Colombia SIM Cards & eSIMs: Staying Connected in 2025

Claro vs Movistar vs Tigo, where to buy (airport vs city), how much to pay, step-by-step activation, and the best eSIM options for short-term travelers—plus tips from our Airport Survival Guide.

Updated: • Read time: ~10 minutes

Do You Really Need a SIM in Colombia?

Colombia’s Wi-Fi has improved, but travelers still hit dead zones—especially in older buildings and outside major cities. Apps like Google Maps, Moovit, Uber, and WhatsApp all work best with always-on mobile data. If you’ll be in the country for more than a couple of days, a local SIM or eSIM is the easiest way to avoid hassle.

The Big Three: Claro, Movistar & Tigo

Claro

  • Strengths: Widest coverage nationwide; best for small towns, Coffee Region, and the Caribbean coast.
  • Weaknesses: Customer service can be slow during peak hours.
  • Best for: Travelers going beyond Bogotá/Medellín.

Movistar

  • Strengths: Strong urban coverage and competitive packages.
  • Weaknesses: Rural coverage less extensive than Claro.
  • Best for: City-focused trips (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena).

Tigo

  • Strengths: Often the cheapest plans with generous data.
  • Weaknesses: Weaker rural coverage; stick to cities for best results.
  • Best for: Budget travelers based in urban areas.
💡 Tip: Heading off the beaten path? Choose Claro. Sticking to major cities? Movistar or Tigo are great value.

Where to Buy a SIM Card

At the Airport

Bogotá (BOG): Claro, Movistar, and Tigo counters are in arrivals. Medellín (MDE): Claro kiosk; Movistar sometimes staffs near baggage claim. Cartagena (CTG): Vendors near the arrivals exit.

Expect airport prices to be about 20–30% higher than in the city—but the convenience is worth it if you need Uber immediately.

In the City

  • Official stores: Best for reliability and proper activation; found in malls and main avenues.
  • Authorized kiosks / corner shops: Handy, but occasionally fail to complete registration correctly.
⚠️ Passport required: Colombian law requires registering your SIM with your passport. The seller will scan or enter your details before activation.

How Much Does It Cost?

  • SIM card: ~$2–$5 USD
  • Data packages (prepaid):
    • 2–3 GB: ~$8–$10 USD
    • 5–7 GB: ~$12–$15 USD
    • Unlimited social apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram) often included

For a typical 2-week trip, most travelers spend $10–$20 USD total on data.

How to Activate: Step by Step

  1. Visit a Claro, Movistar, or Tigo store (airport or city).
  2. Provide your passport for SIM registration.
  3. Purchase the SIM and select a prepaid data package.
  4. Have staff insert and activate the SIM in your phone.
  5. Restart your phone—data should work within a few minutes.
💡 Pro tip: Buying at a small kiosk? Ask them to test the SIM in your phone before you leave.

eSIMs in 2025: Pros & Cons

If your phone supports eSIM, you can skip lines entirely and activate before you fly.

Popular International eSIM Providers

  • Airalo: e.g., 1 GB for ~$7; 5 GB for ~$20 (instant QR).
  • Holafly: Unlimited data options (~$19–$49).
  • Nomad eSIM: Competitive mid-range data packs.

Why Travelers Pick eSIM

  • Activate from home; land with data working.
  • No passport registration or store visit.
  • Great for short trips (≤2 weeks).

What to Watch For

  • Usually pricier than local SIMs.
  • May ride on Movistar/Tigo with variable speeds.
  • No Colombian phone number (affects local calls/SMS codes).

Best for: Travelers who want instant, hassle-free data and don’t need a local number.

Using Data Across Colombia

Major Cities

Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena have reliable 4G. 5G rollout is limited and mostly in Bogotá for now.

Rural & Remote Areas

Claro leads in small towns and the Coffee Region. Coverage in the Amazon and very remote regions is spotty for all providers.

📥 Pro move: Download offline Google Maps for your regions before long bus rides—service can drop between cities.

Airport Survival Guide Tie-In

As detailed in our Colombia Airport Survival Guide:

  • SIM kiosks are after immigration in the arrivals hall.
  • Bring some Colombian pesos; some airport vendors don’t accept foreign cards.
  • Using eSIM? Activate it while you wait for baggage so you walk out connected.
Read the Airport Survival Guide Money & ATMs: Colombia 2025

Alternatives: Roaming & Pocket Wi-Fi

  • Roaming: Plans like T-Mobile or Google Fi often include Colombia. If your trip is just a few days, roaming can be simpler and competitive in price.
  • Pocket Wi-Fi: Providers such as TravelWifi rent hotspots (~$8–$12/day). Good for families or groups sharing one connection, but pricier than a local SIM.

Which Option Should You Choose?

  • Budget / Backpacker: Local Claro SIM for best overall coverage.
  • Short-term (≤2 weeks): Airalo or Holafly eSIM for convenience.
  • Families / Groups: Pocket Wi-Fi to share data.
  • Frequent Flyers: International roaming plan with your carrier.

Our take: For most travelers in 2025, grab a Claro SIM at the airport—or if your phone supports it, install an eSIM before you fly so you land connected.

Quick FAQ

  • Can I buy a SIM at Bogotá airport? Yes—Claro, Movistar, and Tigo have kiosks.
  • Do I need my passport? Yes, it’s legally required for registration.
  • Are eSIMs reliable? Yes, but often pricier and sometimes slower than local SIMs.
  • How much is data? Around $10–$20 USD for 2 weeks of typical use.
  • Best coverage? Claro, especially outside major cities.

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