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Best pocket WiFi for Colombia: How much does it cost?
Explore the best pocket WiFi for Colombia service providers, outlining their main features and costs before looking at an eSIM alternative.
Whether remote working with a local Juan Valdez coffee, FaceTiming a friend from Monserrate in Bogota, or finding directions in Comuna 13, you’ll need internet connection throughout your time in Colombia.
Using pocket WiFi in Colombia is one way to stay connected, but is it the best for you? Below, we discuss the pricing, features, and hidden costs of Colombia’s best pocket WiFi providers. We’ll also discuss other connectivity alternatives so you can find one that suits your needs and budget.
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What is a pocket WiFi?
A pocket WiFi is a portable device similar to your home router. It typically allows you to connect up to five devices simultaneously.
Depending on your chosen provider, pocket WiFi devices are either rented or bought. They also come with different data plans to choose from.
While this sounds like a great alternative to simultaneously connect your phone, laptop, and tablet, there are some drawbacks. Extra add-ons, fees, and delivery costs make pocket WiFi one of the most expensive ways to access the internet in Colombia.
How much will they set you back? Let’s find out.
How much does pocket WiFi for Colombia cost?
Pricing for renting or purchasing a pocket WiFi can be as high as $100 for a week of use.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main service providers, including their available plans:
| Price | Data packages | Delivery fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TravelersWiFi | From $7.40 to $28.77 | 1 GB to 3 GB at 4G | $21.10 for standard shipping to the USA |
| MioWiFi | $8/day | Unlimited 4G data | Up to $30 for eligible addresses in the USA |
| TravelWiFi | From $8.95 to $12.95/day | 1 GB to 3 GB based on your plan | From $13.88 to $21.35 based on your preferred shipping option |
| Cello Mobile | $349.43/week | Up to 1.2 GB/day of high-speed data, unlimited data at 512kbps | From $15 to $35 in the USA |
Travelers WiFi
Travelers WiFi is a go-to option for both US and European customers. The company provides three different data plans to visit Colombia, with their global plans and deliveries making things accessible.
Here’s a quick breakdown based on the available data plans:
- How to rent: On the main Travelers WiFi site, choose the “Global” option and “Colombia” as your destination. Choose any of the available plans of 1-3 GB, which range from $7.40 to $28.77/day, and you’ll get unlimited data at 512kbps after using your daily high-speed allowance.
- How to collect: You can choose international delivery to Colombia or the United States (US), which costs $21.10.
- How to use: When arriving in Colombia, check the back of your pocket WiFi for the private network password and enjoy your service.
- How to pay: You can pay using debit or credit cards and PayPal.
Advantages and disadvantages of Travelers WiFi
- Advantages:
- Works on up to five devices
- Up to four days after the rental is over available to return the device
- 4G high-speed daily plans
- Disadvantages:
- Unlimited data is capped at 512kbps
- Damaging or losing a pocket WiFi costs 150 CHF (~$164.17)
- Extremely expensive data plans
MioWiFi
MioWiFi is an Argentinian company that offers unlimited data on over 150 destinations, including Colombia.
Unlimited data plans are a great feature, but here are other details to consider when using a pocket WiFI device from MioWiFi:
- How to rent: On the main website, choose “Colombia” as your location. Pricing starts at $8/day with unlimited data.
- How to collect: International delivery is available if your address is eligible. For the US, pricing goes up to $30 with DHL based on your location.
- How to use: As soon as you land in Colombia, check the password on the back of your device and connect your preferred devices.
- How to pay: Based on your location, PayPal, Google Pay, and credit and debit cards are available.
Advantages and disadvantages of MioWiFi
- Advantages:
- Unlimited data of up to 4G speeds at $8/day
- Up to 12 hours of continuous use
- Variety of payment options
- Disadvantages:
- Not all US addresses are eligible for delivery
- Damaging or losing a MioWiFi device costs $190
- Complicated renting process
TravelWiFi
TravelWiFi is a Spain-based company that offers pocket WiFi devices to rent or purchase.
Focusing on the renting service, as it’s a cheaper option, here are the main details about TravelWiFi’s service:
- How to rent: Choose the “Rent a hotspot” option on the “Our products” menu. Choose “Colombia” as your destination and choose any of the available plans. These range from $8.95 to $12.95, which provides 1-3 GB of data per day.
- How to collect: International delivery to the US ranges from $13.88 to $21.35, based on your preferred shipping method.
- How to use: Upon arriving in Colombia, check the back of your pocket WiFi for your password and connect to your private network.
- How to pay: Based on your location, you can pay using PayPal, debit or credit cards, or Braintree.
Advantages and disadvantages of TravelWiFi
- Advantages:
- Express delivery available for the US
- 4G plans ranging from 1 GB to 3 GB per day
- Up to five devices connected simultaneously
- Disadvantages:
- No additional unlimited data available at lower speeds
- Losing or damaging a device costs $120
- Expensive limited data plans
Cello Mobile
Cello Mobile, the most expensive option on our list, is a local option for travelers in the US.
