Buying a SIM card for Colombia in 2023
Traveling to Colombia necessitates staying connected to navigate cities, accessing essential services, and communicating with friends and family. As such, acquiring a SIM card that provides reliable and cost-effective mobile services is crucial. Here’s a listicle to guide you through the process of purchasing a SIM card in Colombia in 2023.
- Understanding Your Needs:
- Determine the length of your stay, the extent of your travel within the country, and your data, call, and text requirements to choose the most suitable plan.
- Choosing a Mobile Operator:
- Colombia has several mobile operators offering competitive SIM card options. Claro, Movistar, and Tigo are the most popular providers with extensive coverage.
- Where to Buy a SIM Card:
- SIM cards can be purchased at official stores of mobile operators, electronic stores, kiosks in shopping malls, and even at international airports.
- Document Requirements:
- To purchase a SIM card in Colombia, you will typically need to present your passport. This is part of the mandatory registration process for new mobile phone lines.
- Understanding Prepaid vs. Postpaid:
- Prepaid SIM cards are ideal for short-term visitors and can be topped up as needed.
- Postpaid plans may require a local credit history or a long-term contract, which are less suited for tourists.
- Costs and Top-Up Options:
- Initial SIM card prices are quite low, sometimes as little as COP 5,000 (around USD 1-2).
- Top-ups can be done at numerous locations including supermarkets, pharmacies, online, or directly through the operator’s customer service.
- Check for Deals and Promotions:
- Look out for temporary promotions that offer additional data or call minutes; these can provide great value, especially during holiday seasons or special events.
- Setting Up Your Phone:
- Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the frequencies used in Colombia (850 MHz and 1900 MHz for 3G, and bands 2 (1900 MHz), 4 (1700/2100 MHz), and 7 (2600 MHz) for 4G/LTE).
- You may need to adjust your phone’s APN settings; information is usually provided with the purchase of your SIM card.
- Customer Service and Support:
- Opt for an operator with a reputation for good customer service and support, accessible helplines, and efficient problem-solving mechanisms.
- Consider Mobile App Management:
- Many operators offer mobile apps that allow users to manage their accounts, track usage, and top-up balances, thus providing increased convenience and control.
- Data Extras and Add-Ons:
- Explore if your chosen operator offers data extras or add-ons, which are small packages of additional data you can purchase once your initial allowance is depleted.
- International Roaming Options:
- If you are planning to visit neighboring countries, inquire about international roaming packages to avoid excessive charges.
Prioritizing these considerations when buying a SIM card in Colombia in 2023 can significantly enhance your communication experience during your travels, ensuring you stay connected in a hassle-free and cost-efficient manner.
Claro (formerly Comcel) Data Packages
Validity | Data | Price | Extras |
---|---|---|---|
1 day | 9 MB | COP 990 | |
40 MB | COP 1,000 | ||
100 MB | COP 2,000 | ||
50 MB | COP 2,000 | FB, WA, TW | |
220 MB | COP 4,000 | ||
3 days | 120 MB | COP 4,000 | FB, WA, TW |
7 days | 1 GB | COP 10,000 | |
500 MB | COP 15,000 | FB, WA, TW | |
15 days | 2 GB | COP 20,000 | |
1 GB | COP 20,900 | FB, WA, TW | |
30 days | 2 GB | COP 42,900 |
Movistar Data Packages
Validity | Data | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
1 hour | 50 MB | COP 1,000 | |
1 day | 100 MB | COP 1,700 | |
1 day | 210 MB | COP 3,200 | |
3 days | 500 MB | 70 MB | COP 4,900 |
7 days | 1.4 GB | 150 MB | COP 13,900 |
15 days | 2.5 GB | 200 MB | COP 24,900 |
30 days | 2 GB | 500 MB | COP 42,900 |
30 days | 3 GB | 500 MB | COP 52,900 |
Tigo Une Data Packages
Validity | Volume | Price | Extras |
---|---|---|---|
2 days | 50 MB | COP 3,000 | WA, FB, 20 mins, 10 SMS |
3 days | 500 MB | COP 5,000 | 30 mins, 5 SMS |
6 days | 120 MB | COP 6,000 | WA, FB, 30 mins, 10 SMS |
7 days | 1 GB | COP 10,000 | 50 mins, 10 SMS |
10 days | 250 MB | COP 10,000 | WA, FB, 70 mins, 15 SMS |
15 days | 2 GB | COP 20,000 | 100 mins, 15 SMS |
20 days | 750 MB | COP 20,000 | WA, FB, 150 mins, 30 SMS |
Avantel Data Packages
Validity | 2G/3G data | 4G data | Price | Activation |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 day | 50 MB | 50 MB | COP 2000 | DATOS01 |
3 days | 150 MB | 150 MB | COP 3000 | DATOS01 |
10 days | 500 MB | 1 GB | COP 10,000 | online |
30 days | 1 GB | 1.7 GB | COP 20,000 | online |
30 days | 1 GB | 4 GB | COP 30,000 | online |
ETB Data Packages
Reload | 4G
data | 2G/3G
data | Voice | WhatsApp
VoIP | SMS | WhatsApp
| Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
COP 5,000 | 350 MB | 50 MB | 20 min | 40 min | 100 | 50 MB each | 5 days |
COP 10,000 | 650 MB | 150 MB | 35 min | 70 min | 100 | 200 MB each | 10 days |
COP 15,000 | 1.2 GB | 250 MB | 60 min | 120 min | 100 | 200 MB each | 15 days |
COP 20,000 | 1.6 GB | 400 MB | 85 min | 170 min | 100 | 200 MB each | 20 days |
COP 25,000 | 2 GB | 500 MB | 110 min | 220 min | 100 | 200 MB each | 25 days |
COP 35,000 | 1 GB | 400 MB | 130 min | 260 min | 100 | 200 MB each | 30 days |
COP 45,000 | 1.9 GB | 700 MB | 200 min | 400 min | 100 | 200 MB each | 30 days |
Virgin Mobile Data Packages
Validity | Volume | Price | Extras |
---|---|---|---|
24 hours | 20 MB | COP 600 | |
24 hours | 65 MB | COP 2,000 | |
24 hours | 140 MB | COP 4,000 | |
2 days | 40 MB | COP 1,000 | |
7 days | 500 MB | COP 12,000 | |
30 days | 1 GB | COP 22,000 | WA |
30 days | 2.5 GB | COP 40,000 | WA + 15 min voice |
Móvil Éxito Data Packages
Validity | Volume | Price | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
1 day | 10 MB | COP 500 | only sold in
Éxito, Carulla, Surtimax and Super Inter |
24 hours | 150 MB | COP 2,500 | |
7 days | 400 MB | COP 9,900 | |
30 days | 1 GB | COP 19,900 | |
30 days | 2 GB | COP 24,900 | |
30 days | 3 GB | COP 37,900 |
References:
https://maya.net/esim/colombia
https://www.twoticketsanywhere.com/sim-card-in-colombia/
Hello, I’m Herman C. Miller, the founder of InternetPKG.com, your ultimate destination for all things Mobile Internet and Telecommunication Services. With a BSc in Telecommunication Services and over 6 years at AT&T, my passion for the industry led to this platform. At InternetPKG.com, we prioritize keeping you informed with the latest package offers, ensuring our content stays current. Our team, including a dedicated Internet Package and Mobile Data Plans Researcher, tirelessly researches emerging trends, identifies market opportunities, and provides expert product recommendations.