Internet & Communication
SIM Card & Mobile Data
A local SIM card is cheap and the best option:
- Providers: Claro (largest network, best coverage), Movistar, Tigo, WOM (cheapest provider)
- Price: SIM card free or 5,000 COP (1.20€). Data packages: 10 GB for 25,000–35,000 COP (6–8€), valid for 30 days.
- Purchase: At Bogotá airport (Claro and Movistar have stands right after baggage claim), in any mobile store or Drogería. Passport required!
- Network coverage: 4G in all cities and tourist areas. In the Amazon, Chocó, and remote villages: patchy to non-existent.
eSIM
For travelers with modern smartphones: Airalo, Holafly, or Ubigi offer Colombia eSIMs from 10€ for 5 GB. Buy online in advance, activate upon arrival. No SIM card swap needed.
WLAN
Free WLAN in most hotels, hostels, cafés, and restaurants. Bogotá and Medellín also have public WLAN in parks and TransMilenio stations (slow but functional). Speed: Good in big cities, often frustratingly slow in rural areas.
