Colombia is quickly rising on every traveler’s must-visit list as it has everything from the beaches of the Caribbean coast to the misty peaks of the Andes. Connecting to the internet is key, but with many SIM card options available, which one should you choose?
We recommend purchasing a virtual SIM card before traveling to Colombia, as it activates once you land. Providers like Holafly and Cellular Abroad have virtual SIM options. Holafly offers good value for money with its unlimited data plans from 5 to 30 days. You can consider local providers like Movistar, Claro, and Tigo, but you might have to stand in line at airports or stores.
We’ll discuss the different SIM card options available for Colombia, including virtual and local SIMs, and recommend the best for your travel needs. You can also find answers to some FAQ’s at the end of this guide.
The price will depend not only on the amount of data, you know, but there are also additional services that you can receive and it's important to consider them. As for the amount of data you can find options from 1GB and up and valid for 1 week, two, or more. Afterward, we will show you a price comparison. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of the different international SIM cards for Colombia.
For example, you will find Holafly's virtual SIM card for Colombia that in addition to good coverage offers unlimited data plans! Pretty cool, isn't it!?
In your home country or upon arrival, you choose, although it may be better to bring it from home. Now because of the current pandemic, it's best to avoid covid, so it would be preferable to buy it from home and avoid contagion.
Buying a SIM card before traveling has its advantages, one of them is to be able to arrive and have Internet right after landing. This is a plus, because generally when you land you're tired from the flights and then spending several hours looking for a connection is even more exhausting. I lived it from my own experience and it's the jet lag that starts to take its toll in the first few hours.
Digital SIM card with unlimited data in Colombia. Source: Holafly.
On Holafly's website, you can find the prepaid digital SIM card for Colombia, it lasts for five, seven, ten, fifteen, or twenty days and you get unlimited data during that time. This embedded SIM card is activated when you arrive at your destination, just install the virtual SIM card and follow some simple instructions.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Get to The Peñol Stone with the help of your GPS. Source: Nicolás Nuñez
With the Internet, you can get wherever you want, like this famous park in Medellín. Source: Nicolás Nuñez
Another company that offers SIM cards for Colombia is Cellular Abroad, which has 4 different options. This card can buy data with coverage up to 365 days a year.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
| Card cost | Data cost (USD) | Shipping cost (USD) | Amount of data | Final price (USD) | |
| Holafly | - | from $20.90 to $61.90 | $0 | Unlimited data | $20.90 - $61.90 |
| Cellular Abroad | - | $56 | $15.5 | 5GB | $73.3 |
TableN°1. With Cellular Abroad you pay 13,40$ to receive your SIM in 4 to 7 days.
When you arrive in Colombia you can also buy your SIM card at El Dorado International Airport. There you will find stores where you will find SIM cards from different operators such as Movistar, Claro, Tigo, among others. In addition, there are more operators from which you can get a chip for your cell phone in Colombia. You can find SIM cards in supermarkets, cellphone and computer stores, operators' stores, etc.
Claro is one of the main operators in Colombia and Latin America. You will find many stores from this operator to buy the SIM card when you arrive and don't forget to bring your passport with you.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Movistar in Colombia is one of the carriers with the largest presence in the country, after Claro. Coverage is good, although Claro is superior in this aspect, especially in rural areas.
Advantages:
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The third-largest operator in the country and also has two SIM card options. Like Movistar, it has good coverage although it has slightly better coverage in rural areas.
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Disadvantages:
Here we have told you about different companies, but the only one we can recommend is the Colombia eSIM Card from Holafly, and here's why:
To have Internet in Colombia is very easy although your choice will depend on the type of trip you make. You can opt for roaming, free wifi, pocket wifi, or our recommendation always, a Colombia virtual SIM card. Better price and more independence in your trip through this beautiful country.
It depends mainly on your operator and the type of contract you have with them. However, do not trust these terms, these costs are usually super high with the operators.
Choose a SIM card with good coverage, if you can connect to several operators much better. Keep in mind that there are places where one operator has better coverage than another and you can switch between them. Also, the option to share data and technical support is a big plus to take into account.
The price depends not only on the operator or operators with which you connect but also on the amount of data. On the other hand, there are additional services that will be included, such as calls and so on. With Holafly, you can get data-only eSIM cards from USD 19.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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