Colombia – known for its landscapes, large variety of birds & coffee.
The country is also infamous for being the largest producer of a certain white substance that sounds close to Coca-Cola.
Besides that, it is a popular travel destination.
The country hosts majestic rainforests, like the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona.
Or you can explore old cities from Indigenous Tribes, like the Lost City.
Perhaps snorkeling or sunbathing at an island, such as the Rosario Islands, is something for you.
Maybe you are into the nightlife scene? If so, Bogotá has plenty of clubs for you to enjoy.
As you can see, there is plenty of things to see and do in Colombia, which you probably want to share online.
Before you do so, be aware that international roaming can be expensive.
That is why you are better off getting local prepaid SIM cards, like a Colombian one, so that you can take advantage of local rates.
Luckily for you, SIM cards and mobile data rates are low in Colombia.
You can get a Colombian SIM card for 3000 COP (0.75 USD) to 60 000 COP (14.65 USD – includes a plan) in the mobile operator stores. But SIM cards are often priced at 5000 COP – 7000 COP (1.20 USD – 1.70 USD). Only Claro sells SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport (BOG).
Those prices are not too bad at all! You will be even more surprised how cheap data-featured plans are (especially compared to Canada & the United States).
You have a lot of choices in Colombia, and it can be a challenge to find the best SIM card for your situation (especially if you do not speak Spanish).
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Colombia. Let's go.
Original publication: 2nd of March 2020. Last updated: 25th of September 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Colombia?
Anyone 18 years or older living in or visiting Colombia can buy an Colombian SIM card from the mobile network operators (Claro, Movistar, Tigo, Avantel & WOM) in their stores or from resellers (especially for the MVNOs – Buenofon, ETB, Kalley Móvil, Móvil Éxito & Virgin Mobile), without any restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Colombia).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Colombia?
You can get a Colombian SIM card in Claro, Movistar, Tigo, Avantel, WOM, ETB, Éxito (for Móvil Éxito) Justo y Bueno (for Buenofon) & Virgin Mobile stores. Kalley Móvil SIM cards can be purchased at Alkosto Hiperahorro, Alkomprar & KTronix stores.
Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport (the Techport store) sells Claro SIM cards at inflated prices (only theirs).
You can expect to pay the following for Colombian SIM cards:
- Claro Colombia: 5000 COP
- Movistar Colombia: 3000 COP
- Tigo Colombia: 5000 COP, 10 000 COP & 20 000 COP (with plans)
- Avantel Colombia: 5000 COP
- WOM Colombia (+Avantel): 5000 COP, 20 000 COP & 60 000 COP (with plans)
- Buenofon: 5000 COP
- ETB Colombia: 5000 COP
- Kalley Móvil: 7000 COP – 10 000 COP
- Móvil Éxito: 5000 COP
- Virgin Mobile Colombia: 12 000 COP, 20 000 COP, 32 000 COP & 40 000 COP
For up-to-date COP:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Can You Use Your Phone in Colombia?
Colombia uses GSM for its cellular communications, meaning that you need a GSM-capable phone to use your phone in the country. CMDA-phones will not work in Colombia, but there is about a 99% chance you have a GSM phone anyway.
You also need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.
Although there are three ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American Frequencies and European Frequencies.
Colombia uses American Frequencies, which are used in the Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2). Phones sold in the Americas typically have no issues when using their phone in other ITU Region 2 countries.
In Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3), they typically use European Frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European Frequencies without issues.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Colombia.
Do note that Colombia uses Band 28 for frequency spectrum 700 MHz. This band for 700 MHz is more common in Latin America but not at all in North America.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device without Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Colombia or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Colombia (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Colombia
Colombia has three mobile network operators, two 4G/LTE-only mobile operators (with national roaming agreements) & six Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Claro Colombia
- Movistar Colombia
- Tigo Colombia
- WOM Colombia (+Avantel)
- Buenofon (Movistar Colombia MVNO)
- ETB Colombia (Tigo Colombia MVNO)
- Kalley Móvil (Suma Móvil MVNO using Tigo Colombia)
- Móvil Éxito (Tigo Colombia MVNO)
- Virgin Mobile Colombia (Movistar Colombia MVNO)
The following frequencies are used in Colombia:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 850 MHz (Band 5), 1700 MHz (Band 4), 1900 MHz (Band 2) & 2600 MHz (Band 7 & Band 38)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Colombia, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
A Note about Various MVNOs in Colombia
In addition to the 10 recommended SIM cards in this guide, Colombia has nine other options you can choose from that offer prepaid services as well.
However, I only recommend mobile operators that sell SIM cards in physical you can easily visit because not everyone has the time to wait on a SIM card to be shipped to their ho(s)tel.
Especially when shipping can take up to several working days for it to be delivered.
MVNOs that sell their SIM cards in like one store per state/region have also been excluded (looking at you, Wings Mobile).
Below is a list of MVNOs that have been excluded and the reasoning:
- Comunicamos Más: Triple Internet Service Provider. Only those who have a fixed broadband and television plan can opt-in for Comunicamos Más Móvil/Mobile
- Conectame: announced it would launch back in 2017. It is the end of 2021 (at the time of writing), and there is no sign of life yet
- Flash Mobile: can only be purchased from Brand Ambassadors (direct selling by individuals). It could be a challenge to find such an ambassador
- HV Móvil: does not offer mobile services anymore
- Scalet: just like Conectame, it announced it would launch back in 2017, but nothing has happened in over four years
- SipMovil: for businesses only
- Uff Móvil: shut down in 2018 for the failure of payment
- Unicorn Mobile: SIM cards have to be ordered online. However, it may sell SIM cards through distributors soon
- Wings Mobile: has about one store per (large) city and less than 20 stores nationwide
5G NR in Colombia
5G NR is not available in Colombia as of 2022. However, the Colombian government planned to auction 5G NR licenses (3500 MHz) by December 2021. It is unknown whether this happened.
