What are the best SIM cards in Colombia in 2025?

Colombia calling! From exploring Bogotá’s lively streets to soaking up the views in Medellín, staying connected to the internet is essential to make the most of your trip.

Whether it’s for checking maps, booking tickets, or keeping in touch with friends and family back home, having the right SIM card ensures a hassle-free experience.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about getting a SIM card in Colombia. Plus, we’ll walk you through the best prepaid SIM card providers, their prices, and where to buy one, so you don’t waste precious travel time. 

We’ll also look at an eSIM option — a perfect alternative if you want to skip the lines and set up your connection before landing! 

How much is a SIM card in Colombia?

A SIM card in Colombia can cost as low as 2,000 Colombian Pesos (COP) (~$0.49 USD) with 50 MB of data for 1 day and reach as high as 63,000 COP (~$14.30) with 90 GB for 90 days.

The price varies based on the provider, your data needs, and the length of the plan.

Where to buy a SIM card in Colombia

You’ve got two main options: buying a SIM card before your trip or purchasing one after you land. Here’s where you can find the best SIM cards:

1. Order a physical SIM card before your trip

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to have everything sorted before you even set foot in Colombia, ordering a SIM card in advance is a solid option. 

Marketplaces and e-commerce platforms like Mercado Libre and Linio Colombia allow you to buy prepaid SIM cards, usually from providers like Claro, and have them shipped internationally to your address.

This means you can land in Colombia ready to connect — no hunting for stores, no queues, no delays. Just insert the SIM card into your phone before you fly, and you’re good to go.

But your options are limited to Claro as it is the most common provider available for international shipping. 

If you want SIM cards from Movistar, Tigo, or Virgin Mobile, you’ll have to wait until you arrive in Colombia to purchase them.

2. Buy after you land

If you decide to buy a SIM card in Colombia after landing, you’ll have plenty of options. Here’s where you can find one and what to expect:

• Airports: Major airports like El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá or José María Córdova International Airport in Medellín have kiosks for top providers like Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. It’s the easiest option for getting connected right away, but expect to pay slightly higher prices for the convenience.
• Official carrier stores: Visit official stores for Claro, Movistar, or Tigo in city centers. This is the safest and most reliable option — you’ll get help from staff who can guide you through the process, ensure proper activation, and answer questions.
• Shopping malls: Large malls like El Tesoro or Santafé in Medellín often have official kiosks or stores for major carriers. These are great if you’re exploring the city and want to sort out your SIM card while shopping or dining.
• Supermarkets and convenience stores: Chains like Éxito, Jumbo, and Justo y Bueno often sell prepaid SIM cards. But you might still need to visit an official carrier store for activation, as staff at these stores aren’t always equipped to help with registration.
• Street vendors and local shops: You’ll find SIM cards sold at small shops and by street vendors, especially in busy city areas. While these options may seem convenient, they can be hit-or-miss. Some may not activate the SIM correctly, and support might be limited if you run into issues.

Best SIM card options for Colombia

Let’s look at the best Clombia SIM card providers like Claro, Tigo, and Virgin Mobile along with their basic pay-as-you-go SIM cards and bundled data plans. Read on to find out where to buy a SIM card in Colombia for each of these options. 

Claro SIM card Colombia

Claro is one of the largest mobile operators in Colombia. You can’t buy Claro SIM cards online directly from their website.

However, you can purchase them from online marketplaces like Mercado Libre or Linio Colombia.

Claro’s “prepago chip” comes in the following plans:

• 200 MB + WhatsApp for 1 day at 1,000 COP ($0.23)
• 400 MB for 1 day at 2,000 COP ($0.46)
• 800 MB for 3 days at 4,000 COP ($0.91)
• Unlimited data for 2 hours at 5,000 COP ($1.14)
• 2 GB for 7 days at 7,000 COP ($.1.60)
• 10 GB + unlimited texts and calls for 7 days at 11,500 COP ($2.63)
• 20 GB + unlimited texts and calls for 15 days at 21,500 COP ($4.91)
• 30 GB + unlimited texts and calls for 30 days at 31,500 COP ($7.20)

Where can you buy a Claro SIM card in Colombia?

