How to use an eSIM in Colombia and have internet access

If you are planning to visit Colombia and already know an eSIM is your best way to stay online during your trip, this article is for you.

Here is what you need to know about the internet in the country and how to activate your travel eSIM for Colombia, so you stay in touch with friends and family while you explore the Andes, the jungle and the Caribbean coast.

What the internet is like in Colombia

Internet quality and coverage in Colombia have improved a lot in recent years, though some gaps remain. About 60% of the population had internet access, according to official figures from 2021.

There is still a digital divide, partly because the country's terrain is very rugged, and the most remote rural areas still have coverage problems.

The main cities, such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Barranquilla, have high-speed internet. In natural areas such as Tayrona Park, the Cocora Valley, the southern jungle or the Andean landscapes of Boyacá, you may lose signal at times. In the towns you will have no trouble.

Internet in Bogotá

The internet in Bogotá works well for tourists and travelers. There are many public networks in hotels, restaurants, cafés, libraries and shopping centers.

The city also has several mobile networks, so an eSIM always has a connection. In the city the connection is usually fast and reliable. In nature reserves, such as the Sumapaz Páramo or Chingaza Natural Park, it can be slower or unstable.

As anywhere in the world, take care online: use a virtual private network (VPN) and avoid public WiFi networks that are not secure.

Internet in Medellín

The internet in Medellín is much like in Bogotá. Access is good, with coverage across the city, and its modern infrastructure gives a fast and stable connection. Some remote or less developed areas can have an uneven connection.

Medellín also runs an innovation and technology program that aims to make the city a hub for startups and tech companies, which has raised the demand for high-speed internet.

A data eSIM for Colombia: by far the best option

A data eSIM for Colombia is a great option for tourists, compared with other ways to get online, and it is much cheaper than international roaming. Here are some benefits of a travel eSIM:

• Convenience: you do not need to swap a physical card when you arrive. That makes it easier, especially if you travel a lot, for work or on holiday.
• Time saved: no lines at the airport to buy a physical SIM card you will probably never use again.
• Wide coverage: you have high-speed internet almost anywhere you go, whether it is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Guatapé near Medellín or the beaches of Palomino and Santa Marta.

How to activate your eSIM for Colombia

In our help center you will find the steps for iPhone, Samsung and other models. Your phone must support eSIM: check the list of compatible devices.

Other ways to get internet in Colombia

An eSIM is the easiest option today, but not the only way to get online. Here are some alternatives:

Prepaid SIM cards

Not every phone supports eSIM. If yours does not, you will need to buy a physical SIM card at a store in Colombia. A prepaid SIM gives you data for a fixed price, with no contract. Before you buy, check the list of compatible devices.

Public WiFi networks

Public WiFi networks are free and easy to find in airports, hotels, restaurants and cafés. They are easy to use and save data. The risk is that criminals can intercept personal and financial data, or set up fake networks to steal it.

To protect yourself, do not enter private information while connected, use a VPN and make sure the network is genuine.

International roaming

Your carrier's data roaming is another option. First check with your carrier that your plan includes it. Roaming is billed on top of your local plan and is usually expensive, so keep an eye on it to avoid surprise charges on your bill.

Internet cafés: still around

Years ago, travelers in Colombia went online from shops that rented computers with internet, known as internet cafés. Few are left today, in the main cities and in stationery shops, and they usually have old computers and a slow connection.