In early 2020, the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (MinTIC) awarded Claro Colombia, Movistar Colombia, Tigo Colombia & ETB Colombia temporary 5G NR licenses (3500 MHz), which all had successful trials.
Even if 5G NR licenses will be awarded at the end of 2021, do not expect nationwide coverage anytime soon.
With the latest 4G/LTE spectrum sale of 2019 (700 MHz on Band 28), the MitTIC applied rural coverage obligations.
While nationwide 4G/LTE coverage has improved over the years, it is still behind – even for regional standards. And the speeds are slow too.
Best SIM Card in Colombia
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Colombia, I recommend going with Claro or Tigo (Une). Claro has the best overall coverage (mostly 2G & 3G). Tigo (Une) is the best mobile operator overall with the fastest speeds, most extensive 4G/LTE coverage and availability & network performance.
Best eSIM in Colombia
Movistar Colombia is the only mobile operator offering eSIM to prepaid customers.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Colombia.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the nine best eSIMs for Colombia:
- Colombian mobile operators (one offer eSIMs to prepaid customers – read more in my Colombia SIM card buying guide)
- Airalo Hartonet eSIM with four choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (best value for money)
- Alosim Colombia eSIM with five choices between 1 GB and 10 GB (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options – use code PTW for 5% off)
- Holafly Colombia eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 20 days (unlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
- Airalo Latamlink eSIM with four choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (best value for money for 19 American countries)
- Holafly South America eSIM with one 6 GB option (simple eSIM covering 13 American countries)
- Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global) with 12 choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (extensive global coverage (130+ countries) at attractive prices) + ability to make and receive calls & send and receive SMS (new) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover(+) (Global) eSIM review too!
- AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
- Nomad Global eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (extensive global coverage (109 or 139 countries) at high(er) prices – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Colombia, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Colombia, you better check out my Colombia eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
SIM Card Registration in Colombia
SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Colombia. This will be done at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
It is possible to buy SIM cards from (un)authorized resellers, like an unsuspecting small phone shop at the corner of the street.
These stores may sell you a SIM card without registration. Such SIM cards may be registered on someone (as a postpaid line) or not at all.
While this may seem convenient at the time, it may put you at a disadvantage.
The seller may cut your line off within hours or days if they suspect you will not visit their shop anymore, leaving you with a useless SIM card – even after paying for it.
As a result, I recommend getting SIM cards from the official stores of the mobile operators, such as a Claro store, or an authorized reseller, such as Alkosto Hiperahorro for Kalley Móvil SIM cards.
IMEI Registration in Colombia
As of 2016, anyone using mobile devices with Colombian SIM cards has to register their phone IMEI number.
Unlike some countries that introduced an IMEI registration scheme, Colombia's procedure is relatively quick and does not cost anything (looking at you, Turkey).
But there are still some things to be aware of, though.
If you purchased your phone outside of Colombia, which is probably the case, you would need to bring proof of purchase to the mobile operator's store or a registration point as part of the registration.
TIP: do IMEI registration at the same place where you purchase your Colombian SIM card.
Moreover, your device type has to be on the approved phones list (Spanish). If it is not on the list, you are technically not allowed to use a Colombian SIM card (like most of my high-end devices, somehow).
Let's say your phone is not on the list or you did not bring proof of purchase with you on your trip, are you doomed?
No, depending on how long you plan on staying in Colombia or use a Colombian SIM card.
There is a 20-day grace period (30 days before March 2018) before your phone will be blocked from the Colombian networks.
So if you stay in the country for less than 20 days, you can use a Colombian SIM card and enjoy low local rates without being locked out from the network.
Otherwise, you may have to buy a new phone in Colombia or roam internationally in the country, which can be insanely expensive.
Do note that, because of registration, your Colombian SIM card can only be used on the device that has been registered with the mobile operator.
Trying to use anyone else's SIM card in your phone will not work.
Those using a dual-SIM phone and who want to use both SIM card slots have to register both SIM card trays.
There is no limitation on how many devices you can register on one name.
Colombia Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Colombia may not be the cheapest travel destination in South America. However, it is still affordable compare to many other countries worldwide.
But does that mean that the cost of mobile data is also inexpensive?
Yes, but not for regional standards.
The average price for 1 GB of data in Colombia is 2.80 USD, around the South American average of 1.97 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
So yes, mobile data in Colombia is cheap when looking at the global average. But it is the nation with the third-most highest average cost for 1 GB of data in South America.
But what is going on in the Falkland Islands?
Long story short for now (but you can learn more about it in the Falkland Islands SIM card buying guide), but anyone living there is being scammed by the local mobile operator.
If I included the Falkland Islands‘ figures in the South American average, the average cost of data would be 5.25 USD instead of 1.97 USD.
So yeah, I do not include it in the average.
So, let's talk about mobile data speeds in Colombia. Is it fast?
No, not at all.
Colombia's average mobile download speed is around 18 Mbps, about 1/3th the global average.
Right now, Suriname is the South American country with the fastest mobile download speeds (43 Mbps).
So, Colombia is not even close to the country with the best mobile download speeds.
But, in Colombia's defense – mobile download speeds are slow in South America.
Behind Suriname, only Uruguay (38 Mbps) and Brazil (34 Mbps) have faster average mobile download speeds higher than 30 Mbps.
So yeah, South America is not a place for blazing-fast speeds.
Okay, which mobile operator is the fastest?
That would be Tigo Colombia, with a speed score of 26.21. Followed by WOM Colombia (+Avantel) (17.36), Claro Colombia (16.31) & Movistar Colombia (14).
