Sim Card For Colombia: How To Get Internet & WhatsApp
Editeur
Last updated
You’ve decided to explore Colombia, but even if you dream of an adventurous trip, you don’t want to disconnect from the world completely 😉
You’re wondering if you can use your phone, have internet access, or need a local SIM card (or maybe an eSIM?).
Before settling in Colombia, I traveled around the country and had the same questions. Here are my tips to stay connected and travel stress-free!
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Getting Internet and a SIM Card in Colombia
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Getting internet in Colombia
A little boost from technology for your adventure.
Even if you’re not the type to spend your life online, having internet access in Colombia will simplify the logistics of your trip and give you peace of mind.
You can contact a hotel or agency to confirm reservations or get information and easily call an Uber for city transport.
It will also help you handle unexpected changes to your itinerary or adjust the program if you decide to make modifications.
Internet will come in handy for navigation with apps like Google Maps, whether using GPS or checking bus schedules.
With apps like WhatsApp, you can communicate with your local contacts and keep in touch with loved ones back home. And if you’re not confident in Spanish, online translators will be a lifesaver!
3G and 4G networks (with 5G recently available) are generally good and stable in Colombia’s major cities and tourist areas. Even in smaller towns, it’s relatively easy to find a connection.
Most hotels, hostels, aparthotels, Airbnb rentals, restaurants, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi to their guests. Just ask for the login details and enjoy 😉
If you want to be sure about the quality of the internet where you’ll be staying, check traveler reviews on this topic or ask the owner for a screenshot of the speed test.
Connectivity is more challenging in rural and more remote areas, like the high mountains or the Amazon. Be prepared to live “off the grid” for a few days. I recommend doing your research and bookings in advance before venturing far from civilization.
Outside of restaurants, cafes, and accommodations, you’ll find Free Wi-Fi hotspots in some public places like parks, plazas, airports, bus stations, and shopping malls, especially in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena.
However, the quality of public networks can be inconsistent or weak. Since these are open networks, they’re not secure, making you vulnerable to hacking. To protect your data, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Keep in mind that access may also be time-limited or restricted in terms of data usage.
If you plan to work remotely in Colombia, stick to the major cities where internet connections are more reliable. I recommend booking Airbnb or hotels catering to digital nomads. Before making a reservation, request a speed test screenshot to check the internet speed.
You could also work from a cozy café, combining business with pleasure while enjoying a great cup of Colombian coffee.
In remote areas, connectivity remains a challenge, even with the arrival of Starling from SpaceX. Bad weather and power outages can affect network quality. Plus, speed may drop as more users come online, though it remains workable.
I sometimes use my phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot for a quick fix, as long as I’m in a 4G coverage area.
If you’re traveling around the country, you’ll likely need to use your phone to access the internet, and depending on your provider and plan, this could get expensive.
Before your trip, check with your mobile carrier to understand the rates and conditions for using your plan in Colombia.
Few providers include Colombia in their standard mobile plans. Outside of these, some offer international passes with limited data, calls, and texts for a set duration.
A more straightforward solution is to buy a local SIM card from a Colombian carrier when you arrive—this is my preferred option—or purchase an eSIM online.
Your choice of prepaid plans will depend on the length of your stay, your travel itinerary, and how much data you’ll need.
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Buying a SIM card in Colombia
Affordable and easy.
As you’ve likely realized, depending on your plan and how often you use your phone, you could easily exceed your limit and face steep roaming charges. The last thing you want is to return from your fantastic trip to a hefty phone bill!
In France, Free offers a great no-contract plan for internet usage that covers Colombia. Calls and SMS aren’t included, but you can still use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends, family, and local contacts.
Orange sells a temporary pass (31 days), but most other providers don’t offer anything worthwhile.
Getting a local prepaid SIM card is your best bet for the most budget-friendly solution in Colombia. Not only is it economical, but you’ll also enjoy high-quality service with strong connectivity and speeds.
Buying a local SIM card in Colombia is easy, regardless of the provider.
While getting your SIM at the airport may be tempting, expect to pay 4 to 5 times more than you would elsewhere.
SIM cards can be found in corner stores, street kiosks (though I’m a bit wary of these), stationery shops, and even pharmacies, including in small villages. Look for the logos of the main telecom operators.
I recommend buying your SIM in an official store to ensure everything is correctly set up and your plan is activated. You can also ask the staff to register your phone to prevent it from being “blocked” after a month—a rule designed to combat the illegal trade of stolen phones. It’s a good measure, but it’s frustrating if it catches you off guard!
To purchase a SIM in Colombia, you’ll need an unlocked phone and a valid ID (like your passport) unless you’re buying from a kiosk or corner store.
