Internet for tourists
How to get internet in Colombia as a tourist
eSIM, local SIM, roaming, and WiFi — compared with a clear recommendation.
Most tourists don't think about internet until they're standing in the arrivals hall in Bogotá with no connection, no maps, and no way to call their Airbnb host. This guide walks you through every option available to tourists in Colombia and tells you which one makes the most sense for your trip.
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | From $8.99 | < 2 min (before you fly) | Most tourists |
| Local SIM | $5–15 | 30+ min at a carrier store | Stays longer than 1 month |
| International roaming | $10–15/day | Automatic | Emergencies only |
| WiFi only | Free | Nothing | Very light use, short stays |
All your options, explained
Option 1: Colombia eSIM — the easiest way (recommended)
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of pushing a plastic card into a tray, you scan a QR code and your phone connects to a local network. For tourists, this is by far the most convenient option.
Our Colombia eSIM runs on the Tigo and Movistar networks — two of the country's largest carriers — giving you 4G and 5G coverage in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, the Coffee Region, and the Caribbean coast.
Plans start from $8.99 for a week of data up to unlimited daily data for power users. You purchase before you fly, install in under 2 minutes on your home WiFi, and it activates automatically when you land.
- ✓No passport or ID required
- ✓Works on iPhone XS and newer, and most Android phones from 2020 onwards
- ✓Installed before you fly, active the moment you land
- ✓Fixed price — no hidden daily charges
- ✓Supports hotspot / tethering
Instant delivery by email · No ID required · Hotspot included
Get your Colombia eSIM — from $8.99 →Option 2: Buy a local SIM card in Colombia
Local SIM cards are available from Tigo, Movistar, and Claro at carrier stores in most cities. The main operators have kiosks at El Dorado airport in Bogotá and José María Córdova in Medellín.
The process requires presenting your passport, and activation can take 30 minutes or more during busy periods. Airport kiosks often run out of stock during peak tourist season (December, July, and Semana Santa).
If you're staying for more than a month, a local SIM can be cost-effective. For most tourist trips of 1–3 weeks, the convenience of an eSIM outweighs the marginally lower cost of a local SIM.
Option 3: International roaming with your home carrier
Your home carrier probably offers a day pass or international add-on for Colombia. AT&T and Verizon charge $10–15 per day. Some plans include Colombia in a monthly international package.
Roaming is the most expensive option by far. A one-week trip with AT&T day passes costs around $84 — compared to $8.99 for 1 GB of data over a week with our eSIM.
Use roaming only as a backup for genuine emergencies. Never as your primary connection plan.
Option 4: Rely on WiFi only
Hotels, Airbnbs, cafes, and malls in Colombia generally have reasonable WiFi. The airports in Bogotá and Medellín also offer free WiFi.
Relying solely on WiFi is risky for tourists. Street navigation, maps, and local transport apps (like Cabify or InDriver) require a live connection. A phone without data in an unfamiliar city is a genuine safety concern.
WiFi-only works for weekend trips where you rarely leave the hotel, but is not recommended for anyone planning to move around Colombia.
How to set up a Colombia eSIM — step by step
- 1
Check your phone is eSIM-compatible
iPhone XS or newer, or any Android from 2020 with eSIM support. Go to Settings → About to confirm.
- 2
Purchase your plan
Choose a plan based on your trip length and data needs. You'll receive a QR code by email within minutes.
- 3
Install the eSIM on WiFi
Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (iOS) or Settings → Connections → SIM card manager (Android). Scan the QR code. Takes under 2 minutes.
- 4
Enable when you land
Once in Colombia, switch to the eSIM in your phone settings. You'll connect to Tigo or Movistar's 4G network automatically.
Instant delivery by email · No ID required · Hotspot included
Get connected before you land →Where does your Colombia eSIM work?
Our eSIM uses the Tigo and Movistar networks. Together they provide 4G and 5G coverage across all major cities and tourist destinations:
- 📍Bogotá — full 4G/5G coverage
- 📍Medellín and the Metro Area — full 4G/5G coverage
- 📍Cartagena and the Caribbean coast — strong 4G coverage
- 📍Cali — full 4G coverage
- 📍The Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero) — 4G in towns and along main roads
- 📍Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park — 4G in town; limited in the park interior
- 📍San Andrés island — good 4G coverage
Signal may be limited in very remote jungle or mountain areas (deep Amazon, Serranía de la Macarena). Download offline maps before visiting those destinations.
How much data do you actually need in Colombia?
| Your usage | Recommended plan |
|---|---|
| Maps, messaging, and occasional browsing | 3–5 GB fixed data plan |
| Social media, browsing, some video calls | 10 GB fixed data plan |
| All-day streaming, video calls, Instagram Stories | Unlimited daily plan |
| Remote work — Zoom, cloud sync, file uploads | Unlimited Plus plan |
Frequently asked questions about internet in Colombia
Do I need to buy a SIM card in Colombia as a tourist?+
No. If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS or later, most Android phones from 2020 onward), you can install a Colombia eSIM before you board your flight. You'll have data before you even walk out of the plane.
Can I buy a SIM at El Dorado airport in Bogotá?+
Yes. Tigo and Movistar have kiosks in the arrivals area at El Dorado (BOG). The process requires your passport and typically takes 20–40 minutes. Airport stock can run low during peak season. Installing an eSIM before you fly eliminates this uncertainty entirely.
Does an eSIM work in all of Colombia, including Medellín and Cartagena?+
Yes. Our eSIM uses Tigo and Movistar's networks, which together cover all major Colombian cities — Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, Santa Marta, and the Coffee Region — as well as most of the Caribbean coast and main tourist routes.
How do I install a Colombia eSIM on my iPhone?+
After purchase you receive an email with a QR code. On your iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, then scan. The whole process takes less than 2 minutes on WiFi. We also send a direct install link so you can tap once to install without scanning.
Is it safe to use my phone in Colombia?+
Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy areas of Bogotá and Medellín. Avoid using your phone openly on the street in unfamiliar neighborhoods. That said, having a working data connection makes travel significantly safer — you'll always have access to maps, emergency services, and your accommodation details.
What is the cheapest way to get internet in Colombia as a tourist?+
An eSIM from colombia-esim.com, starting from $8.99 for a 7-day plan. This is cheaper than international roaming ($10–15/day), easier than buying a local SIM (no ID required, no waiting), and more reliable than WiFi-only.
Instant delivery by email · No ID required · Hotspot included
Get your Colombia eSIM — from $8.99 →