Internet, Wifi and phone coverage in colombia

General Connectivity Overview

Urban vs. Rural Areas

• Major Cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali): In these hubs, you can expect reliable and relatively fast 4G/LTE coverage. Wi-Fi is also widespread in hotels, cafes, and public spaces.
• Smaller Towns & Rural Zones: As you venture further afield, connectivity can become inconsistent. You may find 3G or slower speeds, and dependable Wi-Fi might be limited to your accommodation.
• Remote/Natural Areas (e.g., Amazon, La Guajira, mountain trekking routes): In these beautiful, wild landscapes, you should prepare for little to no mobile signal or internet access. We encourage you to embrace these moments as a “digital detox.” It is crucial to download all necessary maps, documents, and entertainment before entering these regions.

Setting Expectations

• While Colombia’s digital infrastructure is improving rapidly, internet speeds may not always match what you are used to at home, particularly for uploading files or photos.
• Power outages can occasionally occur, especially in more rural locations, which will naturally affect connectivity. A little patience goes a long way.

Mobile Phone Options

Using Your Home Carrier (International Roaming)

• Convenience: This is the simplest option, as your phone will work with your existing number as soon as you land.
• Cost: Be aware that roaming can be very expensive. Data, call, and text charges can accumulate quickly if you do not have a specific international plan.

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• Action: Contact your mobile carrier *before* you travel. Inquire about their international roaming packages for Colombia, understand the daily or monthly rates, and ensure your plan is enabled for international use to avoid surprises.

Buying a Local Colombian SIM Card (Recommended)

For most travelers, this is the most cost-effective and reliable way to stay connected. It provides you with a local number and access to affordable data plans.

• Requirement: Your phone must be “unlocked,” meaning it is not restricted to your home carrier. You can ask your provider to unlock it for you before your trip.
• Major Providers:
  • Claro: Generally considered to have the most extensive and reliable coverage, making it a strong choice if you plan to visit rural areas.
  • Tigo & Movistar: These are strong competitors with excellent coverage, often offering very competitive data packages, particularly in urban centers.
• Where to Buy:
  • Airport: Kiosks at major international airports like El Dorado in Bogotá offer immediate convenience, though prices may be slightly higher.
  • Official Carrier Stores: Visiting an official store in any city is the most reliable way to get your SIM card set up correctly by professional staff.
  • Supermarkets & corner stores: Major chains like Éxito and many small shops sell SIM cards and top-up credit (known as a “recarga”).
• What You’ll Need:
  • Your passport. A physical copy or a clear photo on your phone is usually required for registration.
  • The phone you will be using the SIM card in.
• Process: Simply purchase the SIM card and then buy a data package (“paquete de datos”) that suits your needs. Store staff are typically very helpful and can assist with the activation process.

Using an eSIM

• What it is: An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular data plan from a provider without needing a physical SIM card.
• Requirement: Your phone must be eSIM compatible. Most newer models from major brands support this technology.
• Benefits:
  • You can purchase and install your data plan online *before* you even leave home, ensuring you are connected the moment you arrive.
  • It allows you to keep your primary SIM card in your phone, which is useful for receiving calls or texts on your home number.
• Popular Providers: Services like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad specialize in providing temporary data plans for travelers. You purchase a plan for your destination country through their app or website and follow simple instructions to install the eSIM.

Wi-Fi Access

Hotels, Hostels, and Rentals

• The vast majority of accommodations in cities and established tourist towns offer complimentary Wi-Fi for guests.
• Be aware that quality and speed can vary significantly from one place to another. If a fast, reliable internet connection is critical for your work or communication, we suggest checking recent guest reviews or contacting your accommodation directly to inquire about their service.

Public Wi-Fi

• Cafes, Restaurants, and Malls: Wi-Fi is widely available in these establishments throughout urban areas. Access typically requires a password from the staff or agreeing to terms on a login page.
• Public Parks & Squares: Some larger cities have government-sponsored free Wi-Fi hotspots. These can be useful but are often slower and less reliable than private networks.
• Security Warning: We strongly advise against accessing sensitive personal information, such as online banking or credit card details, when connected to any public, unsecured Wi-Fi network. For enhanced security, consider using a VPN.

Practical Tips & Tools

Download Offline Maps

• Before your trip, or while you have a good Wi-Fi connection, use apps like Google Maps or Maps.me to download maps of the cities and regions you will be visiting.
• This simple step ensures you can navigate, find your hotel, or look up attractions without needing a data connection. It is invaluable in remote areas and is also an excellent way to conserve your mobile data.

WhatsApp is Essential

• WhatsApp is the primary and most ubiquitous method of communication in Colombia for personal and business matters alike.
• It is used for everything from confirming reservations with hotels and tour operators to communicating with taxi drivers and making plans with new friends.
• Ensure you have the application installed and set up on your phone before you arrive.

Consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

• Security: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, creating a secure, private connection. This makes it much safer to use public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, and hotels.
• Access: It can also allow you to access streaming services or websites from your home country that may be otherwise unavailable or “geo-blocked” in Colombia.