In Colombia, the three main operators are Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. All offer prepaid plans with no contracts. You can recharge based on your needs, selecting plans by duration, data amount, and call minutes.
I prefer Claro for its excellent coverage across the country, though it struggles in remote areas like the Amazon or Los Llanos. I haven’t tried Tigo, but it has a solid reputation, though with fewer high-data options.
My go-to is Claro’s “Todo Incluido 30 días” plan, which offers 30GB of data and unlimited calls. There’s also a 12GB plan with unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook, though I don’t find it very useful. You can browse their plans here.
Prices are reasonable: a SIM card costs between 4,000 and 8,000 COP (except at the airport), and for under 10 USD, you can get a month’s plan with enough data for general use (excluding streaming and heavy remote work).
Your SIM card could be blocked after 20 to 30 days if your phone isn’t registered in Colombia.
To avoid this, you must register your device using its IMEI, a unique number that identifies your phone. You can find your IMEI by dialing *#06#. Each operator has a different registration process, which is explained here in Spanish.
You can visit this page to check if your phone has been blocked in Colombia.
The easiest way to handle this is to buy your SIM card at an official store and ask the staff to register your phone. They’ll need your passport and IMEI to complete the process. If you buy your SIM from a street kiosk or corner store, they won’t handle registration, so keep that in mind!
You may need to reload your mobile plan during your stay in Colombia.
Start by checking your balance on your phone. If you’re using a Claro SIM card, dial *611#. This code also displays your phone number if you need a reminder.
If your plan runs out, head to any tienda or pharmacy offering “recarga para celular” (mobile top-ups). These are easy to spot by the Claro, Movistar, or Tigo logos displayed at the entrance.
Provide your phone number and specify the plan or amount you want to recharge.
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Buying an eSIM
A quick online purchase but more expensive.
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card you purchase online and activate through a mobile operator’s app. It allows you to use a plan without needing a physical SIM card.
Before buying an eSIM for Colombia, the first step is to ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with eSIM technology. You can check this by downloading the free eSIM.me app from the Play Store.
During the online purchase process, you’ll receive a QR code, which you’ll scan to activate your eSIM.
Some phones can support multiple eSIMs simultaneously.
An eSIM is a hassle-free solution if your current mobile plan doesn’t cover Colombia or if you’d rather not deal with buying a local SIM.
The process is straightforward—no need to show ID or hunt for an official store, and you’ll be connected as soon as your plane lands in Colombia. It’s perfect for trips under a month.
It’s a great choice if you’re a digital nomad and plan to use your phone as a hotspot, as many eSIMs offer unlimited data (though some e-sims may restrict tethering).
You can keep your physical SIM active to continue receiving calls and texts, and since eSIMs store information digitally, they provide enhanced security and privacy.
Although an eSIM is more expensive than a local SIM card, it’s still much cheaper than paying roaming fees if you exceed your limit!
To use an eSIM, your phone must be compatible with this technology.
Depending on your eSIM provider, you may be unable to tether your connection to other devices or make local calls, though you can still use WhatsApp for communication.
While the number of eSIM providers is growing, not all are reliable in performance, and there are also scams. You could end up having a poor experience if you don’t do your research.
If you plan to stay in Colombia for an extended period, I recommend getting a local SIM card.
If you choose an eSIM, choose one that uses the Colombian operator Claro‘s network, as it offers the best coverage in the country.
If you don’t want the hassle of searching for a local SIM card upon arrival or worry about staying connected as soon as you land, you can purchase an eSIM with a 2-day plan before your trip. This gives you enough time to buy a local SIM card once you are settled comfortably.
I haven’t personally tried any eSIMs yet, but after doing some research, here are the most reliable providers:
Simoption:
A provider covering a large number of countries. Their eSIMs are more affordable but come with limited data. It’s a good option if you don’t plan to use the internet frequently.
Holafly:
They offer plans ranging from 5 to 90+ days with unlimited data, making it ideal for heavy users. However, it’s pricey, and they use the Movistar network, which doesn’t have the best coverage in Colombia. Plus, this eSIM doesn’t support tethering.
Conecty:
They also offer plans from 5 to 20 days with unlimited data at more competitive prices. They use Telna, a multi-operator network working in 180 countries. However, Conecty is a Colombian company, so their service and information are available only in Spanish.
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Communicating well with Colombians
Ways and communication etiquette in Colombia
This isn’t the most common method of communication in Colombia, so don’t be surprised if few people respond.
Once you arrive in Colombia, you’ll probably need to call the agency you booked your tour with or the owner of the accommodation you’ve rented for your stay.
If you’re calling a mobile number from a landline, dial the number, which will start with 315, 302, 310, or 300, depending on the operator.