Here’s all you need to know about renting a pocket WiFi device from Cello Mobile:
- How to rent: Choose the “International Wi-Fi Hotspot” option and select “Colombia” as your destination. The basic plans cost $349.43 for the first week without add-ons and then have a daily price of $49.99.
- How to collect: You can choose three shipping options in the United States, ranging from $20 to $35.
- How to use: When arriving in Colombia, connect to the Cello Mobile network with the password on the back of your device.
- How to pay: You can pay using debit and credit cards.
Advantages and disadvantages of Cello Mobile
- Advantages:
- Up to 1.2 GB of daily, high-speed data
- Express delivery available for the US
- Disadvantages:
- Extremely expensive after the first week of rental
- Lower data speeds of 512kbps after using the 1.2 GB daily high-speed limit
- Lower battery life compared to competitors
Other ways to stay connected in Colombia
If you’re in a group or need stable access to the internet in Colombia for work, a pocket WiFi is a good idea as it allows you to connect up to five devices simultaneously. However, there is a major downside: the price.
That’s where other alternatives, like a SIM card for Colombia, free WiFi, or a Colombian eSIM, become more accessible options to save money and time.
Let’s see what each one of these services offers.
eSIM for Colombia
eSIM cards are a great way to stay connected when traveling to places like Colombia. You only need an eSIM-compatible phone and are all set to get yours.Our preferred option is the Holafly eSIM for Colombia, or you can get an eSIM for Medellin if that is your destination, as both offer unlimited data plans for travelers starting at $7.90.
The true advantage, when compared to pocket WiFi devices, is that the more days you purchase, the lower the eSIM price is. With Holafly, unlimited data plans are as low as $3.21/day, making it a great option for long-term travelers.
Here are some additional features you’ll get:
- Up to 500 MB of data sharing per day
- 24/7 customer support through different channels
- Website available in 19 different languages
- Easy top-up to add more days to your eSIM
- Mobile to manage and purchase eSIM plans
- Easy installation using a QR code on Android and specific iOS devices
- Automatic installation on iOS devices with 17.0 OS or higher
Postpaid eSIM for Colombia
Whether you’re settling in Colombia for the long haul or exploring neighboring countries over the next months, Holafly Connect is the perfect solution.
This subscription-based eSIM service offers fast, reliable connectivity across various destinations with flexible monthly plans:
- Unlimited data for $64.90/month for digital nomads and remote workers who require uninterrupted internet.
- 25GB for $49.90/month for video calls and smooth browsing.
- 10GB for $39.90/month for essential online access during shorter stays.
The sign-up process is quick and hassle-free, plus you can cancel anytime with no extra fees!
Colombia prepaid SIM card
While visiting Colombia, you can purchase a local SIM card from Movistar, Claro, Tigo, or WOM by visiting stores like OXXO, Exito, or Carulla. You can also get these by visiting official stores with your passport.
The thing with these SIM cards is that the available plans are quite limited. Most plans offer 2 GB to 3 GB for a week of use for around $5, but this might vary based on your preferred operator.
Also, there’s an issue with Colombian SIM cards. If you use one, you must remember to register your IMEI, or it will get blocked for future use.
Free WiFi
Finding a free WiFi hotspot in Colombia isn’t uncommon. Coffee shops like Juan Valdez, bars like BBC, and big malls like the Andino in Bogota will have their own hotspots, but these aren’t safe to use.
These hotspots are accessible to everyone, so it’s better to make sure you only use them for minor tasks, like looking for an address. Avoid at all costs uploading your personal or financial information to secure apps like online baking while connected to free WiFi.
Which is the best service to get mobile internet in Colombia?
Pocket WiFi devices are extremely expensive alternatives if you’re planning to travel to Colombia. But let’s quickly compare each service and see which one is better for you.
| Feature | Pocket WiFi | Holafly eSIM | SIM card | Free WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Up to $349 for a week | $29.90 for a week ($4.27/day) | Varies from $5 to $7 based on your operator | Free |
| Delivery | Up to $35 for express shipping | No cost | Not available | Free |
| IMEI blockage | Not applicable | Not applicable | Can happen | Not applicable |
| Add-ons | Up to $100 for add-ons per week | No cost | No cost | Free |
| Network security | Password protected | Local network protection | Local network protection | No security |
| Data speed | Up to 4G | Up to 5G when available | Up to 5G when available | Up to 4G at most |
| Activation | Manually with password | QR code | In-store activation | Varies depending on where you use it |
Overall, the clear winner is the Holafly eSIM for Colombia. It simplifies getting an internet connection in Colombia, as you’ll get up to 5G speeds as soon as you land in El Dorado or at the Jose Maria Cordova Airport.
Also, compared to the rest of the alternatives, eSIMs offer a cost-effective solution, making them the best option for short and long-term travelers in Colombia.
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
