Stay Connected in Colombia
Navigate, share, and stay in touch with our comprehensive eSIM guide for Colombia.
1Introduction to Colombia as a Travel Destination
Traveling in Colombia is an amazing adventure – from the bustling streets of Bogotá to the lush coffee region and Caribbean coast. To make the most of your trip (and stay safe), it's important to have reliable internet on your phone. A good mobile connection helps with navigation, safety, and communication: you can use Google Maps for directions, request rideshares, translate Spanish phrases on the fly, and keep in touch via WhatsApp. While many hotels and cafés offer Wi-Fi, coverage can be hit-or-miss once you venture beyond city centers. This guide covers everything from the country's mobile networks and 4G/5G coverage to choosing the best eSIM for Colombia, plus practical tips for staying connected on the go.
2Mobile and Internet Infrastructure
Colombia has four main mobile operators: Claro, Movistar, Tigo, and WOM. Claro (part of América Móvil) is the largest provider and generally offers the widest nationwide coverage, including in many rural and mountainous regions. In fact, if you plan to explore remote areas, Claro is often the safest bet as it has the most extensive network outside the big cities.
Travelers in Colombia can generally count on 4G/LTE coverage in all major cities and tourist destinations. 4G networks reach nearly the entire population – meaning you'll get a decent 4G signal in most places people live or travel, though deep rural zones (e.g. parts of the Amazon or remote mountain villages) may still only have 3G or no coverage at all. 5G is just emerging in Colombia: the government auctioned 5G spectrum in late 2023, and by early 2024 the big three (Claro, Tigo, Movistar) all launched initial 5G services. 5G is available in select major cities (starting with Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, etc.) with plans to expand coverage through 2024. That said, 5G coverage is still limited to central areas of big cities – the vast majority of Colombia's territory relies on 4G LTE for now.
Network Providers Overview
| Provider | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Claro | Widest nationwide coverage including rural areas | Best for remote regions and mountains; has 4G in most areas and 5G in major cities |
| Movistar | Strong in cities, more limited in countryside | Known for fast speeds in urban areas; beginning 5G rollout |
| Tigo | Good urban and town coverage | Strong 4G availability; expanding 5G in major cities |
| WOM | Primarily in cities and along major routes | Newer entrant with growing network; better in urban areas |
3Guide to Getting Mobile Internet
Local SIM vs eSIM
When figuring out how to get internet in Colombia for tourists, you have two main options: buy a local SIM card after you arrive, or use an international eSIM (digital SIM) that you set up in advance. Local SIM cards offer the cheapest data rates and give you a local +57 phone number for calls or Uber verification if needed. You'll also be on a local network directly, which guarantees the fastest speeds and full network access. The downsides include finding a store after arrival and a registration process – by Colombian law, every SIM must be registered to your passport or ID. International eSIMs offer ultimate convenience – you can purchase and install an eSIM online before your trip and have data service active the moment you land. There's no need for physical SIM cards or visiting a store. You also skip any ID registration in most cases. If your device supports dual SIM, you can use the eSIM for data while still receiving texts or calls on your home SIM. The main downside is higher cost per GB compared to local SIMs.
Where to Buy
If you decide to go the local SIM route, you have a few options. The most convenient is buying a SIM at the airport when you arrive – major airports like Bogotá (El Dorado) and Medellín (MDE) have carrier kiosks or electronics shops that sell SIM kits. Do note that airport prices are higher; you might pay a premium for the convenience. The best approach is to visit an official store of Claro, Movistar, or Tigo in the city (there are shops in malls, shopping districts, etc.). Official retail stores will register your SIM properly and can help configure your phone. For eSIMs, you can purchase online before your trip through providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad. These are installed via a QR code or app and can be activated as soon as you land in Colombia.
4Major Mobile Providers and Plans
Airalo
Airalo is one of the pioneers in the eSIM space and is known for affordable rates. Their Colombia eSIM is called "Chimba" and comes in various data sizes. Airalo offers six Colombia eSIM plans ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB with validities from 7 to 30 days. These are data-only plans (no voice minutes or SMS). Airalo's prices are among the cheapest per GB. One quirk with Airalo's Colombia eSIM is that the company doesn't explicitly state which local network it uses – in practice, it will connect to one of the Colombian carriers to provide service. Airalo allows hotspot/tethering on its plans as long as your device supports it. To buy an Airalo eSIM, you'll need to create an account and complete purchase via their app or website. Airalo now asks for identification when purchasing eSIMs for Colombia.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chimba 1GB | 1 GB | 7 days | ~$7 |
|
| Chimba 3GB | 3 GB | 30 days | ~$11 |
|
| Chimba 10GB | 10 GB | 30 days | ~$28 |
|
Holafly
Holafly markets itself as a premium eSIM with unlimited data options. For Colombia, Holafly offers several unlimited data plans based on duration. The packages range from 5 days to 20 days with unlimited data. All those plans provide uncapped data at a fixed price, which can be very attractive if you're a heavy data user. Keep in mind that "unlimited" is subject to a fair use policy – Holafly doesn't cut you off, but extremely high usage might be throttled. Holafly's eSIM for Colombia is data-only (no calls/SMS), and it's a one-size plan (you can't buy a smaller data package – it's unlimited or nothing). In Colombia, Holafly often connects to either Claro or Movistar (likely whichever has the strongest signal in your area). This is good because it means you're likely on a top-tier network.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited 5 Days | Unlimited* | 5 days | ~$19 |
|
| Unlimited 10 Days | Unlimited* | 10 days | ~$34 |
|
| Unlimited 15 Days | Unlimited* | 15 days | ~$47 |
|
Nomad