• Oxxo convenience stores
• Large supermarket chains like Jumbo and Éxito
• Official Claro stores are located in cities including Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Valledupar, and Medellín. Some Reddit users suggest visiting the Claro store in Los Molinos Mall, which is open daily until 7 PM.
• Shopping malls like Unicentro, Centro Comercial Santafé and Centro Comercial Gran Estación
• El Dorado International Airport, available at the Techport store in the arrival hall and other stores on the second floor

Movistar SIM card Colombia

Movistar offers a variety of prepaid data plans tailored to different needs and budgets, with flexible options for short or long durations (up to 90 days). 

Here’s a look at Movistar prepaid SIM card:

• 50 MB for 1 day for 2,000 COP (~$0.49) — Includes 50 minutes for calls to all operators
• Full data package (30 minutes) for 1,500 COP (~$0.37) 
• Full data package (1 hour): 2,500 COP (~$0.61)

They also offer calling packages:

• 50 minutes (valid for 1 day) for 1,200 COP (~$0.29)
• 300 minutes (valid for 7 days) for 4,900 COP (~$1.18)
• 1,200 minutes (valid for 30 days) for 8,000 COP (~$1.93)

Where can you buy a Movistar SIM card in Colombia? 

• Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport.
• Authorized and official stores across Colombia, including:
  • Centro de Experiencia Movistar La Floresta: Calle 101 No. 66 – 03, Bogotá
  • Centro de Experiencia Movistar Medellín Centro: Carrera 47 No. 52 – 86, Centro Comercial Camino Real Local 301, Medellín
  • Centro de Experiencia Movistar Cali Calima: Carrera 5 Norte No. 55 – 39, Cali

Tigo SIM card Colombia

Tigo is one of the most popular network providers in Colombia, offering reliable coverage and prepaid SIM cards with flexible data plans.

You need to buy the Tigo SIM card separately for 20,000 COP (~$4.92). Once you have the SIM card, you can top it up with any of the data plans with unlimited national calls and SMS (including VAT). Here’s what you can get: 

• 3.5 GB for 15 days at 11,500 COP ($2.83)
• 7 GB for 30 days at 17,500 COP (~$4.30)
• 3.5 GB for 15 days at 12,500 COP (~$3.07)
• 5 GB for 7 days at 10,000 COP (~$2.46)
• 10 GB for 15 days at 20,000 COP (~$4.92)

You can also opt for a postpaid plan (Plan Pospago) of 60 GB Plan for 42,900 COP (~$10.55). This is a monthly subscription plan aimed at locals that (in most cases) will require a contract or recurring billing. 

Some Reddit users say that it’s possible to buy a Tigo eSIM online, but you’ll need a Colombian friend’s cedula (identification card) to complete the purchase. 

Where can you buy a Tigo SIM card in Colombia? 

• Large supermarket chains including Éxito, Carulla, Olímpica, and Éxito Express
• Shopping malls including  Oviedo Mall in Medellín and Santafe Mall in Bogotá
• Authorized retailers including ARA supermarkets and Drogas La Rebaja pharmacies
• Mobile kiosks, found in most major airports (except Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport)
• Official Tigo stores in Santa Marta — Main Tigo store at the intersection of 5th Avenue (Carrera) and 24th Street (Calle). In Bucaramanga — Tigo store in the Cacique Shopping Center

Virgin mobile SIM card Colombia

Virgin Mobile offers prepaid SIM cards with plans tailored to your data needs and the length of your stay. Their plans include unlimited national minutes: 

• 50 MB for 1 day for 2,000 COP (~$0.49)
• 500 MB for 3 days for 4,000 COP (~$0.98)
• 5 GB for 7 days for 7,000 COP (~$1.72)
• 4 GB for 10 days for 11,000 COP (~$2.70)
• 5 GB for 15 days for 16,000 COP (~$3.93)
• 30 GB for 30 days for 21,000 COP (~4.77)
• 90 GB for 90 days for 63,000 COP (~143.01)

Virgin Mobile SIM cards are not available for international shipping, but you can order one online through their website and have it delivered to your hotel or accommodation if you plan well!

