---|
| US/Canada Mobile | +51 [number] |
| US/Canada Landline | 011-51-[number] |
| Spain | 00-51-[number] |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 00-51-[number] |
| Chile | 00-51-[number] |
| Colombia | 00-51-[number] |
Peru has a significant diaspora. Over 600,000 Peruvians live in the United States, with large communities in New Jersey, Florida, and California. Spain, Chile, and Argentina also have sizable Peruvian populations.
Understanding Peruvian Phone Numbers
Peru's phone system uses different formats for mobile and landline numbers, and landline length varies between Lima and the rest of the country.
Mobile Numbers
Peruvian mobile numbers follow a consistent format nationwide:
- Length: Always 9 digits after +51.
- Starting Digit: Mobile numbers always start with 9.
- Example:
+51 912 345 678or+51 987 654 321. - No area code needed: Mobile numbers work the same regardless of location in Peru.
Landline Numbers (Fixed Line)
Peruvian landlines use area codes, and the total length depends on the region:
- Lima: Area code 1 + 7-digit local number = 8 digits total. Example:
+51 1 234 5678. - Provinces: 2-digit area code + 6-digit local number = 8 digits total. Example: Cusco
+51 84 234 567. - Trunk Prefix: When calling domestically, add 0 before the area code (e.g., 01 for Lima). Drop the 0 for international calls.
Peru Area Codes Reference Table
Here are the area codes for major Peruvian cities. Lima uses a single-digit code; all other cities use 2-digit codes.
| City | Area Code | International Format |
|---|---|---|
| Lima | 1 | +51 1 XXX XXXX |
| Arequipa | 54 | +51 54 XXX XXX |
| Cusco | 84 | +51 84 XXX XXX |
| Trujillo | 44 | +51 44 XXX XXX |
| Chiclayo | 74 | +51 74 XXX XXX |
| Piura | 73 | +51 73 XXX XXX |
| Huancayo | 64 | +51 64 XXX XXX |
| Iquitos | 65 | +51 65 XXX XXX |
| Tacna | 52 | +51 52 XXX XXX |
| Puno | 51 | +51 51 XXX XXX |
Note: Lima is the only city with a single-digit area code (1). This gives Lima landlines 7 local digits, while provincial cities have 6 local digits. The total after +51 is always 8 digits for landlines.
Mobile vs. Landline: How to Tell the Difference
You can identify a +51 number type by its first digit:
- Starts with 9: Always a mobile number (9 digits total).
- Starts with 1: A Lima landline (8 digits total).
- Starts with any other digit: A provincial landline (8 digits total).
This distinction matters because calling rates to mobile and landline numbers often differ.
Dialing Examples
Here are practical examples for calling different types of Peruvian numbers from various locations:
Example 1: Calling a Lima Landline from the US
- Peruvian Number: (01) 234-5678 (Lima area code 1, domestic format with trunk prefix 0)
- From a US Mobile:
+51 1 234 5678 - From a US Landline:
011 51 1 234 5678
Example 2: Calling a Peruvian Mobile from the US
- Peruvian Number: 912-345-678
- From a US Mobile:
+51 912 345 678 - From a US Landline:
011 51 912 345 678
Example 3: Calling a Cusco Landline from Spain
- Peruvian Number: (084) 234-567 (Cusco area code 84, domestic format with trunk prefix 0)
- From Spain:
00 51 84 234 567
Example 4: Calling from the UK
- Peruvian Number: Any mobile (e.g., 987-654-321)
- From the UK:
00 51 987 654 321
Best Times to Call Peru
Peru operates on Peru Time (PET), which is UTC-5 year-round. Peru does not observe daylight saving time.
Here's how Peru's time relates to other major time zones:
| Your Location | Time Difference | Call Peru 9 AM - 6 PM |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast (EST) | Same time (winter) | 9 AM - 6 PM EST |
| US East Coast (EDT) | Peru is 1 hour behind | 10 AM - 7 PM EDT |
| US West Coast (PST) | Peru is 3 hours ahead | 6 AM - 3 PM PST |
| UK (GMT) | Peru is 5 hours behind | 2 PM - 11 PM GMT |
| Spain (CET) | Peru is 6 hours behind | 3 PM - 12 AM CET |
Tip: Peru shares the same time zone as the US East Coast in winter (UTC-5), making it straightforward to schedule calls during business hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A simple error can prevent your call from connecting. Here are the most common mistakes when dialing the 51 country code:
- Including the trunk prefix: When calling internationally, drop the leading 0 from the domestic number. Dial +51 1 (not +51 01) for Lima.
- Confusing country codes: Don't mix up +51 (Peru) with +52 (Mexico), +53 (Cuba), or +56 (Chile).
- Wrong digit count: Mobile numbers are 9 digits; landlines are 8 digits (area code + local). Adding or removing a digit will cause the call to fail.
- Daylight saving confusion: Peru stays on UTC-5 year-round. During US summer, the time offset changes by 1 hour.
Cheapest Ways to Call +51 Numbers
International calls to Peru don't have to be expensive. While traditional carriers can charge $1-$3 per minute, better options exist:
- VoIP Services: Services like CallSky.io offer competitive per-minute rates to Peru. Check our international calling rates.
- Messaging Apps: WhatsApp is widely used in Peru and allows free calls over WiFi or data.
- International Calling Plans: Some carriers include Peru in their international bundles. Check our guide to the best apps for WiFi calling.
With a large Peruvian community in the US, many calling services offer competitive rates to Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What country has the +51 country code?
The +51 country code is for Peru. Any call from a number starting with +51 originates from Peru.
How many digits is a Peruvian phone number?
Peruvian mobile numbers have 9 digits after the +51 country code (always starting with 9). Landline numbers are 8 digits total: Lima uses area code 1 + 7 local digits, while provinces use a 2-digit area code + 6 local digits.
What is the area code for Lima?
The area code for Lima is 1. For international calls, dial +51 1 followed by the 7-digit local number.
What is the area code for Cusco?
The area code for Cusco is 84. Internationally, dial +51 84 followed by the 6-digit local number.
How do I call Peru from the USA?
From a mobile phone, dial +51 followed by the Peruvian number. From a landline, dial the US exit code 011, then 51, then the number. Remember to drop the domestic trunk prefix (0).
What time should I call Peru from the US?
Peru is on UTC-5 year-round, the same as US Eastern Time in winter. During US summer (EDT), Peru is 1 hour behind.
Is +51 Peru or Mexico?
+51 is the country code for Peru. The country code for Mexico is +52.
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