If you’re calling a landline number from your mobile, dial 60, followed by the area code and your contact’s phone number.
For example, to reach Bogotá, dial 601; to reach Medellín, 604; and to reach Cartagena, dial 605. The full list of area codes is available here.
Colombians use WhatsApp a lot, making it the easiest way to stay in touch with your contacts in the country.
You only need an internet connection so you avoid relying on the phone network. In Colombia, all mobile operators offer local SIM cards (or eSIMs) with unlimited WhatsApp, so using them will not cost you anything beyond your plan.
Colombians often prefer sending voice messages on WhatsApp rather than typing. They tend to babble, so don’t hesitate to ask if you need them to slow down or repeat.
Additionally, few Colombians speak English or French. You can use a translator like DeepL or ChatGPT to assist you in writing your messages.
The first rule for communicating in Colombia is patience.
You’ll notice that the sense of time or urgency can differ from what you’re used to. Additionally, some Colombians may come across as disorganized or forgetful in business. So, stay calm and composed. 😉
The second rule is politeness.
A Colombian will always start a conversation, whether spoken or written, with a “Hola, ¿cómo estás?” They’ll expect you to respond before getting to the point. Avoid being too direct.
If you feel the response is taking too long, don’t hesitate to follow up politely—always starting with another “Hola, ¿cómo estás?”. The day before a reservation, I like to confirm it with a friendly reminder.
Lastly, ask one question at a time to ensure you get all the information you need.
© Tomplanmytrip
A few technical terms
Roaming, area codes, data, and 4G.
Roaming fees, or international roaming, are the charges your mobile provider applies when you use your phone or mobile data in a foreign country that is not covered by your plan. These fees are notoriously high.
Depending on your plan, disable mobile data before traveling to Colombia. If you’ve decided to get a local SIM card, only turn it back on once you’ve activated it.
Each country or region member of the International Telecommunication Union is assigned an international dialing code, which identifies the country of the phone number you’re calling.
This prefix must precede the phone number when dialing from another country.
The dialing code for Colombia is 57.
By convention, dialing codes are preceded by a “+”. To call an international number from a European country, replace the “+” with “00”, followed by the country code (011 in North America).
For example, if you’re calling a Colombian number from France, dial 0057, followed by the recipient’s phone number.
Data refers to the amount of internet usage (measured in Gigabytes – GB) you consume while browsing online. Be aware that social media can quickly eat through your data allowance.
Before traveling to Colombia, check how much data your mobile plan includes. This will help you decide whether you can rely on your existing plan in Colombia or if it’s better to buy a local SIM card.
3G, 4G, and now 5G represent successive generations (G) of mobile network standards. Each new generation offers faster data transmission speeds than the previous one, reflecting the network’s performance in a given country.
You’ll have access to 5G in Colombia’s major cities, provided your phone is new enough to support it.
© Tomplanmytrip
A bit of helpful vocabulary
A practical guide to phone-related terms in Spanish.
Here are some practical terms to know when buying a local SIM card or topping up your plan:
- Celular – Mobile phone
- Operador – Operator
- Plan Prepago – Prepaid SIM card
- Recarga para celular – Top-up
- Paquete de datos – Data package
- Paquete de minutos – Minutes package
- Registrar el teléfono – Register the phone
- Número de pasaporte – Passport number
Even if your Spanish isn’t perfect, say “recarga,” and the vendor will understand your request. To avoid any mistakes, I advise you to write down your telephone number on a piece of paper😉
The eSIM provider you’ve chosen might only speak Spanish—this is the case with Conecty. Here are the main terms you’ll come across when ordering online. You can also use Google Translate to translate the page.
- Pantalla – screen
- Elige tu plan – choose your plan
- Cobertura – coverage
- EID – IMEI
- Solo datos – data only
- Ilimitado – unlimited
- Consumo – usage
If you want to connect to the Wi-Fi at your accommodation or a café/restaurant.
- Tienes la contraseña del Wifi porfa? – Do you have the Wi-Fi password, please?
- Tienes internet aquí? – Do you have internet here?
Ask people nearby when searching for a carrier’s official store or a shop offering prepaid plans.
Simply use the phrase: “Hola, me puedes indicar una tienda que vende planes prepagos porfa?”
In many Colombian cities, you can easily find stands marked “Minutos” or “Venta de minutos,” often located on busy streets or public squares. They’ll lend you a cellphone, and you’ll only pay for the minutes you use, usually at a reasonable price.
Alternatively, you can visit call centers, dedicated shops, or small sections of general stores (like stationery shops) labeled “Minutos.” Here, you’ll use a fixed-line phone, and the cost remains budget-friendly.
© Tomplanmytrip
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