Colombia has become one of the most popular destinations for travelers from all over the world. Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena de Indias, the Coffee Region, and the Colombian Amazon offer unique experiences that go far beyond what many imagine.
But to fully enjoy a week in Colombia, you need to be connected: to navigate with maps, order safe taxis (Uber, InDriver), communicate with family, or simply share your adventures on social media. In this guide, we explain how to get internet in Colombia without roaming with an eSIM.
1. Internet in Colombia for tourists — available options
When you arrive in Colombia as a tourist, you have several options to connect:
- Roaming with your operator: works automatically but can be very expensive, especially from Europe
- Local SIM in Colombia: operators like Claro, Movistar, and Tigo have good rates, but require purchasing the SIM upon arrival, presenting a passport, and waiting
- International eSIM: the most convenient option — you buy it before you travel, it installs in minutes, and activates upon arrival
- Hotel and restaurant WiFi: free in most places, but not always reliable or available when you need it most
The winning combination for 1 week in Colombia: data eSIM + hotel WiFi. You reduce your eSIM consumption when you have WiFi and use it for navigation and communication when you're out exploring.
If you are also visiting other Latin American countries on the same trip, consider a regional eSIM plan for Latin America.
2. How many GB do you need for 7 days in Colombia?
Colombia has good WiFi infrastructure in hotels and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Your eSIM data consumption will depend on how much time you spend outside of WiFi areas.
| Traveler profile | Recommended GB | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal (emergencies only) | 3–5 GB | WhatsApp, occasional maps |
| Moderate (active tourist) | 8–10 GB | Maps, photos, social media |
| Intensive (creator/nomad) | 15–20 GB | Video, streaming, remote work |
3. eSIM plans for Colombia available at PuraSim
At PuraSim, you'll find eSIM plans for Colombia designed for different durations and types of use:
| Plan | Data | Validity | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO Basic | 5 GB | 10 days | Traveler with frequent WiFi access |
| CO Standard | 10 GB | 15 days | Most tourists (1 week) |
| CO Premium | 20 GB | 30 days | Nomads, intensive use |
4. eSIM coverage in Colombia's main cities
- Bogotá: excellent 4G/5G coverage throughout the city. El Dorado Airport has signal upon arrival.
- Medellín (City of Eternal Spring): very good 4G coverage. The subway and metrocable also have signal.
- Cartagena de Indias: good coverage in the historic center, Bocagrande, and tourist areas. In the Rosario Islands, it may be limited.
- Cali: correct 4G coverage in the city. Ideal for visiting during the Cali Fair.
- Coffee Region (Armenia, Pereira, Manizales): good coverage in cities; in farms and rural areas, it may vary.
- Santa Marta and Tayrona: good coverage in the city; in Tayrona Park, the signal may be scarce inland.
5. How to activate your eSIM for Colombia
- Buy before you leave — at PuraSim, you can do it weeks in advance
- Install at home — Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Scan QR
- Leave the eSIM configured but not active — this way your phone continues to use your usual plan until you land
- Upon arrival in Colombia — activate the eSIM as your primary data plan from Settings
- Deactivate roaming on your primary SIM to avoid accidental charges
For more details on why eSIMs are the smartest alternative to roaming, read our article on alternatives to expensive roaming with eSIM.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM for Colombia
How many GB do I need for 1 week in Colombia?
For 7 days in Colombia with moderate use (maps, WhatsApp, social media), 8–10 GB is sufficient. If you plan video calls or a lot of streaming outside of WiFi, opt for 15 GB.
Does the eSIM work in Cartagena, Medellín, and Bogotá?
Yes. Coverage is excellent in the three main cities and in the most visited tourist areas. In rural areas or the Colombian Amazon jungle, the signal may be limited.
How much do I save compared to roaming in Colombia?
With European roaming in Colombia, you can pay very high daily rates. An eSIM for 7 days is much more economical overall. The savings can be very significant in a week.
Is it safe to activate the eSIM at the airport in Colombia?
It is more advisable to install it before leaving home with stable WiFi. The eSIM activates automatically upon arrival in Colombia, so you arrive connected from the airport.
Does the eSIM for Colombia cover me on San Andrés Island?
Yes, San Andrés and Providencia are Colombian territory and are included in the coverage. Check the specific plan to confirm coverage on islands.
Ready to explore Colombia without losing connection?
See eSIM Colombia plans