The fastest mobile download speed can be found in Cartagena, with a median download speed of 22.78 Mbps. Followed by Barranquilla (22.25 Mbps).
Cali, Medellín & Bogotá have to deal with median download speeds of around 20 Mbps (21.59 Mbps, 19.75 Mbps & 18.24 Mbps).
As mentioned in the Best SIM Card in Colombia section, Tigo Colombia is the best mobile operator in all regards, except for the 4G coverage experience.
But, as I mentioned there as well, Claro Colombia has the best nationwide coverage.
And less than 50% of the Colombian population is covered by 4G/LTE – so keep your expectations low.
With low SIM card prices, mediocre nationwide coverage, slow mobile download speeds, and low mobile data rates, you should have a fair network experience in Colombia.
Currency in Colombia
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso with the symbol COP (which will be used throughout this guide).
Prices in Colombia are listed in just $ or COL$. For example, 25 COP = $/COL$ 25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between COP and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):
- 100 COP = 0.25 USD
- 1000 COP = 0.25 USD
- 10 000 COP = 2.45 USD
- 100 000 COP = 24.40 USD
For up-to-date COP:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Colombian Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Claro Colombia, Movistar Colombia, Tigo Colombia, Avantel Colombia, WOM Colombia (+Avantel), Buenofon, ETB Colombia, Kalley Móvil, Móvil Éxito & Virgin Mobile Colombia, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Colombia has to offer to us.
Claro Colombia
Claro Colombia, just Claro, is the largest mobile operator in Colombia.
In 2013, Claro merged with Comcel. This merger made the two companies become the largest mobile operator then, which is still the same.
While the Comcel brand has not been used for almost a decade, some still somehow refer to Claro as Comcel.
Claro, as a company, is active in Central America and South America.
Claro uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1700 MHz (Band 4), 1900 MHz (Band 2) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
This is what you will learn about Claro:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Claro SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Claro Colombia
Claro has the best coverage in Colombia.
However, its 4G/LTE reception is behind Tigo Colombia's.
Many parts of the country are covered by 2G or 3G only… or not at all.
Below is Claro's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Claro's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Claro Colombia
You can buy a Claro SIM card for 5000 COP with 1000 COP credit in Claro stores. It is possible to get a Claro SIM card at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport ( the Techport store) at inflated prices.
Claro
Dial *611# to access the Claro menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Claro has no eSIMs.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Colombia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Colombia (Hartonet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/ 15 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/ 30 days & 5 GB/ 30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Colombia eSIMs from Holafly:
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Colombia and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Colombia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Colombia, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Colombia
Claro top-up vouchers are sold in Claro stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Colombia.
The following top-ups with bonuses are available:
To top up your Claro SIM card, you would dial *106*VoucherCode# or *611# and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *106*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
Dial *611# or #724 to check your Claro balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Claro (Colombia)/My Claro (Colombia) app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Claro Colombia
Claro has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Paquetes Todo Includio/All Inclusive Packages (combo)
- Paquetes de Datos/Data Packages
- Paquetes de Apps/App Packages (data for apps)
All Claro plans can be activated by dialing *611#.
I will list all the prices in COP (Colombian Peso).
To convert COP to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Paquetes Todo Includio (All Inclusive Packages) – Claro Colombia
The Paquetes Todo Includio (All Inclusive Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Paquetes Todo Includio can be activated by dialing *611#:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 COP | 50 MB | Unlimited 2 | 50 minutes | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 3500 COP | 400 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2 days |
| 6500 COP | 1.4 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6 days |
| 7500 COP | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 11 000 COP | 3.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 11 000 COP | 10 GB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 21 000 COP | 7.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 days |
| 21 000 COP | 20 GB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 31 000 COP | 12 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 31 000 COP | 30 GB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 41 000 COP | 18 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 100 000 COP | 80 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 Facebook, Twitter & WhatsApp
2 WhatsApp only
Paquetes de Datos (Data Packages) – Claro Colombia
The Paquetes de Datos (Data Packages) are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).
Paquetes Todo Includio can be activated by dialing *611# and selecting option 1:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 COP | 200 MB | Unlimited 2 | 1 day |
| 2000 COP | 400 MB | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 4000 COP | 800 MB | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 7000 COP | 2 GB | Unlimited | 7 days |
1 Facebook, Twitter & WhatsApp
2 WhatsApp only
Paquetes de Apps (App Packages) – Claro Colombia
The Paquetes de Apps (App Packages) are data plans for Instagram, Snapchat, Waze, WhatsApp & YouTube individually.
The following Paquetes de Apps (App Packages) are available:
| Price | Data | App | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 COP | Unlimited | Waze | 24 hours |
| 2500 COP | Unlimited | 24 hours | |
| 3000 COP | Unlimited | YouTube | 1 hour |
| 3000 COP | Unlimited | Waze | 7 days |
| 9000 COP | Unlimited | 15 days | |
| 15 000 COP | Unlimited | 7 days | |
| 18 000 COP | Unlimited | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Claro Colombia
- Name: Internet Claro
- APN: internet.comcel.com.co
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Movistar Colombia
Movistar Colombia, just Movistar, is the second-largest mobile operator in Colombia.
It purchased the state-owned Colombia Telecommunications way back in 2006.
Movistar, as a brand, is active in Central America, South America & Spain.
Movistar uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 850 MHz (Band 5), 1700 MHz (Band 4), 1900 MHz (Band 2), 2600 MHz (Band 38)
This is what you will learn about Movistar:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Movistar SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Movistar Colombia
Movistar has decent coverage throughout Colombia.
Many parts of the country are covered by 2G or 3G only… or not at all.
