Claro is the leading carrier in Latin America, and if you travel with a Claro line from Colombia, Peru, Argentina, or Chile, the question is always the same: should I activate Claro roaming or will it cost me an arm and a leg? The short answer is that Claro roaming can get you by, but it's rarely the cheapest option. Here's how much it costs country by country, how to activate it, and why a travel eSIM usually costs a fraction of the same.
How much does Claro roaming cost?
It depends on your country of origin and whether you purchase a package or pay-as-you-go. Claro handles international roaming with destination and daily packages that include data; without a package, each megabyte is charged at a high rate.
In short: a Claro roaming package usually costs the equivalent of several dollars per day of travel, with a data cap. Browsing without a package can escalate to hundreds in your local currency in just a few hours. A travel eSIM, on the other hand, usually costs a few dollars for several GB for the entire trip.
That contrast is the crux of the matter. Since Claro is part of the América Móvil group (the same as Telcel in Mexico), its roaming logic is similar: convenient so you don't lose communication, but designed for emergency use, not for two weeks of maps, social media, and video. Therefore, for a normal trip with normal data usage, an eSIM for the country you're visiting is almost always better. I'll break it down by country below and in detail in how much international roaming costs. And if you want to compare Claro with other operators, check out the guide to roaming in Latin America by operator.
Claro Roaming country by country: Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile
Claro operates with different rates and packages in each country. The structure is similar (daily packages with included data), but prices and covered destinations change depending on where you're traveling from. This table will help you:
| Origin | How Claro roaming works | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Claro Colombia | Roaming packages by days and destination zone, with included data; activated before traveling | Compare the package with an eSIM for trips longer than 2-3 days |
| Claro Peru | Roaming packages by destination; pay-as-you-go if you don't purchase a package | eSIM usually wins outside of South America |
| Claro Argentina | Daily roaming packages; high pay-as-you-go rates without a package | eSIM recommended for Europe, USA, and Asia |
| Claro Chile | Roaming packages by zone/days with data | Check the daily data cap of the package |
The general rule applies to all four: activate the package before you leave and never travel with pay-as-you-go roaming turned on "just in case." If your trip is to the United States or Europe, two very common destinations from the region, you should compare with an eSIM: check the guide for eSIM for travel to the USA or eSIM for Europe.
How Claro roaming is activated and charged
Claro roaming is not automatically activated safely: it's advisable to purchase your destination package from the Mi Claro app, website, or customer service line before traveling. This way, you know exactly how much you'll pay and avoid pay-as-you-go charges, which is where those scary bills appear.
Packages usually come in two formats: by days (a daily fee with a data cap, ideal for short trips) or by volume (a data allowance for several days, better value-per-GB for longer trips). In both cases, when the package or daily cap runs out, the speed decreases or additional consumption is charged, depending on the plan. That's why it's good to calculate how much data you'll use, which we'll look at in a moment. If you also want to keep your number active, the concept of data roaming helps you understand what is charged and what isn't.
How much you spend without a package (the real risk)
The scenario that ruins budgets is simple: you land, haven't activated any package, and leave data roaming on. Your phone starts syncing email, photos to the cloud, updates, and messaging in the background, all at pay-as-you-go roaming rates. Without a cap, this invisible consumption can accumulate hundreds in your local currency within hours, and you only find out when you check your balance or the bill arrives.
The safety rule is clear: if you haven't purchased a package, keep data roaming off until you decide what to do. It can be deactivated with a couple of taps from your phone's settings. And if you're going to use an eSIM, even better: the eSIM handles the data and your Claro line remains only for calls and SMS, with data roaming off. I'll leave you the guide on how to avoid roaming step by step.
How much data do you really need?
Before choosing between a Claro package or an eSIM, it's good to know how much a trip consumes. Most people overestimate: WhatsApp text hardly uses any data; what really consumes data is video, video calls, and uploading photos and stories. These references will help you calculate without fear:
- 1 GB is enough for several days of maps and messaging, or about 1 to 2 hours of video in standard definition.
- A one-week trip with normal usage is around 3 to 5 GB.
- Two weeks or sharing via hotspot: estimate 7 to 10 GB or a top-up plan.
With these numbers, the comparison is direct: a 5 or 10 GB eSIM for your destination usually costs significantly less than the same volume with Claro roaming. To gauge your case depending on where you travel, check out the guide to eSIM for Latin America.
The alternative: a travel eSIM
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital chip that's already inside your phone. Instead of activating expensive Claro roaming, you purchase a data plan for the country you're visiting, receive a QR code, scan it, and arrive with internet. You don't change physical cards or lose your local SIM.