Where can you buy a Virgin SIM card in Colombia? 

• Tienda Virgin Mobile. Located in Bogotá. Phone: +57 5931060
• Virgin Mobile Salitre Plaza. Cra. 68b #24-39, Bogotá
• Tienda Virgin. Carrera 24 #15 Sur-30, Bogotá. Phone: +57 14813100
• Virgin Mobile Store. Cra. 5 #61a-1, Ibagué, Tolima
• Éxito Supermarkets available in major cities across Colombia
• Stores with Baloto Points. While primarily for topping up credit, some Baloto points sell SIM cards.

But is there a registration process to buy a Colombia SIM card? 

How to register your SIM card in Colombia

Colombian law requires you to register your SIM card using a valid passport. This is an effort to prevent illegal activities like phone trafficking.

You’ll need to bring:

• Your passport: The original is required for identification, and some stores may also ask for a photocopy.
• Your entry stamp: Some carriers request a photo or copy of your entry stamp to verify your arrival in Colombia.
• Your email address: This is often used for verification during the activation process.
• Your IMEI Number (occasionally): Some carriers may ask for this to register your phone. You can find it in your phone’s settings under “About Device.” 

Once you’ve provided the required documents, the staff will register your SIM card under your name and activate it for you.

You’ll also need to select and pay for a prepaid plan, depending on the carrier and included. 

Activation time can range from a few minutes to an hour, so it’s best to confirm that your SIM is working before leaving the store.

If any issues arise, staff at official stores are generally helpful and can assist you on the spot.

Physical SIM vs. eSIM: Which should you choose?

Physical SIM cards can be tricky, especially in Colombia. You need to find a store, register with your passport or a local friend’s ID, and continuously swap out SIM cards if visiting multiple countries throughout your trip.

An eSIM is an easier alternative to staying connected on the go.

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual SIM card built directly into your phone. It doesn’t require a physical chip or swapping between cards. Instead, you activate it digitally on your device.

Holafly offers eSIMs that make it easy for you to stay connected during your trip. With coverage in 200+ destinations, including Colombia, and regional plans if you’re continuing through Latin America, you won’t need to worry about switching SIM cards or buying new plans at each location.

You can buy a Holafly eSIM for Colombia through the website or app (available for iOS and Android).

Simply scan the QR code, follow the on-screen instructions, and your eSIM is installed within five minutes. No need to wait for shipping or search for a SIM card store when you arrive.

How much does a Holafly eSIM card for Colombia cost?

Holafly’s eSIMs for Colombia offer flexible data plans based on your travel duration from 1 to 90 days.

These are data-only plans, so you can browse, use apps, and keep your WhatsApp number for calls and messages. 

Enjoy your Colombia trip with the easiest way to stay connected

Physical SIM cards from providers like Claro, Tigo, and Virgin Mobile are widely available at airports, convenience stores, and shopping malls.

However, if you’d rather skip standing in queues and the SIM card risks of trying to buy in a foreign country, opt for the Holafly eSIM instead. 

With Holafly, you can activate your eSIM in five minutes. Just scan a QR code, and you’re online. Holafly’s 24/7 customer care team speaks your language — literally! With support available in 10+ languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and more, you can get assistance on the go! 

Stay connected!

Whether you’re hiking through coffee plantations or exploring Cartagena’s casas, Holafly’s eSIM will keep you connected to Colombia’s jaw-dropping culture.

Grab your Holafly
eSIM for Colombia

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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.

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