Colombia
Best SIM and eSIM for Colombia: data plans, Wi‑Fi and phone tips
Buy a Claro eSIM before you travel and activate it on arrival; it gives the widest coverage in cities and works for most 4G data plans – switch to a local physical SIM only if you need service in remote parks where eSIM coverage is thin.
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GuideColombia
Key facts
- Country code
- +57
- Mobile number format
- 10 digits starting with 3
- Main carriers
- Claro (best coverage), Movistar, Tigo
- eSIM availabilitycheck
- Supported by Claro, Movistar and Tigo; thin in Tayrona, Ciudad Perdida and Amazon
- SIM purchase locationscheck
- Airports, malls, authorized stores – passport needed, IMEI registration may apply for stays >90 days
Quick answer
For most travellers the safest bet is a Claro eSIM bought online before departure; it activates instantly, works on 4G in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and most tourist areas, and avoids the need to register a physical SIM.
How to get a SIM or eSIM
Order a Claro eSIM from the carrier’s website or a reputable reseller (e.g., Airalo) 1–2 weeks before travel. You’ll receive a QR code; scan it with your phone’s eSIM manager on arrival and choose a 5‑GB 30‑day plan (≈ USD 15).
If you prefer a physical SIM, buy it at Bogotá’s El Dorado Airport, Medellín’s José María Córdova Airport, or any major mall. Bring your passport; the vendor will register the IMEI. Plans start at 3 GB for 30 days (≈ USD 12).
- Check that your phone supports the carrier’s LTE bands (B3, B4, B7, B28).
- Keep a backup SIM in case of coverage gaps in remote parks.
Wi‑Fi availability
Free Wi‑Fi is common in hotels, cafés and many public squares in Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena. In smaller towns and rural areas Wi‑Fi can be scarce; rely on your eSIM for data.
- City centres: cafés, restaurants and shopping malls usually offer password‑protected Wi‑Fi.
- National parks: limited to visitor centres; plan offline maps beforehand.
Does my phone work in Colombia?
Most modern smartphones (iOS 14+, Android 10+) support the LTE bands used by Claro, Movistar and Tigo. Check the device specifications for bands B3 (1800 MHz), B4 (1700/2100 MHz) and B7 (2600 MHz). If your phone is older or locked to another carrier, a physical SIM from a local shop is the fallback.
Questions people ask
What is the best eSIM for Colombia?
A Claro eSIM bought online before you travel gives the widest 4G coverage in cities and is the easiest way to stay connected without registering a physical SIM.
Does my phone work in Colombia?
If your phone supports LTE bands 3, 4, 7 or 28 it will work with local carriers; most smartphones released after 2018 meet this requirement.
Is Wi‑Fi easy to find in Colombia?
Free Wi‑Fi is common in hotels, cafés and major city squares, but it is limited in rural areas and national parks, so a data‑capable eSIM is recommended.
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM?
Yes, vendors require a passport for registration and may ask for the device’s IMEI, especially for stays longer than 90 days.
Can I keep my home number while using a Colombian eSIM?
Yes, enable call‑forwarding or use dual‑SIM mode if your phone supports it; the eSIM handles data while your home number stays active on the physical SIM.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Colombia guide
Ask about Colombia
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