Below is Movistar's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Movistar's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Movistar Colombia
You can buy a Movistar SIM card for 3000 COP in Movistar stores. Movistar does not sell SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is also possible to get a Movistar eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Colombia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the
Colombia (Hartonet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/ 15 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/ 30 days & 5 GB/ 30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Colombia eSIMs from Holafly:
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Colombia and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Colombia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Colombia, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Movistar Colombia
Movistar top-up vouchers are sold in Movistar stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Colombia.
To top up your Movistar SIM card, you would dial *611# and follow the instructions. The same shortcode can be used to check your balance.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *106*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also top up and check your balance on the App Mi Movistar Colombia/My Movistar Colombia app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Movistar Colombia
Movistar has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Paquetes Todo En Uno/All In One Packages (combo)
- IlimiDatos/Unlimite Data (combo)
- Arma tu Paquete/Build Your Package (customizable combo)
- Navega/Browse (data)
All Movistar plans can be activated by dialing *611#.
I will list all the prices in COP (Colombian Peso).
To convert COP to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Paquetes Todo En Uno (All In One Packages) – Movistar Colombia
The Paquetes Todo En Uno (All In One Packages) plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Paquetes Todo En Uno plans can be activated by dialing *611#:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | International Minutes 2 | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500 COP | 350 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 6500 COP | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 7500 COP | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 10 500 COP | 4 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 15 500 COP | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 45 minutes | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 16 000 COP | 6 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 45 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 21 000 COP | 8 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 25 000 COP | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 200 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 31 000 COP | 13 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 250 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 41 000 COP | 19 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 350 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 63 000 COP | 30 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 90 days |
1 Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Waze & WhatsApp
2 to the United States & Venezuela
IlimiDatos (Unlimited Data) – Movistar Colombia
The IlimiDatos (Unlimited Data) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
You can activate IlimiDatos by dialing *611#:
| Price | Data | Skype, Teams & Zoom Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7000 COP | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | 3 days |
| 10 000 COP | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 13 000 COP | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | 7 days |
| 23 000 COP | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 27 000 COP | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | 15 days |
Arma tu Paquete (Build Your Package) – Movistar Colombia
Arma tu Paquete (Build Your Package) is a customizable bundle that allows you to set how much data (without 5G NR access) and how many international minutes you want.
Unlimited data for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Waze & WhatsApp, unlimited local minutes & unlimited local SMS are included in all configurations.
Due to how Movistar set up its pricing for Arma tu Paquete, it is a challenge to calculate how much each option cost.
The cheapest combination available (with 3.5 GB of data, unlimited data for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Waze & WhatsApp, unlimited local minutes, 15 international minutes & unlimited local minutes) valid for 7 days costs 10 500 COP.
The most expensive combination available (with 15 GB of data, unlimited data for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Waze & WhatsApp, unlimited local minutes, 220 international minutes & unlimited local SMS) valid for 30 days costs 67 000 COP.
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 500 COP | 3.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 33 000 COP | 8 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 67 000 COP | 15 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 220 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Waze & WhatsApp
I recommend heading to the Arma tu Paquete page so that you can get an idea of how much your preferred plan will cost.
You can also use the App Mi Movistar Colombia to set up Arma tu Paquete.
The Navega (Browse) plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Navega plans can be activated by dialing *611#:
| Price | Data | WhatsApp Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 COP | N/A | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 4900 COP | 1.1 GB | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 13 900 COP | 5 GB | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 40 000 COP | 20 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Movistar Colombia
- Name: Movistar Internet
- APN: internet.movistar.com.co
- Username: movistar
- Password: movistar
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Tigo Colombia (Formerly Tigo Une/Colombia Móvil)
Tigo Colombia, just Tigo but officially Colombia Móvil and formerly Tigo Une, is the third-largest mobile operator in Colombia.
Its actual name is Colombia Móvil, but it does business as Tigo (Colombia).
In 2014, Tigo and UNE merged into one company, becoming Tigo Une.
However, the Une part has been dropped from its branding since 2019.
Tigo uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 1900 MHz
- 3G: 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
This is what you will learn about Tigo:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Tigo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Tigo Colombia (Formerly Tigo Une/Colombia Móvil)
Tigo has decent coverage throughout Colombia.
It is one of the mobile operators with the best 4G/LTE coverage.
However, it is still not nationwide – many parts of the country are covered by 2G or 3G only… or not at all.
Below is Tigo's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Tigo's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Tigo Colombia (Formerly Tigo Une/Colombia Móvil)
You can buy a Tigo SIM card for 5000 COP, 10 000 COP & 20 000 COP in Tigo stores and from select resellers (ARA & Drogas La Rebaja). Tigo does not sell SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport.
The following SIM cards are available:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 COP | 500 MB | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 10 000 COP | 1 GB | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 20 000 COP | 2 GB | Unlimited | 15 days |
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Tigo Colombia has no eSIMs.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Colombia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the
Colombia (Hartonet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/ 15 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/ 30 days & 5 GB/ 30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Colombia eSIMs from Holafly:
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Colombia and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Colombia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Colombia, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tigo Colombia (Formerly Tigo Une/Colombia Móvil)
Tigo top-up vouchers are sold in Tigo stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Colombia.
With top-ups from 2000 COP, you get top-up bonuses with data, Facebook and WhatsApp data & local minutes.
The following top-up bonuses are available:
| Top-Up | Data | Facebook & WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 COP – 2999 COP | 500 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 days |
| 3000 COP – 4999 COP | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 5000 COP => | 1.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 days |
To top up your Tigo SIM card, you would dial *111# and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *10# to check your Tigo balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Tigo (My Tigo) app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Tigo Colombia (Formerly Tigo Une/Colombia Móvil)
Tigo has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Paquetigos de Corta Duración/Short Term Packages (combo)
- Paquetigos Con Reses Sociales Ilimitadas/Packages with Unlimited Social Media (combo)
- 2×1 Plans (combo)
- Paquetigos Cargados de Datos/Data Loaded Packages (combo – yes, really)
I will list all the prices in COP (Colombian Peso).
