If you are planning to visit the South American country and you have already identified that eSIM is your best option to avoid running out of internet during your trip, this article will probably help you.
Here we tell you everything you need to know about the quality of the internet in this country, and very importantly, we explain how to activate and configure your travel eSIM for Colombia, so you won’t be left without calling your friends and family while you travel through the Andes, the jungles and the Caribbean, yes, this territory has a vast geography.
This is the internet in Colombia
Internet quality and coverage in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, although there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. In terms of coverage, approximately 60% of the Colombian population has internet access, according to official data from 2021.
Although this report shows a significant improvement compared to previous years, there is still a digital divide in the country, partly because the geography of the Colombian territory is very rugged, which means that in the most remote rural areas there are still complications with coverage.
In terms of Internet quality, there have also been notable improvements in the speed and reliability of the connection in recent years. Major cities in the country, such as Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Barranquilla, have access to high-speed Internet.
However, some rural areas still face challenges in terms of connectivity, so it is possible that if you visit natural areas such as the Tayrona Park, the Cocora Valley, the jungles of the south of the country or the Andean landscapes of Boyacá, you will experience a lack of signal at times, in the respective urban centers you will have no problems.
As a curious fact, in that country there are frequent reports of online censorship and limitations on freedom of expression on the Internet.
Internet in Bogotá
The internet in Bogotá for tourists and travelers works quite well. There are plenty of public networks to access in hotels, restaurants, cafes, libraries and shopping malls.
In addition, the city has multiple mobile networks, so digital SIM cards will always have access and connectivity. Regarding the quality of these networks, internet connection in Bogotá is generally fast and reliable in the urban area. However, in nature reserve areas, such as the Páramo del sumapaz or the Chingaza Natural Park, there may be a slower or unstable connection.
It is important to keep in mind that, as anywhere in the world, tourists and travelers in Bogota should take security measures when accessing the Internet, such as using a virtual private network (VPN) and avoiding the use of unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
Internet in Medellín
The internet situation in Medellín is similar to that of Bogotá. In general, internet access in Medellín is quite good, with widespread coverage throughout the city. In terms of quality of service, Medellín has a modern and advanced telecommunications infrastructure, which guarantees a fast and stable connection. However, as in Bogotá, some remote or less developed areas of the city may experience a patchy connection.
A particular feature that distinguishes Medellin from other cities in Colombia is its innovation and technology program, which seeks to position the city as an epicenter for the development of startups and technology companies, which has led to an increase in the demand for high-speed internet.
eSIM card for Colombia with data: By far the best option
The eSIM with data for Colombia is an excellent option for tourists visiting the country, compared to other ways of connecting to the Internet, and the prices are usually quite affordable.
For example, Simlimites’ eSIM plan for Colombia starts at $10, much cheaper than international roaming.
In general, the development of eSIMs has been aimed at improving communications, signal quality and technology sophistication. Here are some advantages of using a virtual travel SIM:
- Practicality: Since this technology no longer requires a SIM card, you will not need to change your physical card when you enter the country. This makes the digital SIM more convenient and easy to use, especially if you travel a lot, whether for business or vacation.
By the way, if your visit to Colombia is just one stop in a journey that includes more countries, you could benefit from the eSIM for all Latin America, with this data plan you will have connection in several destinations.
- Time savings: By using a travel eSIM for Colombia you could save time, as you would not need to wait in line at the airport to buy a physical SIM card that you will probably never use again.
- Wide coverage: The eSIM data for Colombia offers wide coverage throughout the country, ensuring that you will have access to high speed internet almost anywhere you visit, no matter if it is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Guatapé near Medellín or the beaches of Palomino and Santa Marta.
- Security: By using an international eSIM for Colombia, your internet connection will be secure and reliable, for example in Simlimites we have an encrypted connection to ensure the privacy and protection of the user’s personal data.
How to activate eSIM for Colombia
To activate a Simlimites eSIM for Colombia, you must follow the steps below:
- First, you will need to make the purchase of the digital Sim on the website. After that, you will receive an email with a QR code that you will need to scan to activate the new eSIM.
- Once you have scanned the QR code from the mobile networks section of your cell phone, the activation of the travel data plan will be completed automatically and you will be able to start using it immediately.
For more information on how to activate and configure a travel eSIM, you can visit our help center section where you will find detailed instructions for iPhone, Samsung and other smartphone models.
It is also important to mention that you must have an eSIM compatible device to be able to use the plan for Colombia, check here if your phone supports this technology.
Other options to access Colombia’s Internet
Although eSIMs are currently the most convenient option for connecting to the network and communicating, they are not the only way you can surf the Internet. Here are some alternatives:
Prepaid SIM cards
Nowadays, not all cell phones are compatible with the new eSIM, and your phone may be one of them, however, this does not have to be an impediment to have internet access while traveling abroad.
The most convenient option for these cases is to use an ordinary plastic SIM card, which you can get at airports or buy online before your trip.
With a prepaid SIM card, you can get a fixed amount of mobile data, minutes and text messages for a fixed price, and they do not require a long-term contract or a monthly contract, which makes them ideal if you only need internet connection and communication during your stay in Colombia.
For example, as a good alternative, Simlimites offers travel SIM cards for Colombia, in addition to the aforementioned eSIM.
Public wifi networks
Public WiFi networks are a popular option for tourists who want to stay connected during their trip. These networks are generally free and can be found in public places such as airports, hotels, restaurants and cafes.
Among the advantages of using public WiFi networks are accessibility and mobile data savings. However, there are also risks associated with using public WiFi networks; cybercriminals can intercept users’ sensitive and financial information, or they can create fake networks to lure tourists and steal their personal data.
To protect yourself when using public wifi networks, it is important to avoid entering sensitive information while connected, use a virtual private network (VPN), and make sure the network you are connecting to is legitimate and secure.
International roaming
Using data roaming may be another option to stay connected while traveling abroad. To activate this service, you must first contact your mobile data provider and verify that the postpaid plan you pay for includes this feature.
Keep in mind that international roaming services are in addition to any local data plan you subscribe to, and often have high costs, so it is important to monitor your usage to avoid surprise charges on your cell phone bill.
Internet cafés: These businesses are still surviving
Several years ago, in Colombia, travelers usually connected to the Internet from commercial establishments that rented computers with access to the network, they were known in that country as “Internet Café”, although it is not something specific to that territory, but used to be very popular businesses throughout Latin America.
With the democratization of telecommunications, people stopped frequenting these businesses and began to contract Internet services at home, which led to a significant reduction in this type of establishment.
However, you can still find one or two of these sites in the main cities of the country and in stationery stores, although they are usually old equipment that is not used frequently and with a somewhat slow internet speed.
