Stay Connected in Colombia
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Colombia's connectivity situation has improved quite a bit over the past few years, though it's still a mixed bag depending on where you're headed. In major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, you'll find decent 4G coverage and increasingly common WiFi in cafes, hotels, and coworking spaces. The network infrastructure is actually pretty solid in urban areas, with speeds that work well enough for video calls and streaming. That said, once you venture into more remote regions—think the Amazon, parts of the Pacific coast, or rural coffee country—coverage gets spotty, fair warning. Most travelers find staying connected reasonably straightforward, especially if you sort out your mobile data situation before or right after landing. The good news is you've got several viable options, from eSIMs to local SIM cards, each with their own trade-offs worth considering.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Colombia.
Network Coverage & Speed
Colombia has three main mobile carriers: Claro, Movistar, and Tigo, with Claro generally having the widest coverage across the country. In cities, you can expect 4G speeds that typically range from 10-30 Mbps, which handles most travel needs without issue—maps, messaging, social media, even video calls work reasonably well. Claro tends to have the edge in rural coverage, while Movistar and Tigo compete more aggressively on pricing in urban areas. 5G is starting to roll out in Bogotá and Medellá, though it's not something most travelers need to worry about yet. The network quality in tourist hubs like Cartagena's old town, the Zona Cafetera, and San Andrés is generally reliable. Where things get tricky is in mountainous regions and remote areas—the Andes can create dead zones, and places like Tayrona National Park or La Guajira have patchy coverage at best. WiFi is widely available in accommodations and cafes in cities, though speeds vary considerably. Most mid-range and upscale hotels have decent connections, while budget hostels can be hit or miss.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIMs have become a genuinely practical option for Colombia, especially if your phone supports them (most iPhones from XS onwards and many recent Android devices do). The main advantage is convenience—you can buy and activate a plan before you even leave home, and you'll have data the moment you land. No hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no dealing with passport photocopies. Providers like Airalo offer Colombia-specific plans that are competitively priced, typically ranging from $10-30 depending on data allowance and duration. The cost is usually a bit higher than local SIMs—maybe 20-30% more—but for most travelers, that premium is worth it for the hassle you avoid. The instant connectivity is particularly valuable if you need to arrange airport pickup or navigate to your accommodation right away. The main downside is you can't top up as easily if you run out, and you won't have a local number for calling Colombian businesses or hotels, though most communication happens via WhatsApp anyway.
Local SIM Card
If you decide to go the local SIM route, you've got a few options for where to buy. The airport in Bogotá has official carrier kiosks, though they're not always the cheapest and can have queues. You'll typically find better deals at carrier stores in the city—Claro, Movistar, and Tigo have shops throughout major cities. You'll need your passport for registration, and they'll usually make a photocopy. Tourist plans are commonly available, with something like 5-10GB running around 20,000-40,000 COP ($5-10 USD), which is genuinely cheaper than most eSIM options. Activation is usually immediate, and staff can help set up your APN settings if needed. The main hassle is the time investment—you might spend 30-60 minutes sorting this out, and in smaller cities, English-speaking staff can be limited. Top-ups are easy enough through apps or convenience stores once you're set up. If you're staying more than a month, this route makes more financial sense, and having a local number can occasionally be useful for deliveries or booking local services.
Comparison
Here's the honest breakdown: Local SIMs are the cheapest option, typically 20-30% less than eSIMs, but require time and effort to set up. eSIMs cost a bit more but offer immediate connectivity and zero hassle—you're connected before you clear customs. International roaming from your home carrier is almost always the most expensive option and usually only makes sense for very short trips where you can't be bothered with anything else. For most travelers, the eSIM sweet spot is trips under a month where convenience matters. Local SIMs make more sense for longer stays or if you're on a really tight budget.
Staying Safe on Public WiFi
Public WiFi in Colombia—whether at your hotel, airport, or that café you're working from—comes with real security risks that are worth taking seriously. Unencrypted networks make it relatively easy for others on the same network to intercept what you're doing, which is particularly concerning when you're accessing banking apps, booking accommodations, or dealing with passport and travel documents. As a traveler, you're actually a more attractive target since you're likely making purchases and accessing sensitive information regularly. A VPN encrypts your connection, essentially creating a secure tunnel for your data even on sketchy networks. It's one of those things that feels unnecessary until you actually need it. NordVPN is a solid option that works reliably in Colombia and is straightforward to set up even if you're not particularly tech-savvy. Worth having running whenever you're on public WiFi, honestly.
Protect Your Data with a VPN
When using hotel WiFi, airport networks, or cafe hotspots in Colombia, your personal data and banking information can be vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your passwords, credit cards, and private communications safe from hackers on the same network.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from Airalo. You'll have connectivity the moment you land, which matters more than you might think when you're navigating a new country and possibly dealing with a language barrier. The time and stress you save easily justifies the modest extra cost over a local SIM. Budget travelers: If you're genuinely on a shoestring budget, local SIMs are cheaper—probably 20-30% less than eSIM options. That said, factor in the time cost of finding a shop, waiting in line, and sorting out activation. For most people, the eSIM convenience is worth a few extra dollars. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIMs make more sense here. The cost savings add up over time, and you'll benefit from having a local number for deliveries, bookings, and general life admin. The upfront hassle pays off. Business travelers: eSIM is really your only practical option. Your time is too valuable to spend hunting for SIM cards, and you need reliable connectivity immediately for meetings, emails, and staying productive. Set it up before you travel and don't think about it again.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Colombia.
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