If you're traveling with a WOM line from Chile or Colombia, the question is always the same: do I activate WOM roaming or look for another way to get internet? WOM roaming helps you out of a jam with packages or pay-per-use, but for a multi-day trip, it's rarely the cheapest option. Here, I'll explain how much it costs, how to activate it, and why a travel eSIM usually costs a fraction of the price, with numbers so you can decide without hesitation.
How much does WOM roaming cost?
It depends on whether you purchase a roaming package or browse pay-per-use. WOM manages international roaming with destination-specific data packages, or pay-per-use if you don't purchase anything; in the latter case, each megabyte is charged at a high rate.
In summary: a WOM roaming package usually costs the equivalent of several dollars per day with a data cap. Browsing pay-per-use without a package can escalate to hundreds in your local currency in 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 what decides almost everything. Roaming is designed to keep you from being cut off, not for daily data consumption for one or two weeks. Therefore, for a normal trip with maps, messaging, social media, and some video, a travel eSIM from the country you're visiting almost always works out better. For a broader overview by operator, you can consult the guide to roaming in Latin America by operator.
How WOM roaming works in Chile and Colombia
WOM operates in Chile and Colombia, and in both cases, international roaming is managed with destination-specific packages or pay-per-use. The structure is similar, but prices and covered destinations may change depending on your country of origin, so it's a good idea to check the conditions on the WOM app or website before you leave.
| Origin | How WOM roaming works | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| WOM Chile | Destination-specific roaming packages or pay-per-use | Compare with an eSIM for trips longer than 2-3 days |
| WOM Colombia | Destination-specific roaming packages; pay-per-use if not purchased | eSIM recommended for USA, Europe, and Asia |
The general rule applies to both: activate the package before you leave and don't travel with pay-per-use roaming enabled "just in case." If your destination is the United States, one of the most common from the region, check the guide for eSIM for traveling to the USA from Chile or from Colombia.
How WOM roaming is activated and charged
It's advisable to purchase your destination package before traveling, using the WOM app, website, or customer service line. This way, you lock in the price and avoid pay-per-use charges, which are where high bills appear. If your plan only offers pay-per-use for a certain destination, it's even more worthwhile to consider an eSIM.
Packages usually come per day (a capped data allowance per day, ideal for short trips) or by volume (a certain amount of GB for several days, better price-per-GB ratio for longer trips). When the cap is reached, the speed slows down or additional usage is charged according to the plan. That's why it's a good idea to calculate how much data you'll use, which we'll look at in a moment. To understand what is charged, it helps to know what data roaming is.
How much you spend without a package (the real risk)
The mistake that ruins budgets: you land, haven't activated anything, and leave data roaming on. Your phone syncs email, photos to the cloud, updates, and background messaging, all at pay-per-use roaming rates. Without a cap, this invisible consumption can accumulate hundreds in your local currency in a matter of hours.
The safety rule is simple: if you haven't purchased a package, keep data roaming off until you decide what to do. It can be deactivated with two taps from your phone settings. And if you're going to use an eSIM, even better: the eSIM handles data, and your WOM line is only for calls and SMS. Here's a guide on how to avoid roaming.
How much data do you actually need?
Before choosing between a WOM package or an eSIM, it's worth knowing how much a trip consumes. Most people overestimate: WhatsApp text hardly uses any data; what eats up data is video, video calls, and uploading photos and stories. These references will help you:
- 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 use is around 3 to 5 GB.
- Two weeks or sharing via hotspot: estimate 7 to 10 GB or a plan with top-up.
With these numbers, comparing is straightforward: a 5 or 10 GB eSIM for your destination usually costs considerably less than the same volume in WOM roaming. To gauge your needs based on where you're traveling, see the guide to eSIM for Latin America.
The alternative: a travel eSIM
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital chip already inside your phone. Instead of activating expensive WOM roaming, you buy 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 is Dual SIM: your phone uses two lines at once. Your WOM SIM remains in place for SMS and bank calls; the eSIM handles travel data. You keep your WhatsApp with the same number and pay a tourist rate. In eSIM vs. roaming, I compare both in depth. You can see all destinations in the international eSIM collection.
