Staying connected in Colombia is easier than ever—with the right SIM card, you can navigate, message, and explore without missing a beat. BitJoy breaks down with you what are the best SIM cards in Colombia in 2025 for travelers.

Why Should You Buy a SIM Card When Traveling to Colombia?

Staying connected while traveling makes everything easier. You’ll need mobile data for using taxi apps, navigating with Google Maps, contacting friends via WhatsApp, finding nearby restaurants, accessing banking apps, and handling emergencies.

While public WiFi in Colombia’s larger cities is generally good and available in cafes, malls, and hotels, it becomes unreliable or unavailable when you travel to more remote areas. Keep in mind that public WiFi networks are unsecured. Using a VPN is strongly recommended to protect your personal data when connected to public networks.

Buying a local SIM card not only gives you faster, more stable mobile internet, but also helps you save money compared to international roaming charges. Colombian prepaid SIMs offer affordable data plans, solid 4G/5G coverage, and a more reliable experience throughout your journey.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Colombia

When it comes to getting a SIM card in Colombia, you have two main choices: buy one before your trip or get one after you arrive. Here’s where you can find the best prepaid SIM card options:

Buy at the Airport (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena)

Airports like El Dorado in Bogotá and José María Córdova in Medellín have SIM card kiosks from top providers including Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. This is the most convenient way to get connected right after landing, though prices may be slightly higher.

Buy at Official Phone Stores (Claro, Movistar, Tigo...)

Head to official retail stores in city centers for the most reliable experience. Staff at Claro, Movistar, or Tigo stores will help you activate your SIM card, set up your data plan, and answer any questions you have.

Buy From Street Vendors

In busy urban areas, you’ll see SIM cards sold by street vendors and in small local shops. While often cheaper, this option comes with risks—some vendors may not activate the SIM properly, and customer support is usually limited.

Buy Online Before Your Trip

If you prefer to be prepared before landing, you can order a SIM card online through platforms like Mercado Libre or Linio Colombia. These typically offer Claro SIM cards and can ship internationally. This way, you can insert the SIM into your phone before your flight and connect instantly once you arrive in Colombia—no waiting in line or looking for stores.

Online orders usually only offer Claro SIMs. If you want to use Movistar, Tigo, or Virgin Mobile, you’ll need to buy them after you arrive in Colombia.

Buy Colombia eSIM plan:

Colombia 100MB 7 Days eSIM

USD 2.70

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Colombia Unlimited eSIM Plans

USD 3.80

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Colombia 1GB 7 Days eSIM

USD 6.30

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Colombia 3GB 15 Days eSIM

USD 13.80

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Colombia 3GB 30 Days eSIM

USD 14.00

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Colombia 5GB 30 Days eSIM

USD 20.40

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Colombia 10GB 30 Days eSIM

USD 35.10

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Colombia 20GB 30 Days eSIM

USD 61.90

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How Much Is a SIM Card in Colombia?

SIM cards in Colombia are very affordable. Prices start from as little as 2,000 COP (around $0.49 USD), which typically includes 50 MB of data valid for 1 day. On the higher end, you can get a plan for up to 63,000 COP (about $14.30 USD), offering up to 90 GB of data for 90 days.

The final price depends on several factors: the mobile provider you choose, how much data you need, and the duration of the plan. Most providers offer flexible prepaid packages that can be tailored to short or long-term stays.

Tourists can easily top up their SIM cards at convenience stores, supermarkets, or directly through mobile apps. This makes it simple to adjust your plan as needed during your trip. Whether you’re in Colombia for a few days or several weeks, you’ll find a range of options to suit your budget and data usage.

Best SIM Card Options for Colombia

Here are the top SIM card options for travelers in Colombia, with reliable coverage, flexible data plans, and easy access through major providers like Claro, Tigo, and Virgin Mobile. 

Claro SIM Card

Claro is one of the largest mobile networks in Colombia. While you can’t purchase a SIM directly from their official website, Claro SIM cards are widely available through online platforms like Mercado Libre and Linio Colombia.