To convert COP to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Paquetigos de Corta Duración (Short Term Packages) – Tigo Colombia (Formerly Tigo Une/Colombia Móvil)
The Paquetigos de Corta Duración (Short Term Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS for one or two days.
The following Paquetigos de Corta Duración are available:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 COP | 500 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 3000 COP | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2 days |
The Paquetigos Con Reses Sociales Ilimitadas (Packages with Unlimited Social Media) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Paquetigos Con Reses Sociales Ilimitadas are available:
| Price | Data | Facebook & WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 COP | 350 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 6000 COP | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6 days |
| 7000 COP | 1.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 10 000 COP | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 20 000 COP | 7.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 days |
| 30 000 COP | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
2×1 Plans – Tigo Colombia (Formerly Tigo Une/Colombia Móvil)
The 2×1 Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
You can choose one of the following 2×1 Plans:
| Price | Data | Facebook & WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 000 COP | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6 days |
| 20 000 COP | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 14 days |
Paquetigos Cargados de Datos (Data Loaded Packages) – Tigo Colombia (Formerly Tigo Une/Colombia Móvil)
The Paquetigos Cargados de Datos (Data Loaded Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
You can choose one of the following Paquetigos Cargados de Datos:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 COP | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 10 000 COP | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 20 000 COP | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 30 000 COP | 12 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Tigo Colombia (Formerly Tigo Une/Colombia Móvil)
- Name: Tigo Web
- APN: web.colombiamovil.com.co
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
WOM Colombia (+Avantel)
WOM Colombia (+Avantel), just WOM, is a 4G/LTE-only mobile operator in Colombia.
To some extent, at least – WOM can use the Big Three's (Claro Colombia's, Movistar Colombia's & Tigo Colombia's) 2G and 3G networks because that was ordered by the Colombian regulator (Roaming Automático Nacional/Automatic National Roaming).
As a result, it is recommended to enable data roaming with a WOM SIM card.
WOM's native 4G/LTE coverage is restricted to large cities only (at the moment).
WOM Colombia has announced that it will/has merge(d) with Avantel (soon). Avantel has been in debt for years.
WOM uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – access through Roaming Automático Nacional
- 3G: N/A – access through Roaming Automático Nacional
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
This is what you will learn about WOM:
* Coverage
* How to Get a WOM SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – WOM Colombia (+Avantel)
WOM (+Avantel) has limited coverage throughout Colombia. However, through Roaming Automático Nacional (Automatic National Roaming), it has 2G and 3G access to the Big Three's networks (at restricted speeds).
With data roaming enabled, you will always connect to the best network available with WOM.
However, this may not be something you want to rely on.
Mobile internet speeds in Colombia are not fast already, and your speeds will be even slower when you use the Big Three's networks with a WOM SIM card.
WOM's speeds are decent in places with native coverage, the largest cities in Colombia. Its speeds will be sluggish on 2G and 3G.
As a result, WOM should only be considered when staying in areas where it has native coverage.
Below is WOM's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – WOM Colombia (+Avantel)
You can buy a WOM SIM card for between 9000 COP and 21 000 COP in WOM stores. Plans range from WOM does not sell SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
WOM (+Avantel) has no eSIMs.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Colombia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the
Colombia (Hartonet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/ 15 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/ 30 days & 5 GB/ 30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Colombia eSIMs from Holafly:
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Colombia and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Colombia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Colombia, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – WOM Colombia (+Avantel)
You can top-up your WOM SIM card in WOM stores, at top-up locations (through eTopUp) or online. Top-up vouchers are not sold.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – WOM Colombia (+Avantel)
WOM has two data-featured prepaid plans: Mixtos/Mixed (combo) & Datos/Data.
I will list all the prices in COP (Colombian Peso).
To convert COP to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Mixtos (Mixed) – WOM Colombia (+Avantel)
The Mixtos (Mixed) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Mixtos plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *888:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1,2 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500 COP | 500 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 6000 COP | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 6500 COP | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 24 hours |
| 9000 COP | 4 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 12 000 COP | 6 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 16 000 COP | 7 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 21 000 COP | 12 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 Facebook, Facebook Messenger, FreeFire, Twitter, Waze & WhatsApp
2 unlimited WhatsApp for 30 days
Datos (Data) – WOM Colombia (+Avantel)
The Datos (Data) are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).
The following Datos plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *888:
| Price | Data | Social Data | App | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 COP | N/A | Unlimited | Waze | 24 hours |
| 3000 COP | N/A | Unlimited | YouTube | until 23:59 on the date of purchase |
| 3000 COP | N/A | Unlimited | Waze | 7 days |
| 4000 COP | 1.2 GB | Unlimited | Facebook, Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp | 3 days |
| 5700 COP | 1.5 GB | Unlimited | Facebook, Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp | 7 days |
| 7500 COP | N/A | Unlimited | 30 days | |
| 10 000 CO | N/A | Unlimited | 30 days | |
| 22 000 COP | 12 GB | Unlimited | Facebook, Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – WOM Colombia (+Avantel)
- Name: WOM
- APN: internet.wom.co
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Buenofon
Buenofon is a Movistar Colombia MVNO.
It is the mobile brand by the supermarket chain Justo y Bueno.
To learn about Buenofon’s frequencies, jump back to Movistar Colombia’s frequencies.
This is what you will learn about Buenofon:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Buenofon SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Buenofon
Buenofon is a Movistar Colombia MVNO, meaning Buenofon uses the Movistar Colombia network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Buenofon, jump to the Movistar Colombia Coverage section.
