When visiting Colombia you are going to want plenty of data and good cell phone coverage to share your experiences, keep up with any urgent work and stay in contact with friends and family.
Data availability now covers the vast majority of the country and the customer experience in the major cities is generally very good. Prices are affordable and each company offers a range of incentives for you to pick them.
I have lived and worked in Colombia for 15 years, so I will give you an insight into my experiences with different companies and share some tips on how best to get yourself connected.
Factors to consider when choosing a SIM Card in Colombia
Cost and available plans
There are a range of nationally operating cell phone providers in Colombia.
If you were to stay and get a national ID (cedula) then you can consider a contract but up until then you will need to choose from the prepaid (prepago) options.
With the prepaid options you can purchase packages which include data, minutes, text messages and sometimes unlimited access to certain apps.
Each company has their own offerings and incentives (these will be compared below) but also offer good value.
You can buy packages which are active for 30 days and vary in price depending on the amount of data, minutes and additional services.
Some options also include unlimited use of Whatsapp, Facebook and Youtube, which can help your data go further.
Expect to spend between 40,000 COP (US$10) and 80,000 COP (US$20) per month.
Network coverage and reliability
There are 4 telecommunications companies in Colombia offering cell coverage while other companies have deals with these 4 to share the network.
All of the companies have service in the majority of the country.
In terms of overall network coverage, Tigo is the best with 98.7% followed by WOM (98.2%), Claro (96.4%) and then Movistar (95.4%).
Tigo also scores highest with 4G availability with 95.8%, followed by Claro and WOM (both 89.1%) and then Movistar (83.9%).
Opensignal also quantifies Coverage Experience, which looks to assess the overall quality of experience reported in different areas of the country as opposed to just how which areas receive coverage. They ranked Claro first with a score of 8.6 followed by Movistar (4.2) then Tigo (3.5) and then WOM (1.4).
Between major cities when traveling by bus you may struggle to find more than 3G or lose connection completely but in most cities, towns and villages you will be connected with a decent signal.
While Opensignal ranks Claro the highest nationally, in my experience here in Medellin Tigo has often provided the most consistent and reliable connection.
Data packages and international calling options
The cost packages start at 1,000 COP (US$0.20) for 200MG all the way up to 100,000 COP (US$20) which is 80GBP, unlimited calls and with unlimited use of social media in addition to the data.
Remember that WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook can be included free of charge in many packages which reduces charged data usage.
It is also possible to buy packages that include international calls with all operators and they are called Larga Distancia Internacional (International Long Distance).
Packages for the US are generally cheaper. Check to confirm what countries are included.
Prices range from 3,000 COP (US$0.80) for 5 minutes calling the US up to 40,000 COP (US$10) to call countries such as Honduras for 50 minutes.
The prices fluctuate more depending on the country you are calling rather than the number of minutes.
Where to buy a SIM card in Colombia?
Official stores of the mobile internet provider
This is your best option, particularly if you plan to spend more than 2 or 3 weeks in Colombia.
You can find SIM cards on sale everywhere but you will need to register your phone with the operator you have.
If you get a Tigo SIM you will need to get Tigo to register your SIM with the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of the handset.
If you buy in store they will do this automatically, whereas if you buy a SIM anywhere else they won’t ask for ID but you will need to register it yourself within a month or your phone will be blocked. Not just blocked in Colombia but for any SIM card and you will have to call or visit the store to unblock it.
All branches can help with buying services and products but only the larger ones can help resolve issues with contracts. This is very frustrating but if you are reading this article and planning your trip then chances are you will go for a prepaid option which is more straightforward.
Official stores are found in all of the malls, connected to some supermarkets and on some of the main streets.
When buying a SIM card at an official store they will need to see an ID or passport to register it in your name.
SIM card stores at the arrival terminal
It is possible to buy a SIM card at most of the major airports in Colombia. They don’t have official stores but SIM cards are easily found and you can ask for your chosen amount to be paid onto the card so you can use it straight away.
In Bogota leave the arrivals and head up to the floor above where you will find various stores offering SIM cards.
The same in Medellin on the departures floor above.
This is fine if you are going to be in the country for a week or so but any more than that and you will need to take it to get registered or register it yourself.
Buy an international SIM Card before leaving
International SIM cards like OneSimCard let travelers stay connected worldwide, even at sea.
It’s great for emergencies, however, using data can get expensive quickly.
Before traveling, it’s important to learn how it works in each country.
In Colombia, you can receive calls and text messages for free.
Best SIM Cards for Tourists in Colombia
1st: Tigo
Tigo has excellent service all across Colombia and their packages are reasonable with some social media services included without using data.
In my experience, Tigo users often have a solid connection when those with other SIM cards are struggling. It is overall just a very solid offering.
The customer service is generally good and the website is simple to follow.
Examples of prepaid Tigo data packages:
24GB
💰 31,000 COP (US$7.11)
- Pay for 12GB and receive 12GB free
- National minutes + SMS (valid for 30 days)
- Free Facebook and Whatsapp
10GB
💰 16,000 COP (US$3.67)
- Pay for 5GB and receive 5GB free
- National minutes + SMS (valid for 15 days)
- Free Facebook and Whatsapp
4GB
💰 7,500 COP (US$1.72)
- Pay for 2GB and receive 2GB free
- National minutes + SMS (valid for 7 days)
- Free Facebook and Whatsapp
As well as paying for set packages, you can also recharge credit for the amount of your choice here.
2nd: Claro
Claro is Colombia’s most popular option in the country with the most highly rated service. Their overall coverage in rural areas is slightly behind Tigo but the reported customer experience is very good.
They have a solid range of packages available including international options. It is very easy to buy Claro SIM cards and topping up is never a problem.
The prices are competitive but their overall quality of service means they don’t try to beat other operators with special discounted rates. Almost half of Colombians have Claro as their operator.
Examples of prepaid Claro data and all included packages:
Everything Included 80GB
💰 100,000 COP (US$22.93)
- 80GBP of data (valid for 30 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 30 days)
- Free Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter (X)
Everything Included 15 Days
💰 21,000 COP (US$4.82)
- 20GBP of data (valid for 15 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 15 days)
- Free Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter (X)
2GB Data Only
💰 7,000 COP (US$1.61)
- 2GB of data (valid for 7 days)
- Free Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter (X)
4GB
💰 7,500 COP (US$1.72)
- Pay for 2GB and receive 2GB free
- National minutes + SMS (valid for 7 days)
- Free Facebook and Whatsapp
Packets vary in price from 200 COP (US$0.05) upwards for just data or for a combination of features.
3rd: Exito Movil
Exito operates on the same network as Tigo which is a big plus and they have some good value packages available.
You do have the benefit of collecting additional membership points when you shop at Exito supermarkets.
Examples of prepaid Exito data packages:
30GB
💰 35,000 COP (US$8.03)
- 30GBP of data (valid for 30 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 30 days)
- Free Whatsapp and Facebook
- 5,000 Puntos Colombia (Multi-company loyalty scheme to receive points to use for purchases)
15GB
💰 24,900 COP (US$5.71)
- 30GBP of data (valid for 30 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 30 days)
- Free Whatsapp and Facebook
- 3,550 Puntos Colombia (Multi-company loyalty scheme to receive points to use for purchases)
3.5GB
💰 9,900 COP (US$2.27)
- 3.5GBP of data (valid for 15 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 15 days)
- Free Whatsapp and Facebook
- 1,410 Puntos Colombia (Multi-company loyalty scheme to receive points to use for purchases)
You can top up your account for any amount here.
4th: Movistar
Movistar is less popular than Tigo and Claro but offers good value in terms of the packages they have on offer. While there are cheaper competitors, with Movistar you get a high quantity of data for your money as well as many useful add ons.
Many Movistar packages include WhatsApp, X, Facebook, Waze and crucially YouTube. You can watch videos and make WhatsApp phone calls without using data which will massively reduce usage for many people.
Their overall coverage is mixed but the quality of coverage is rated highly in terms of experience. Movistar stores are found in all of the major cities and you shouldn’t have problems buying a SIM or topping up.