Claro Prepaid Plans (Prepago Chip):

• 200 MB + WhatsApp (1 day) – 1,000 COP (~$0.23)
• 400 MB (1 day) – 2,000 COP (~$0.46)
• 800 MB (3 days) – 4,000 COP (~$0.91)
• Unlimited data (2 hours) – 5,000 COP (~$1.14)
• 2 GB (7 days) – 7,000 COP (~$1.60)
• 10 GB + unlimited texts & calls (7 days) – 11,500 COP (~$2.63)
• 20 GB + unlimited texts & calls (15 days) – 21,500 COP (~$4.91)
• 30 GB + unlimited texts & calls (30 days) – 31,500 COP (~$7.20)

Where Can You Buy a Claro SIM Card?

• Oxxo convenience stores
• Supermarkets like Jumbo and Éxito
• Official Claro stores in cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Bucaramanga, and Valledupar
• Shopping centers: Unicentro, Santafé, Gran Estación
• El Dorado International Airport (Techport in arrivals and other stores on the second floor)

Movistar SIM Card

Movistar provides flexible prepaid plans that cater to both short visits and longer stays, with data packages valid for up to 90 days.

Movistar Prepaid Data Plans:

• 50 MB + 50 call minutes (1 day) – 2,000 COP (~$0.49)
• Data plan (30 minutes) – 1,500 COP (~$0.37)
• Data plan (1 hour) – 2,500 COP (~$0.61)

Movistar Call Packages:

• 50 minutes (1 day) – 1,200 COP (~$0.29)
• 300 minutes (7 days) – 4,900 COP (~$1.18)
• 1,200 minutes (30 days) – 8,000 COP (~$1.93)

Where Can You Buy a Movistar SIM Card?

• El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá)
• Official Movistar stores across Colombia

Tigo SIM Card

Tigo is a well-known mobile network in Colombia, offering strong coverage and a range of prepaid data plans. To get started, you’ll need to buy the Tigo SIM card separately for 20,000 COP (~$4.92). After that, you can top up with any of the available plans, which include unlimited calls and SMS nationwide.

Tigo Prepaid Data Plans:

• 3.5 GB (15 days) – 11,500 COP (~$2.83)
• 7 GB (30 days) – 17,500 COP (~$4.30)
• 3.5 GB (15 days) – 12,500 COP (~$3.07)
• 5 GB (7 days) – 10,000 COP (~$2.46)
• 10 GB (15 days) – 20,000 COP (~$4.92)

Where Can You Buy a Tigo SIM Card?

• Supermarkets: Éxito, Carulla, Olímpica, Éxito Express
• Shopping malls: Oviedo Mall (Medellín), Santafé Mall (Bogotá)
• Authorized resellers: ARA stores, Drogas La Rebaja pharmacies
• Mobile kiosks at major airports (not available at El Dorado International Airport)
• Official Tigo stores

Virgin Mobile SIM Card

Virgin Mobile is a prepaid-only provider offering flexible plans with unlimited national calling. Their plans are well-suited for short stays or travelers with varying data needs.

Virgin Mobile Prepaid Plans:

• 50 MB (1 day) – 2,000 COP (~$0.49)
• 500 MB (3 days) – 4,000 COP (~$0.98)
• 5 GB (7 days) – 7,000 COP (~$1.72)
• 4 GB (10 days) – 11,000 COP (~$2.70)
• 5 GB (15 days) – 16,000 COP (~$3.93)
• 30 GB (30 days) – 21,000 COP (~$4.77)
• 90 GB (90 days) – 63,000 COP (~$14.30)

While Virgin SIM cards aren’t available for international shipping, you can order one online and have it delivered locally to your hotel or Airbnb.

Where Can You Buy a Virgin SIM Card?

• Tienda Virgin Mobile in Bogotá
• Virgin Mobile Salitre Plaza, Bogotá
• Tienda Virgin
• Virgin Mobile Store in Ibagué
• Éxito Supermarkets (nationwide)
• Selected Baloto points (some sell SIM cards, mainly used for top-ups)

WOM – Newer Network With Expanding 4G/5G Coverage

WOM, formerly Avantel, is a newer mobile carrier in Colombia. Though its coverage was initially limited, the company has been expanding its 4G network across major cities. As of May 2025, WOM has not yet launched 5G but has acquired the necessary spectrum and is expected to begin rolling it out later in the year.