Nomad is another well-known international eSIM provider with competitive prices and a good app experience. Nomad's Colombia plans are very similar to Airalo's in structure and cost, ranging from 1 GB (7 days) to 20 GB (45 days). All Nomad plans are prepaid with no additional taxes/fees, and they are data-only (no phone number). Nomad highlights that after you use up your high-speed data, the connection will throttle to 512 kbps for the remainder of the validity period. This means if you hit your data cap, you won't be completely cut off – you'll still have slow internet for basic messaging. In Colombia, Nomad's eSIM will connect to Movistar (and possibly ETB). Movistar is one of the major carriers and provides excellent 4G coverage in all cities and towns, with high speeds in urban areas.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia 1GB | 1 GB | 7 days | ~$4.50 |
|
| Colombia 5GB | 5 GB | 30 days | ~$16 |
|
| Colombia 20GB | 20 GB | 45 days | ~$55 |
|
Local SIM
Local Colombian SIM cards provide excellent value for money with the cheapest data rates. Major providers like Claro, Movistar, and Tigo all offer prepaid tourist-friendly options. You'll get a local Colombian phone number (+57) which is useful for local calls, receiving verification texts, and using local services like Uber. For the absolute best coverage, especially in rural areas, Claro is generally recommended. The downside is that by law every SIM must be registered with your passport ID, which requires paperwork at an official store.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Tourist SIM | 3-5 GB typical | 15-30 days typical | ~$8-15 |
|
| Airport SIM | Varies by carrier | Varies by plan | ~$15-25 |
|
5Device Compatibility and Activation
Before choosing an option, check your phone's capabilities. To use any local SIM or eSIM in Colombia, your device must be carrier-unlocked (not tied to a specific provider back home). Most phones bought outright are unlocked, but if you're on a contract, confirm with your carrier. Also, not all phones support eSIM – eSIM is common in recent iPhones (XR/XS and newer), Google Pixel 3 and above, Samsung Galaxy S20 and above, and many newer Androids. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, you'll need to use a physical SIM for local service. If your phone does have eSIM, you can take advantage of dual SIM functionality, keeping your physical SIM from home installed (to keep your number for texts or verification codes) and adding the Colombian eSIM for data.
6Tips and FAQs for Staying Connected
How can I manage my data wisely in Colombia?
Even if you have a generous plan, it's smart to conserve mobile data for the things that matter. Download offline maps (via Google Maps or Maps.me) for the areas you'll visit – this way navigation won't consume data, and you'll still find your way if you lose signal. Set streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify to offline or lower quality; better yet, download playlists or shows on hotel Wi-Fi. Disable auto-updates and cloud backups on cellular data – your phone can chew through hundreds of MB updating apps or syncing photos if you don't restrict that to Wi-Fi. By being mindful, even a 3–5 GB eSIM plan can last a couple of weeks.
What should I know about tethering/hotspot usage?
If your plan allows tethering, remember that laptops and secondary devices often consume more data (updates, large web pages, etc.). Use hotspot mode only when necessary – for example, to send a quick email from your laptop. If you need to do extensive work online, try to find a café or co-working space with Wi-Fi for that session. Also note the tethering rules of your eSIM: Airalo and Nomad allow it freely, but Holafly restricts tethering heavily (500 MB/day). Tethering can be a lifesaver for a quick task, but don't plan on streaming movies on your laptop via your phone connection unless you have an unlimited plan and it permits hotspot use.
How can I use dual SIM effectively?
One benefit of an eSIM is you don't have to fully give up your regular phone number. If you want to still receive SMS codes from your bank or calls to your number while abroad, use the eSIM for data and keep your physical SIM installed for call/SMS only. Ensure data roaming is off on the physical SIM so that all mobile data uses the eSIM. This way, you can iMessage on your usual number or get that two-factor code via text, all while using the local/data eSIM for internet. It's the best of both worlds for long-term visitors who can't miss important texts from home.
What are my backup connectivity options?
Even with a great SIM or eSIM, there might be moments you find yourself without coverage or low on data. Many businesses in Colombian cities – from Starbucks to local malls – offer free Wi-Fi, so keep an eye out for Wi-Fi networks when you need to download something big. Just use a VPN on public Wi-Fi for security if doing sensitive things. Downloading critical info to your phone ahead of time is wise: e.g. your boarding passes, hotel addresses, a translation phrasebook, and emergency numbers (Colombia's national emergency number is 123). It's also not a bad idea to carry an external battery – using maps and data all day can drain your phone.
Which apps and services are most useful in Colombia?
WhatsApp is ubiquitous in Colombia – locals often prefer it over regular SMS or calls. The good news is WhatsApp uses relatively little data for messaging and even voice calls. Use it to stay in touch with tour guides or hotels (many businesses list a WhatsApp number). For language help, download Spanish in Google Translate for offline use, so you can translate text or speech without internet. Rideshare apps like Uber, DiDi, and Cabify operate in major Colombian cities; having data means you can compare prices and request safe transportation rather than hailing a street taxi.
Conclusion
With the right preparation, your phone will be your trusty travel companion throughout Colombia. For short visits or those prioritizing convenience, an international eSIM offers the easiest solution - you can set everything up before your trip and have internet the moment you land. Airalo and Nomad provide excellent value with affordable data packages, while Holafly's unlimited plans offer peace of mind for heavy data users. For longer stays or the absolute best value, a local SIM from a carrier like Claro will give you the most data for your money, plus a local phone number, though it requires the extra step of registration. Whichever option you choose, having reliable mobile data will enhance your Colombian adventure, helping you navigate safely, translate on the fly, and share your experiences with friends and family back home. ¡Buen viaje!