SIM Card Price – Buenofon
You can buy a Buenofon SIM card for 5000 COP with 1000 COP credit in Justo y Bueno stores. Buenofon does not sell SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Buenofon has no eSIMs.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Colombia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the
Colombia (Hartonet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/ 15 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/ 30 days & 5 GB/ 30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Colombia eSIMs from Holafly:
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Colombia and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Colombia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Colombia, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Buenofon
Buenofon eTopUps are sold in Justo y Bueno stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Colombia.
Simply tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
Each top-up is valid for 60 days.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *611 and select option 1 or dial *611#, select option 1, and select option 1 again to check your Buenofon balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Buenofon
Buenofon has several data-featured prepaid plans with data (without 5g NR access), minutes & SMS.
I will list all the prices in COP (Colombian Peso).
To convert COP to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Facebook & WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900 COP | Chévere | 100 MB | 100 MB | 50 minutes | N/A | 2 days |
| 3000 COP | Chusco | 550 MB | 250 MB | 100 minutes | N/A | 3 days |
| 4000 COP | Megadatos | 750 MB | 250 MB | N/A | N/A | 15 days |
| 5000 COP | Pispo | 1 GB | 300 MB | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 5 days |
| 6000 COP | Bacano | 1.5 GB | 500 MB | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 6 days |
| 10 000 COP | Genial | 2 GB | 600 MB | Unlimited | 100 SMS | 8 days |
| 10 000 COP | Giga Y Ñapa | 2.5 GB | 500 MB | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 15 000 COP | Calidoso | 2.5 GB | 800 MB | Unlimited | 100 SMS | 15 days |
| 25 000 COP | Melo | 4 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited | 100 SMS | 30 days |
| 40 000 COP | Severo | 13 GB | N/A | Unlimited | 100 SMS | 30 days |
| 65 000 COP | Tremendo | 25 GB | N/A | Unlimited | 100 SMS | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Buenofon
- Name: buenofon
- APN: data.megamovil
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
ETB Colombia
ETB Colombia, just ETB, is a Tigo Colombia MVNO.
ETB is a local Internet Service Provider (ISP). It used to have a monopoly on the broadband internet market until privatization.
Now, it also offers mobile services with the help of Tigo Colombia.
To learn about ETB’s frequencies, jump back to Tigo Colombia’s frequencies.
This is what you will learn about ETB:
* Coverage
* How to Get an ETB SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – ETB Colombia
ETB is a Tigo Colombia MVNO, meaning ETB uses the Tigo Colombia network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with ETB, jump to the Tigo Colombia Coverage section.
SIM Card Price – ETB Colombia
You can buy an ETB SIM card for 5000 COP with 5000 COP credit in ETB stores. Avantel does not sell SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport.
Dial #62# to see your ETB phone number.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
ETB Colombia has no eSIMs.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Colombia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the
Colombia (Hartonet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/ 15 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/ 30 days & 5 GB/ 30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Colombia eSIMs from Holafly:
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Colombia and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Colombia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Colombia, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – ETB Colombia
ETB top-up vouchers are sold in ETB stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Colombia.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *701 to check your ETB balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi ETB (My ETB) app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – ETB Colombia
ETB has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Nuevo Plan Móvil/New Mobile Plan (combo). It includes data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
I will list all the prices in COP (Colombian Peso).
To convert COP to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
ETB plans get activated automatically by topping up the plan's corresponding price or on the Mi ETB app:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 COP | 13 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 6000 COP | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 11 000 COP | 5.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 20 000 COP | 11 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 40 000 COP | 25 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 50 000 COP | 35 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Waze & WhatsApp
APN/Internet Settings – ETB Colombia
- Name: ETB LTE
- APN: internetmovil.etb.net.co
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Kalley Móvil
Kalley Móvil is a Suma Móvil MVNO that used the Tigo Colombia network.
Kalley Móvil targets the youth, with no defined age upper limit.
However, it looks like anyone can get a Kalley Móvil SIM card if they want to.
To learn about Kalley Móvil’s frequencies, jump back to Tigo Colombia’s frequencies.
This is what you will learn about Kalley Móvil:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Kalley Móvil SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Kalley Móvil
Kalley Móvil is a Suma Móvil MVNO using the Tigo Colombia network, meaning Kalley Móvil uses the Tigo Colombia network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
Unlike the Big Three, Suna Móvil is not a traditional mobile operator. Instead, it is an MVNO-enabler on the Tigo Colombia network.
Why Kalley Móvil did not go directly with Tigo Colombia, I cannot tell. But if it works, it works.
To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with ETB, jump to the Tigo Colombia Coverage section.
SIM Card Price – Kalley Móvil
You can buy a Kalley Móvil SIM card for between 7000 COP to 10 000 COP, depending on the retailer, with 1 GB, unlimited Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp, 100 local minutes, 100 local SMS – all for 30 days, in Alkosto Hiperahorro, Alkomprar & KTronix stores. Kalley Móvil does not sell SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport.
You may have to dial *800 to activate your Kalley Móvil SIM card.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Kalley Móvil has no eSIMs.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Colombia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the
Colombia (Hartonet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/ 15 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/ 30 days & 5 GB/ 30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Colombia eSIMs from Holafly:
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Colombia and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Colombia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Colombia, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Kalley Móvil
Kalley Móvil top-up vouchers are sold in various stores, including grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Colombia.
To top up your Kalley Móvil SIM card, you would dial *733# and follow the instructions.
