Internet in Colombia: Everything You Need to Know

Colombia has made significant strides in expanding its internet coverage in recent years. The country now boasts a high-speed internet penetration rate of over 70%, making it one of the most connected countries in South America.

The internet is widely available in urban areas, with many cafes and restaurants offering free Wi-Fi to customers. In fact, you can even find internet access in many rural areas, where it's often provided by mobile networks.

Mobile internet is a popular option in Colombia, with many people using their smartphones to access the internet. In fact, mobile internet users make up over 60% of the country's total internet users.

Colombia has a range of internet service providers (ISPs) to choose from, including Claro, Tigo, and ETB. These ISPs offer a variety of plans and packages to suit different needs and budgets.

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You're planning a trip to Colombia and want to stay connected? There are several options to choose from, and I'm here to help you decide.

You can get a local SIM card at the airport in El Dorado, but it's not very recommendable, especially since they don't offer plans for travelers.

There are 5 basic ways for tourists to connect to the Internet in Colombia: pocket wifi, eSIM Colombia, SIM card Colombia, roaming with Colombia operators, and public wifi.

Here are some of the pros and cons of each option:

Based on the table, buying a Colombian SIM card with data is the most optimal solution. However, before buying, you need to check whether the phone is unlocked or not. If the customer has an eSIM compatible phone, eSIM is the optimal solution. However, it is important to check if your phone is in your eSIM compatible devices list.

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You can buy a prepaid SIM card with cellular data in Colombia to stay connected without breaking the bank. It connects to the networks of the main operators at your destination.

Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at the airport in El Dorado, but it's not very recommendable, and the plans offered are not tailored for travelers.

One of the best ways to stay connected in Colombia is by using an eSIM. It allows you to connect to local cellular networks without needing a physical SIM card or swapping out your current SIM.

eSIM plans in Colombia start at just $2 per plan, making it one of the most cost-effective options for tourists. Not only is it affordable, but setting up an eSIM is also straightforward and doesn’t require visiting a physical store.

You can get a Movistar prepaid SIM card for 6,000 COP ($1.50 USD) for unlimited calling and texting in Colombia. Alternatively, you can opt for a Tigo prepaid SIM card, which has two Colombian prepaid SIM card packages for tourists.

Here are some data SIM card packages in Colombia:

* Movistar:

+ 6,000 COP ($1.50 USD) for unlimited calling and texting in Colombia

+ 3,500 COP ($0.7 USD) to 4GB data + free apps for 7 days

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+ 16,000 COP ($3.4 USD) to 12GB data + free apps for 15 days

* Tigo:

+ 10,000 COP ($2.1 USD) to 5GB data for 7 days and unlimited calls/text

+ 20,000 COP ($4.2 USD) to 10GB data for 15 days unlimited calls/text

* Claro:

+ 3,000 COP

+ 7,500 COP ($1.6 USD) to 1.5GB data and unlimited calls/text for 7 days

+ 11,000 COP ($2.3 USD) to 2.5GB data and unlimited calls/text for 10 days

+ 31,000 COP ($6.4 USD) to 9GB data and unlimited calls/text for 30 days

Note that the information about costs and data packages from carriers is for reference only, and you should contact the operator for the latest information.

It's worth noting that buying a Colombian SIM card with data is the most optimal solution, but you need to check whether your phone is unlocked or not before buying.

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Claro's internet service is a mixed bag, offering reliable uptime but often falling short on speed. You can expect consistent internet with their basic service, but it's not worth the cost.

Movistar, on the other hand, revolutionized the internet game in Medellin with its Fiber Optic internet, offering speeds of up to 900 MB/s download and 500 MB/s upload.

Setting up an account with Claro is a nightmare, especially for expats without a cedula or RUT number. It's a major turn-off, and I'd advise against using them if possible.

Movistar's account setup involves a phone call and credit check, taking up to a couple of hours, but it's one of the smoother services to get in Medellin.

If you're planning to buy an eSIM in Colombia, Gigago is a great option. You can purchase a Colombian eSIM at Gigago with data packages from 1GB to 5G for use from 7 days to 30 days.

Gigago offers two provider options: Claro and Tigo. The cost for these data packages ranges from $8.9 USD to $35.9 USD.

To buy an eSIM from Gigago, simply follow these steps:

Claro's internet service is reliable, but the speeds often fall short of what you pay for. It's a basic package, but expect consistent uptime.

Their basic service is decent, but don't expect too much in terms of speed. You'll get what you pay for, but it might not be enough for heavy internet users.

Claro's customer service is a letdown, with a "very Latin company" vibe. You'll get basic service, but don't expect much help with problems or billing issues.

The technicians are great, but they can't make up for the poor call center and retail service. It's a shame, because they have potential.