WOM 4G Coverage:

• Available in major urban centers like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena
• Limited access in rural or remote areas

Mobile Internet Operators in Colombia and Network Coverage

Colombia has several major mobile internet providers offering extensive 4G and growing 5G coverage. Here's an overview of their current network availability and expansion plans.

Claro 4G/5G Coverage

Claro offers the widest network coverage in Colombia, with fast and reliable connections through both 4G and 5G services.

• 4G Coverage: Available in 1,104 municipalities across the country. Claro uses bands B2 (1900 MHz), B5 (850 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz), and B28 (700 MHz), delivering stable coverage even in rural areas.
• 5G Coverage: Claro operates 5G on N28 (700 MHz) and N78 (3500 MHz) bands, currently covering 20 cities. As of late 2024, around 70% of 5G users in Colombia were on Claro’s network. The company plans to modernize over 1,000 antennas by the end of 2025 and reach 60% 5G coverage by 2028.

Movistar 4G/5G Coverage

Movistar is a key telecom provider with strong coverage in urban areas and growing 5G infrastructure.

• 4G Coverage: Currently spans over 50 cities and municipalities. Movistar’s coverage is expanding through a sharing agreement with Tigo, expected to increase the number of network sites to over 10,000.
• 5G Coverage: Launched in February 2024, available in major cities. Users need a 5G-capable device, the latest software update, and be within coverage to connect. Movistar claims speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G. As of June 2024, 93 5G sites had been jointly launched with Tigo.

Tigo 4G/5G Coverage

Tigo is expanding its mobile internet services rapidly, supported by a network partnership with Movistar.

• 4G Coverage: Available in 340 urban zones, with expansion ongoing in rural regions. Tigo operates on bands B2 (1900 MHz), B4 (1700/2100 MHz), and B28 (700 MHz). The agreement with Movistar is set to increase nationwide coverage by 22%.
• 5G Coverage: Active since February 2024 in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, and Cartagena. Uses N28 and N78 5G bands. By June 2024, Tigo had jointly deployed 93 5G sites alongside Movistar.

WOM 4G/5G Coverage

WOM, previously Avantel, is a newer provider working to expand its presence in Colombia.

• 4G Coverage: WOM has been growing its LTE network, though coverage remains more limited compared to Claro and the Movistar–Tigo partnership. Detailed coverage data is available through tools like nPerf and Opensignal.
• 5G Coverage: Although WOM acquired 3.5 GHz spectrum in December 2023, it had not launched 5G services as of early 2025. Deployment is planned for the second half of 2025, following a restructuring agreement.

Physical SIM vs. eSIM – Which Should You Choose?

When traveling in Colombia, choosing between a physical SIM and an eSIM can make a big difference in convenience. Physical SIM cards often require in-person registration and store visits, while eSIMs offer a faster, more seamless setup.

• Physical SIM Cards in Colombia

Getting a local SIM card typically involves visiting a physical store, registering with your passport or a Colombian ID, and manually swapping cards if you're visiting other countries. This can be time-consuming and complicated, especially if there's a language barrier.

• eSIM – A Simpler Option for Travelers

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is built into your smartphone and activated digitally. You don’t need to handle a physical chip or change cards between countries. If your phone supports eSIM, this is the easiest way to get connected as soon as you land, without any store visits or paperwork.

The BitJoy – Best Travel eSIM With No Registration Hassle

If you'd rather avoid paperwork and language issues, The BitJoy offers a Colombia eSIM that can be activated instantly—even before you leave home.

Why Choose The BitJoy eSIM?

• No Physical SIM Needed: The BitJoy works digitally—no card, no risk of loss or damage.
• Activate Before You Travel: Set up your Colombia eSIM online and land with instant internet access.
• No ID Registration: Unlike local SIMs that require a passport or ID, The BitJoy usually skips this step, making setup faster and easier.
• Dual SIM Use: Most modern phones support eSIM and physical SIM at once. Use The BitJoy for data and keep your original number active for calls or texts (note: roaming charges may apply).
• Easy Plan Switching: Traveling to more countries? The BitJoy platform lets you manage and switch between plans easily.
• Flexible Plans Available: Choose from different data amounts and durations to match your travel needs.

