In short: If you're Colombian and traveling to Europe, a prepaid eSIM saves you up to 90% compared to roaming with Claro, Movistar, or Tigo. Install it from your phone before leaving Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali, and you'll have 4G/5G data ready as soon as you land. This article explains exactly how to do it, how much it costs in pesos, and what mistakes to avoid.
Why do Colombians choose eSIM for Europe?
Each year, over 400,000 Colombians travel to Europe. The vast majority face the same dilemma upon arrival: should I activate my Colombian operator's roaming or look for an alternative? Roaming with Claro, Movistar, or Tigo can cost you between COP 50,000 and COP 120,000 per day. For a 15-day trip, that easily adds up to over COP 1,500,000 just for data — the equivalent of several nights' accommodation in Spain or Italy.
The eSIM (electronic SIM) completely changes the equation. Unlike a physical SIM that you have to buy at the airport or a local store, an eSIM is downloaded directly to your phone before you travel. You don't lose your Colombian chip, you don't wait in lines, and you arrive in Europe with internet ready from minute one.
Colombian travelers are adopting it en masse because:
- The price is up to 10 times lower than roaming with Colombian operators.
- It sets up in minutes from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, or any city.
- It covers the entire Schengen area and Europe with a single plan.
- There are no surprise charges on the next month's bill.
Explore our eSIM plans for Europe or visit eSIM Colombia for specific options from Colombia.
eSIM vs. Roaming: a comparison in COP
The numbers don't lie. As of June 2026 (1 USD ≈ COP 4,150):
| Option | Data included | Estimated Price (COP) | Cost per GB (COP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claro Colombia Roaming | 500 MB high-speed/day | ~COP 85,000/day | ~COP 170,000 |
| Movistar Colombia Roaming | 200 MB high-speed/day | ~COP 75,000/day | ~COP 375,000 |
| PuraSim Europe eSIM 5 GB | 5 GB 4G/5G, 30 days | ~COP 58,000 | ~COP 11,600 |
| PuraSim Europe eSIM 20 GB | 20 GB 4G/5G, 30 days | ~COP 145,000 | ~COP 7,250 |
With a 10 GB eSIM (approx. COP 95,000), you can use Google Maps all day, upload photos and Stories to Instagram, make WhatsApp video calls with your family in Colombia, and work remotely for a month — for what you would pay in just 1 or 2 days of roaming with your operator.
How to activate your eSIM step by step
The process is simple. Do it from home before you leave:
- Check your phone's compatibility. iPhones from XS, Samsung Galaxy from S21, and many modern Motorola and Xiaomi phones support eSIM. Consult our compatibility guide.
- Unlock your phone if necessary. Call your Colombian operator and request unlocking (it's free and takes 24-48 hours).
- Choose your PuraSim plan. For a 2-week trip with normal use, 5-10 GB is sufficient.
- Receive the QR by email seconds after purchase.
- Install the eSIM: On iPhone: Settings → Cellular Data → Add Data Plan → Scan QR. On Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add mobile plan.
- Set it as your data line when you are in Europe. Your Colombian SIM remains active for calls and SMS.
- Activate it upon landing. The plan starts counting from the first use. Install it in Colombia, activate it in Europe.
You can also view our parallel guide to eSIM for Mexicans traveling to Europe with tips applicable to all of Latin America.
Favorite European destinations for Colombians
According to travel statistics, Colombians prefer these European destinations:
- Spain — Madrid and Barcelona lead. The large Colombian community facilitates adaptation, but you still need data for the subway, Glovo, and Booking.
- Italy — Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. Internet is key for Italian public transport and museums with online reservations.
- France — Paris, the European dream for many Colombians. The Eiffel Tower doesn't have WiFi, but your eSIM does.
- Portugal — Lisbon and Porto, increasingly popular for their climate and more affordable prices.
- Germany — Especially for business trips and academic exchanges.
- Netherlands and Belgium — Amsterdam and Brussels as stops on European tours.
With a PuraSim Europe eSIM plan, you cover all these destinations without changing your chip. One plan, all of Europe.
Practical tips for Colombian travelers
- Download offline maps. Google Maps and Maps.me allow you to download cities for use without data. Ideal as a backup.
- Use WhatsApp to call Colombia. With data, WhatsApp calls and video calls are free. Do not activate international voice calls.
- Moderate streaming. Netflix and YouTube consume a lot. Use them on the hotel's WiFi. For daily use, 300-500 MB is usually enough.
- Install the eSIM before leaving. El Dorado Airport (BOG) has good WiFi, but Rionegro or Palmira might not. Install it from home.
- Save the QR in the cloud. If you need to reinstall the eSIM, you will need that code. Take a picture of it and save it in Google Drive or iCloud.
- Bring a universal charger. European plugs are Type C/F (round). Colombian Type A/B (flat) do not fit without an adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM for Colombians in Europe
- Do I need to unlock my phone to use an eSIM in Europe?
- Yes. Phones purchased with a contract in Colombia may be locked to the operator's network. Contact Claro, Movistar, or Tigo to request unlocking. It is free and takes 24-48 hours.
- How much does an eSIM for Europe cost in Colombian pesos?
- PuraSim plans for Europe range from approx. COP 33,000 (1 GB) to COP 145,000 (20 GB). Much cheaper than roaming with any Colombian operator.
- Does the eSIM work in all European countries?
- PuraSim's Europe plans cover 30+ countries in the European Economic Area: Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Greece, Czech Republic, and more.
- Can I keep my Colombian number while using the eSIM?
- Yes. The eSIM works on the secondary line. Your physical Colombian SIM remains active for receiving calls and text messages.
- When should I activate the eSIM?
- You can install it up to 30 days before your trip and activate it upon arrival in Europe. The plan starts counting from the first byte of data consumed.
Ready to travel to Europe without worrying about internet? Explore our eSIM plans for Europe and travel connected from the first minute.