Each top-up is valid for 60 days.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *104# to check your Kalley Móvil balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Kalley Móvil/My Kalley Mobile app (Android – no iOS app… yet).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Kalley Móvil
Kalley Móvil has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Paquetes Vívelo Full/Live It Full Packages (combo)
- Arma tu Paquete Prepago/Build Your Own Plan (customizable combo)
- Arma tu Paquete Prepago – Datos/Build Your Own Plan – Data (data option for customizable combo)
I will list all the prices in COP (Colombian Peso).
To convert COP to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Paquetes Vívelo Full (Live It Full Packages) – Kalley Móvil
The Paquetes Vívelo Full (Live It Full Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Paquetes Vívelo Full are available, which can be activated on the Kalley Móvil app:
| Price | Data | Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 COP | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 5000 COP | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 7000 COP | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 20 000 COP | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
Arma tu Paquete Prepago (Build Your Own Plan) – Kalley Móvil
The Arma tu Paquete Prepago (Build Your Own Plan) is a customizable bundle that allows you to set how much data (without 5G NR access) and how many minutes you want.
Unlike many build your own plans used by mobile operators around the world, some combinations are not possible with Arma tu Paquete Prepage (marked with N/A).
All configurations include unlimited Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp data & unlimited local SMS.
The following Arma tu Paquete Prepago are available, which can be activated on the Kalley Móvil app:
| Data/Minutes | 500 MB | 1 GB | 3 GB | 5 GB | 7 GB | 10 GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 3000 COP | 5500 COP | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 70 minutes | N/A | 6500 COP | N/A | N/A | 26 200 COP | N/A |
| 100 minutes | N/A | N/A | 7000 COP | 21 000 COP | 25 000 COP | 32 000 COP |
| 200 minutes | N/A | 7200 COP | N/A | 22 000 COP | 26 000 COP | 31 000 COP |
| 300 minutes | N/A | N/A | 16 500 COP | 23 000 COP | N/A | 34 000 COP |
| 500 minutes | N/A | 11 000 COP | N/A | 24 000 COP | N/A | N/A |
| Unlimited minutes | N/A | N/A | 18 500 COP | 22 000 COP | N/A | 30 000 COP |
If you want 410 MB of data for Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp for three days, it will cost you an additional 6000 COP.
For this add-on to be valid for 30 days with an allowance of 4 GB, Kalley Móvil will charge you 40 000 COP.
Arma tu Paquete Prepago – Datos (Build Your Own Plan – Data) – Kalley Móvil
With Arma tu Paquete Prepago, you can also decide to select only data (without 5G NR access) or minutes.
As I focused on data-featured plans, the call options will not be discussed (but I will show them in the screenshot below anyway).
The following Arma tu Paquete Prepago Datos options are available, which include unlimited Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp data & unlimited local SMS as well:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 6700 COP | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 17 000 COP | 3 GB | 30 days |
| 25 000 COP | 7 GB | 30 days |
The social media add-ons are available for the data-only and call-only options too.
APN/Internet Settings – Kalley Móvil
- Name: suma
- APN: suma.smovil.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Móvil Éxito
Móvil Éxito is a Tigo Colombia MVNO.
It is the mobile group by the retail group Éxito.
To learn about Móvil Éxito’s frequencies, jump back to Tigo Colombia’s frequencies.
This is what you will learn about Móvil Éxito:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Móvil Éxito SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Móvil Éxito
Móvil Éxito is a Tigo Colombia MVNO, meaning Móvil Éxito uses the Tigo Colombia network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Móvil Éxito, jump to the Tigo Colombia Coverage section.
SIM Card Price – Móvil Éxito
You can buy a Móvil Éxito SIM card for 5000 COP with 200 MB, 40 minutes & 10 SMS for 7 days in Exito, Carulla, Surimax, Super Inter & SuperMayorista stores. Móvil Éxito does not sell SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport.
Dial *255*4# to see your Móvil Éxito phone number.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Móvil Éxito has no eSIMs.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Colombia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the
Colombia (Hartonet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/ 15 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/ 30 days & 5 GB/ 30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Colombia eSIMs from Holafly:
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Colombia and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Colombia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Colombia, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Móvil Éxito
Móvil Éxito top-up vouchers are sold by Móvil Éxito retailers, including grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Colombia.
The following top-up options are available:
- 1000 COP
- 2000 COP
- 5000 COP
- 10 000 COP
- 20 000 COP
To top up your Móvil Éxito SIM card, you would dial *999 and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
Dial *3333# to check your Móvil Éxito balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Móvil Éxito
Móvil Éxito has one data-featured prepaid plan: Paquetes. It features data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
I will list all the prices in COP (Colombian Peso).
To convert COP to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Paquetes can be activated by dialing *999:
| Price | Data | Facebook & WhatsApp Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2500 COP | 400 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 SMS | 3 days |
| 5000 COP | 1.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 SMS | 7 days |
| 7500 COP | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 SMS | 10 days |
| 9900 COP | 3.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 SMS | 15 days |
| 19 900 COP | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 SMS | 30 days |
| 24 900 COP | 15 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 40 SMS | 30 days |
| 35 000 COP | 30 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Móvil Éxito
- Name: Movil Exito
- APN: movilexito.net.co
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Virgin Mobile Colombia
Virgin Mobile Colombia, just Virgin Mobile, is a Movistar Colombia MVNO.
It does have plans to become a Main Operator itself (using Roaming Automático Nacional – Automatic National Roaming), but it has yet to receive permission.
Virgin Mobile, as a brand, is active in Europe, Mexico, the Middle East & South America.
To learn about Virgin Mobile’s frequencies, jump back to Movistar Colombia’s frequencies.
This is what you will learn about Virgin Mobile:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Virgin Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Virgin Mobile Colombia
Virgin Mobile is a Movistar Colombia MVNO, meaning Virgin Mobile uses the Movistar Colombia network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Virgin Mobile, jump to the Movistar Colombia Coverage section.