This makes The BitJoy an excellent choice for travelers looking for a no-hassle, ready-to-go mobile data solution in Colombia.

Airalo

Airalo is a popular eSIM provider for international travelers. In Colombia, they offer plans starting at $8 for 1GB valid for 7 days, with options going up to $32.50 for 20GB over 30 days. The setup process is fast and straightforward via the Airalo app, making it easy to get connected instantly.

Holafly

Holafly specializes in unlimited data eSIMs for travel. In Colombia, their packages range from $19 to $54 and are valid from 5 to 20 days. These fixed-cost plans give you peace of mind, knowing you won’t run out of data.

While Holafly provides unlimited data in Colombia and most destinations, some countries have limited data packages. It's a good idea to check Holafly's website or app before heading to a new country to confirm what's available.

Jetpac

Jetpac is another reliable travel eSIM, tested in various countries with positive experiences. Their Colombia plans in 2025 include:

• 1GB for 4 days – $1
• 3GB for 30 days – $14
• 5GB for 30 days – $20
• 10GB for 30 days – $35
• 20GB for 30 days – $58

Jetpac eSIMs are data-only and do not support calls or SMS. They run on Claro’s 4G/LTE network in Colombia (5G is not supported). 

Airhub

Airhub offers a wide selection of eSIM plans from multiple providers, which gives users more options but can feel a bit overwhelming.

Here are Airhub’s Colombia eSIM options:

• 4GB for 30 days – $16
• 7GB for 30 days – $12.50
• 12GB for 30 days – $44

Airhub eSIMs are data-only, do not support calls or SMS, and operate on Claro’s 4G/LTE network. 5G is not available.

How Much Does an eSIM for Colombia Cost?

eSIM prices for Colombia vary depending on the provider, data volume, and duration. BitJoy offers flexible, data-only eSIM plans for travelers—whether you're staying for a few days or a few weeks. One major advantage: with BitJoy, no ID registration or app download... Just activate instantly and stay connected without changing your phone number.

Registration Process for Prepaid SIM Cards in Colombia

In Colombia, registering your prepaid SIM card is mandatory by law. Tourists must present their passport during the purchase process, and a copy will be taken at the store. The SIM card will be issued under your name and passport number, and you'll receive a Colombian phone number starting with +57.

This is part of a growing global trend, where many countries enforce Know-Your-Customer (KYC) regulations for mobile users. These rules aim to improve security by requiring proof of identity when buying a SIM card—applied to both physical and eSIMs in most cases.

If you want a more flexible solution then use esim. eSIMs typically allow digital registration, making the process faster and more convenient than visiting a physical store. In some cases, if your eSIM is data-only and doesn't include a local number, you might not need to register at all.

My Experience Buying a SIM Card in Colombia

Over several trips to Colombia, I've tried both physical SIM cards and eSIMs—and eSIMs are now my go-to option.

In 2022, I stayed in Bogotá and bought a Claro prepaid SIM in the city center (cheaper than at the airport). The 4G signal was strong, and I even used it as a hotspot for my laptop without issues.

In 2023, I landed in Medellín and couldn’t find a good SIM at the airport, so I used an Airalo eSIM with 1 GB data—super handy. Later, I picked up another Claro SIM in the city center and had stable service throughout my road trip in Antioquia.

In 2024, I tested eSIM (Movistar network) while traveling through Northern Colombia—unfortunately, it didn’t work well, especially around Santa Marta and Cartagena. I wouldn’t recommend it in that region.

Overall, Claro has been the most reliable, and eSIMs like BitJoy have made staying connected much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions About SIM Cards in Colombia

Here, we answer some of the most common questions about SIM cards in Colombia, helping you choose the best option for staying connected during your trip.

• Should I buy a SIM card before traveling to Colombia?

It’s a good idea to plan ahead, but you can also opt for an eSIM just 24 hours before your trip if your phone supports it. With eSIMs like BitJoy, the plans won’t activate until you connect in the destination country, so you won’t be charged before your trip starts.

• Is my phone compatible with eSIM?

Check our list to verify if your device supports eSIM technology.

• Is there 5G in Colombia?

Yes, Colombia has 5G, but as of 2025, it's only available in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, and a few popular tourist spots.

Read more:

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