Examples of prepaid Movistar data packages:
52GB (Monthly)
💰 31,000 COP (US$7.11)
- 52GBP of data (valid for 30 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 30 days)
- Free Whatsapp, Waze, Twitter (X) and Facebook
- 250 minutes of calls to Venezuela, USA, Puerto Rico and Canada
40GB (Monthly)
💰 21,000 COP (US$4.82)
- 40GBP of data (valid for 30 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 30 days)
- Free Whatsapp, Waze, Twitter (X) and Facebook
- 100 minutes of calls to Venezuela, USA, Puerto Rico and Canada
12GBP (Weekly)
💰 7,500 COP (US$2.27)
- 12GBP of data (valid for 7 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 30 days)
- Free Whatsapp, Waze, Twitter (X) and Facebook
- 15 minutes of calls to Venezuela, USA, Puerto Rico and Canada
You can top up your account for any amount here.
5th: WOM
The newest contender has very good availability but poor reported customer experience. So the overall quality of service is questionable when compared to the other options.
What WOM does well is offer good value. Their very affordable media package (US$5.40) includes Facebook, X, WhatsApp, Waze and Bancolombia’s money transfer App Nequi free of charge as well as unlimited calls, texts and 12GB of data.
Examples of prepaid WOM data packages:
48GB
💰 21,000 COP (US$4.82)
- 48GBP of data (valid for 30 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 30 days)
- Free Whatsapp, Waze, Twitter (X), Nequi and Facebook
- 1 Free month of Spotify Premium
- 5GB extra free in your first month
28GB
💰 21,000 COP (US$3.67)
- 28GBP of data (valid for 30 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 30 days)
- Free Whatsapp, Waze, Twitter (X), Nequi and Facebook
- 5GB extra free in your first month
24GBP
💰 12,000 COP (US$2.75)
- 24GBP of data (valid for 15 days)
- Unlimited national minutes + SMS (valid for 15 days)
- Free Whatsapp, Waze, Twitter (X), Nequi and Facebook
- 5GB extra free in your first month
You can top up your account for any amount here.
Things to consider before buying and using SIM cards in Colombia
➡️ Ensure your phone is unlocked for international use
This is important as in some countries where long, fixed contracts continue to be sold companies can lock their phones to be used with only one SIM or prevent overseas use.
Check to make sure your phone is fully unlocked or you may be stuck making very expensive phone calls.
➡️ Register your foreign phone at the shop to enable the SIM card’s functionality
This is absolutely key if you are here more than a couple of weeks. If you don’t do this then you may find that your phone no longer works when you leave the country. You will have to make an international call to a phone company in Colombia to try to resolve your issue in Spanish.
Buy at official stores when possible or get the SIM elsewhere but plan your trip to get it registered within the first 2 weeks.
➡️ Keep your passport or identification handy for SIM card registration, and be prepared to show phone receipts if requested
The idea behind registering your phone is to link the user to the SIM to show your handset wasn’t stolen and if your phone is stolen in the future. Stores should check to see where you bought your phone before they register you as the user.
There are instances when this doesn’t happen but you should be prepared to show proof of purchase. This will of course be easier if you bought your phone online but it is something to remember.
➡️ Inquire at the shop about how to check your remaining data or balance after purchasing the SIM card
Each company will have ways you can quickly check your balance of data. That can be on the app or website, by texting SALDO (balance) to a certain number, by calling a free number or inputting a series of keys.
You can check this when you buy your phone and there should be a summary on the card that comes with your SIM.
My personal experience with SIM cards in Colombia
I initially had a Movistar contract and then moved to Tigo following a traumatic customer service nightmare I have forgotten or possibly intentionally repressed.
I have found Tigo to be very good apart from when they didn’t register my monthly contract payment and that resulted in a litany of charges and complications. Most of my Colombian SIM card drama has been linked to contracts or “postpago”, which won’t be relevant to you unless you stay long-term and make the switch.
The reality is, the prepago options are actually really strong now and there isn’t the big saving from getting a contract that there once was. Overall the cost of having unlimited or almost data is now very low.
I have been here 15 years, when I first arrived running a cell phone was very very expensive. Calls from one operator to another had a huge surcharge and there were hundreds of locals selling call time by the minute on the street.
With WhatsApp and reduced prices, you can now use your phone as much as you want in a month for less than US$25.
Conclusion
SIM cards in Colombia are easily available, packages offer good value, the coverage is good and all of the companies will provide what you need.
I personally prefer the customer experience of Tigo but Claro is solid and WOM has some good value options.
If you stay more than a couple of weeks you must register your SIM with your handset. If you fail to do this a very positive experience can quickly sour when your phone is blocked.