SIM Card Price – Virgin Mobile Colombia
You can buy a Virgin Mobile SIM card for between 12 000 COP to 40 000 COP in Virgin Mobile stores. Virgin Mobile does not sell SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport.
The following SIM cards are available:
| Price | Data | Social Media Data 1 | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 000 COP | 750 MB | Unlimited | 90 minutes | 30 days |
| 20 000 COP | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 32 000 COP | 12 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 40 000 COP | 22 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 Facebook & WhatsApp
You may have to activate your SIM card online.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Virgin Mobile has no eSIMs.
Note that the Colombian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Colombia (without personal detail capturing), you can get the
Colombia (Hartonet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/ 7 days – very popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/ 15 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/ 30 days & 5 GB/ 30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Colombia eSIMs from Holafly:
- Unlimited/5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/15 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Colombia and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Colombia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Colombia, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Virgin Mobile Colombia
You can top-up your Virgin Mobile SIM card on the Virgin Mobile Colombia app (Android/iOS) or online – the same counts for checking your balance (or dial *10# or *111 and select option 5). Top-up vouchers are not sold.
Each top-up is valid for 60 days.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Virgin Mobile Colombia
Virgin Mobile has five data-featured prepaid plans:
- Planes/Planes (combo)
- Bolsas de Voz/Voice Bags (combo)
- Bolsas de Datos/Data Bags (data)
- Bolsas Ilimitadas – WhatsApp/Unlimited Bags – WhatsApp (WhatsApp data)
- Bolsas de Apps/App Bags (app-specific data)
All Virgin Mobile plans can be activated by dialing *111# and selecting option 2.
I will list all the prices in COP (Colombian Peso).
To convert COP to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Planes (Plans) – Virgin Mobile Colombia
The Planes (Plans) are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Planes are available:
| Price | Data | Social Media Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 COP | 50 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 SMS | 1 day |
| 3000 COP | 500 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 SMS | 3 days |
| 6000 COP | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 SMS | 7 days |
| 10 000 COP | 1.2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 SMS | 10 days |
| 12 000 COP | 750 MB | Unlimited | 90 minutes 2 | 7 SMS | 30 days |
| 15 000 COP | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 SMS | 15 days |
| 20 000 COP | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 SMS | 30 days |
| 25 000 COP | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 32 000 COP | 14 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 SMS | 30 days |
| 40 000 COP | 24 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 60 000 COP | 40 GB | Unlimited 3, 4 | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 90 000 COP | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 100 SMS | 30 days |
1 Facebook & WhatsApp
2 +unlimited on-net minutes
3 +unlimited Instagram, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter & Waze
4 +3 GB for YouTube
Bolsas de Voz (Voice Bags) – Virgin Mobile Colombia
The Bolsas de Voz (Voice Bags) are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) for WhatsApp and local minutes.
The following Bolsas de Voz are available:
| Price | WhatsApp Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 COP | N/A | 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 1 day | *101# |
| 5000 COP | 20 MB | 40 minutes | 40 minutes | 7 days | *105# |
| 12 000 COP | 50 MB | Unlimited | 90 minutes | 30 days | *112# |
Bolsas de Datos (Data Bags) – Virgin Mobile Colombia
The Bolsas de Datos (Data Bags) are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).
The following Bolsas de Datos are available:
| Price | Data | Facebook Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 COP | 100 MB | N/A | 2 days | *301# |
| 3000 COP | 500 MB | N/A | 3 days | *303# |
| 5000 COP | 300 MB | 150 MB | 7 days | *305# |
| 12 00 COP | 750 MB | 350 MB | 30 days | *312# |
| 22 00 COP | 1.5 GB | 600 MB 1 | 30 days | *322# |
| 40 00 COP | 4 GB 2 | Unlimited 1 | 30 days | *340# |
1 +unlimited WhatsApp data
2 +15 local minutes
Bolsas Ilimitadas – WhatsApp (Unlimited Bags – WhatsApp) – Virgin Mobile Colombia
The Bolsas Ilimitadas (Unlimited Bags) are unlimited data plans (without 5G NR access) for WhatsApp.
The following Bolsas Ilimitadas are available:
| Price | WhatsApp Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 COP | Unlimited | 1 day | *800# |
| 3000 COP | Unlimited | 4 days | *603# |
| 5000 COP | Unlimited 1 | 7 days | *605# |
1 +150 MB for Facebook
Bolsas de Apps (App Bags) – Virgin Mobile Colombia
The Bolsas de Apps are data plans (without 5G NR access) for Facebook, TikTok & WhatsApp individually.
The following Bolsas de Apps are available:
| Price | Data | App | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 COP | Unlimited | 1 day | *111# – option 2 | |
| 3000 COP | Unlimited | 4 days | *111# – option 2 | |
| 5000 COP | 400 MB | 15 days | *111# – option 2 | |
| 5000 COP | Unlimited | 7 days | N/A | |
| 10 000 COP | 1.5 GB | TikTok | 15 days | *810# |
| 15 000 COP | 3 GB | TikTok | 30 days | *815# |
| 30 000 COP | Unlimitd | TikTok | 30 days | *888# |
APN/Internet Settings – Virgin Mobile Colombia
- Name: Virgin
- APN: web.vmc.net.co
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Colombia
Getting a SIM card from Claro or Tigo would do you well when considering a Colombian SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other American Countries
Visiting other countries in the Americas? Check out my Caribbean SIM card buying guide, covering other American nations, such as:
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Saba
- Saint Barthélemy (Barts)
- Saint Kitts & Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
- Sint Eustatius (Statia)
- Sint Maarten
- Suriname
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Turks & Caicos Islands
- United States
- Uruguay
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Venezuela
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience?
Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?
In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?
A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!