The key for a Claro traveler is Dual SIM: your phone uses two lines at once. Your Claro SIM stays in to receive SMS and calls from the bank; the eSIM carries the travel data. You keep your WhatsApp with the same number and pay tourist rates, not emergency rates. In eSIM vs roaming I compare both in depth. You can see all destinations in the international eSIM collection.
Claro Roaming vs eSIM: table and savings
Here's a direct comparison to help you decide based on your trip:
| Criterion | Claro Roaming | Travel eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| How it's paid | Package by days/volume or pay-as-you-go | Fixed plan chosen beforehand |
| Approx. cost for several GB | Daily fee with margin | A few dollars for the trip |
| Activation | Before traveling, by country | Scan a QR from home |
| Your Claro number | Maintained | Maintained (Dual SIM) |
| Best for | Very short or emergency trips | Multi-day trips |
| Risk of overcharging | High if browsing pay-as-you-go | None: you pay upfront |
If your destination is the United States, one of the most common trips from Colombia, Peru, or Argentina, you can go directly to the eSIM for the United States, or check the guide for travelers going to the USA and for those traveling from Peru.
How to use an eSIM without losing your Claro number
The most common question: "if I get an eSIM, will I lose my Claro number?". No. Your phone uses both lines at once. Here's how to set it up:
- Confirm that your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS or later, and most mid-to-high-end Androids like Galaxy S20+, Pixel 3+, or recent Motorolas).
- Purchase the eSIM for your destination and scan the QR from your settings, even without activating it yet.
- Keep your Claro SIM as the primary line for calls and SMS.
- Set up the eSIM as the data line.
- Upon landing, activate the eSIM data and turn off Claro data roaming.
With this setup, you browse via the eSIM and your Claro line only receives calls and messages, without incurring data roaming charges. Your WhatsApp remains linked to your usual number. If you want a step-by-step guide on managing roaming, see how to activate and control data roaming.
When Claro roaming is actually convenient
It's not all black and white. Claro roaming makes sense in a couple of specific cases. One: very short trips, one or two nights, where it's not worth managing anything else and you just want to be reachable. Two: if you need to keep your main number receiving calls and SMS from the bank during the trip and prefer not to complicate things (although Dual SIM with eSIM also solves this).
Outside of these cases, for any multi-day trip with actual data usage, the eSIM wins in price and peace of mind: you know beforehand what you'll pay, and there are no surprises. The best strategy is simple: compare the price of Claro's package for your days with that of an eSIM for the same GB and choose the cheaper one. For most trips, that will be the eSIM.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Claro roaming cost when traveling?
A Claro roaming package usually costs the equivalent of several dollars per day, with a data cap, and varies depending on your country of origin (Colombia, Peru, Argentina, or Chile). Browsing without a package, pay-as-you-go, is much more expensive and can add up to hundreds in your local currency within hours.
How do I activate Claro international roaming?
It's advisable to purchase your destination package before traveling, from the Mi Claro app, website, or your country's Claro customer service line. This way, you fix the price and avoid pay-as-you-go charges. Activate it in advance so it's ready when you land.
Is Claro roaming free in any country?
Generally no: Claro international roaming is charged by package or by usage depending on the destination. Some premium plans include roaming days in certain countries, but this is not typical. Check your plan's conditions before assuming it's included.
Will I lose my WhatsApp if I use an eSIM?
No. Your WhatsApp is linked to your Claro number, and with Dual SIM, that line remains active even if you browse via the eSIM. You keep your number and your WhatsApp; the eSIM only provides travel data at tourist rates.
What's best for traveling to the United States or Europe from Colombia?
For multi-day trips outside South America, a destination eSIM is usually cheaper than Claro's roaming package and you can set it up from home. Compare the price of the package for your days with that of an eSIM for the same GB and choose the most economical one.
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Most iPhones from XS (2018) and recent mid-to-high-end Androids (several Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, and Xiaomi) support eSIM. Check your settings for the option to add an eSIM or mobile plan; if it's there, your phone is compatible.
Conclusion
Claro roaming can get you out of a bind, but for most trips from Colombia, Peru, Argentina, or Chile, you'll overpay for emergency consumption. A travel eSIM gives you data at tourist prices, keeps your Claro number with Dual SIM, and you can set it up from home. Before your next trip, compare Claro's package with an eSIM for your destination and decide with the numbers. Start with your destination in the international eSIM collection and travel connected without bill surprises.