WOM roaming vs. eSIM: table and savings
The direct comparison to decide based on your trip:
| Criteria | WOM Roaming | Travel eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| How it's paid | Destination package or pay-per-use | Fixed plan chosen in advance |
| Approx. cost for several GB | Daily fee with margin | A few dollars for the trip |
| Activation | Before traveling, by destination | Scan a QR from home |
| Your WOM number | Remains active | Remains active (Dual SIM) |
| Risk of overcharging | High if browsing pay-per-use | None: you pay in advance |
If you're going to the United States, one of the most common destinations from Chile or Colombia, you can go directly to the eSIM for the United States. To manage both lines well, review how to activate and control data roaming.
How to use an eSIM without losing your WOM number
The most common question: "If I get an eSIM, will I lose my WOM number?" No. Your phone uses both lines at once. Here's how to set it up:
- Confirm 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 before activating it.
- Leave your WOM 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 data roaming for your WOM line.
With this, you browse using the eSIM, and your WOM line only receives calls and messages, without incurring data roaming charges. Your WhatsApp remains linked to your usual number.
Common mistakes that make your trip with WOM more expensive
Most high bills come from repeated oversights. Avoid them:
- Landing with data roaming on without having purchased a package: pay-per-use consumption skyrockets.
- Leaving apps syncing in the background: they consume data without you noticing.
- Purchasing the package at the last minute, when the cheaper option is organized from home.
- Choosing a package with too little data and running out of internet halfway through your trip.
- Assuming WOM covers all destinations equally: the price and modality change by country.
With an eSIM ready in advance, none of these mistakes will cost you dearly: you arrive, activate the eSIM, and turn off roaming for your WOM line, knowing exactly how much you paid and how much data you have.
How much does each activity consume? Quick reference
Knowing what consumes data helps you choose the right plan and understand why pay-per-use roaming quickly gets expensive. Most people believe they consume more than they actually do: text chat barely counts, while video can deplete a plan in an afternoon. These are approximate consumption figures per hour of active use, useful both for sizing your eSIM and for avoiding surprises with roaming:
| Activity | Approximate consumption |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp (text and photos) | Very low: a few MB per day |
| Maps and navigation | ~5 MB per hour of active use |
| Social media (scrolling) | ~100-150 MB per hour |
| Music streaming | ~50-100 MB per hour |
| Video in standard definition | ~500-700 MB per hour |
| Video call | ~300-500 MB per hour |
As you can see, what drives consumption is video and video calls, not chat or maps. If you'll mainly be using navigation and messaging on your trip, a few GB will be more than enough; if you plan to watch series, make many video calls, or share via hotspot, choose a more generous plan or one with a top-up option to avoid running out of internet halfway through your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How much does WOM roaming cost when traveling?
A WOM roaming package usually costs the equivalent of several dollars per day, with a data cap, and varies depending on the destination and your country of origin (Chile or Colombia). Pay-per-use browsing without a package is much more expensive and can add up to hundreds in your local currency in hours.
How do I activate WOM international roaming?
Purchase your destination package before traveling, using the WOM app, website, or customer service line. This way, you lock in the price and avoid pay-per-use charges. Activate it in advance so it's ready when you land.
Does WOM roaming work in the United States and Europe?
Yes, by purchasing the corresponding regional package, although it tends to be expensive for multi-day trips. For the USA or Europe, a destination eSIM usually costs a fraction, and you can set it up from home. Compare the package with the eSIM for those days.
Will I lose my WhatsApp if I use an eSIM?
No. Your WhatsApp is linked to your WOM number, and with Dual SIM, that line remains active even if you browse using the eSIM. You keep your number and your WhatsApp; the eSIM only provides travel data at tourist prices.
How many GB do I need for a one-week trip?
For a week with normal use—maps, WhatsApp, social media, and some video—estimate between 3 and 5 GB. If you share via hotspot or watch a lot of video, it goes up to 7-10 GB. Most eSIMs allow you to top up if you run short.
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Most iPhones from XS (2018) and recent mid-to-high-end Androids support eSIM. Check your settings for the option to add an eSIM or mobile plan; if it's there, your phone is compatible, and you can use a travel eSIM.
Conclusion
WOM roaming can get you out of a jam, but for most trips from Chile or Colombia, you'll pay extra for usage intended for emergencies. A travel eSIM gives you data at tourist prices, keeps your WOM number with Dual SIM, and you can set it up from home. Before your next trip, compare the WOM package with a destination eSIM and decide based on the numbers. In most cases, for a few dollars, your data needs for the entire trip will be covered. Start by finding your destination in the international eSIM collection and travel connected without surprises.