As an expat, getting an account with Claro can be a nightmare. No cedula or RUT number? Forget it. You'll face rudeness and a lack of help.

Claro is everywhere in Medellin, but that doesn't mean it's the best. Their poor customer service and account setup issues make them a service to avoid.

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Using an eSIM in Colombia is a great way to stay connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards. It's especially convenient for travelers who want to switch between networks or countries without needing a new card for each one.

eSIM plans in Colombia start at just $2 per plan, making it one of the most cost-effective options for tourists. This is a great alternative to expensive international roaming services.

One of the benefits of using an eSIM in Colombia is that you can keep your WhatsApp number in your language, just like you do at home. This is a big plus for travelers who want to stay in touch with friends and family back home.

Here are some of the benefits of using an eSIM in Colombia:

This makes eSIMs a great option for tourists who want to stay connected in Colombia without breaking the bank.

In Colombia, you have plenty of options for mobile internet. The three major networks are Claro, Movistar, and Tigo, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Claro is the leading network provider in Colombia, covering over 1.9 million households with its 4G network. It's also invested in expanding its coverage to rural areas, including the Meta department, where it's connected many localities to its 4G network.

Movistar is another major player, with a presence in over 50 cities and municipalities nationwide. It offers a wide range of services, including fixed bandwidth and 4G LTE connections.

Tigo is the first operator to offer access to Facebook on any phone, and it's also expanding its coverage to over 900 rural areas that previously didn't have enough internet service.

Here's a comparison of the three networks' median download speeds:

As you can see, Movistar has the fastest average download speed, making it a top choice for travelers who need fast and reliable connections.

If you're looking to access reliable statistics on internet usage in Colombia, you're in luck. Immediate access to statistics, forecasts, and reports is available.

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You can download these statistics in various formats, making it easy to use them for your needs. Usage and publication rights are also included, giving you the freedom to share and use the information as you see fit.

Here are the formats in which you can download the statistics:

As you travel to Colombia, it's essential to be prepared for spotty internet in remote areas. Download offline maps of your destination beforehand to ensure you can navigate even without a signal.

Using public Wi-Fi networks can be a security risk, so consider using a VPN to protect your data.

To avoid running out of data, monitor your usage closely, especially in crucial moments.

Having a portable charger, also known as a power bank, is a must-have when traveling. It can quickly drain your battery when using mobile data.

Here are the top tips for staying connected in Colombia:

Colombia has seen a significant increase in internet penetration over the years.

By 2022, a staggering 72.8% of the population was using the internet, up from just 2.21% in 2000.

Internet usage in Colombia has been steadily rising, with a notable spike in 2021 when 73.03% of the population went online.

Here's a breakdown of the internet penetration in Colombia from 2000 to 2022:

Colombia offers various options for mobile internet, but some are more suitable for tourists than others. SIM cards and eSIM cards are the most optimal solutions due to their convenience and ease of carrying.

For those looking to stay connected, SIM cards from operators like Claro, Tigo, or Movistar offer affordable data packages, with prices starting at $6.4 USD for 9 GB of data that lasts 30 days.

Tourists can also consider eSIM cards, which offer a range of data packages from $8.9 USD to $35.9 USD. Another option is roaming with a Colombian operator, but prices can be steep, with some plans costing $19 USD to $54 USD for 5-20 days.

Here's a comparison of some of the most popular options:

Let's take a look at the comparison table to see how these mobile internet alternatives stack up.

eSIM cards and SIM cards are both accessible, offering great connections with unlimited internet. However, they don't require additional costs, which is a big plus.

Roaming is not accessible, but it does offer a great connection with unlimited internet. Unfortunately, it comes with an additional cost.

Pocket WiFi is not as easy to use as some of the other options, but it does offer a great connection and unlimited internet. You'll need to pay extra for it, though.

Free WiFi is accessible and offers unlimited internet, but the connection isn't as great as some of the other options.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

If you're planning a trip to Colombia, you'll want to stay connected with reliable internet access. Mobile internet rates in Colombia can be quite affordable.

A Colombian SIM card is a great option, with prices starting at $6.4 USD for 9 GB of data that lasts for 30 days. You can also opt for an eSIM, which costs from $8.9 USD to $35.9 USD.

If you prefer to roam with a Colombian operator, Claro offers rates starting at $3.74 USD per GB, while Movistar charges $6.5 USD for 1 GB. Tigo, on the other hand, offers plans ranging from $19 USD to $54 USD for 5 to 20 days.

Public WiFi is a convenient option, and the best part is that it's free! However, if you need a more stable connection, a pocket WiFi can be a good choice, but be prepared to pay around $56 USD to $73.4 USD per week.

Here's a quick comparison of some of the mobile internet rates in Colombia: