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 will get you out of a bind 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 contract a roaming package or use pay-per-use. WOM handles international roaming with destination-specific packages that include data, or pay-per-use if you don't contract 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 so you don't lose communication, not to consume data daily for one or two weeks. Therefore, for a normal trip with maps, messaging, social media, and some video, an eSIM from the country you're visiting is almost always better. For an overview by operator, you can check the guide on 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 advisable to check the conditions in the WOM app or website before leaving.
| 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 contracted | 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 on eSIM for traveling to the USA from Chile or from Colombia.
How WOM roaming is activated and charged
It is advisable to contract the package for your destination before traveling, from the WOM app, website, or customer service line. This way, you set the price and avoid pay-per-use charges, which lead to high bills. If your plan only offers pay-per-use for a certain destination, it makes even more sense to evaluate an eSIM.
Packages usually come by day (a quota with a data cap 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 consumption 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 see next. To understand what's being charged, it helps to know what data roaming is.
How much you spend without a package (the real risk)
The budget-ruining mistake: you land, haven't activated anything, and leave data roaming on. Your phone syncs email, photos to the cloud, updates, and messaging in the background, 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 contracted 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 stays only for calls and SMS. Here's a guide on how to avoid roaming.
How much data do you really need?
Before choosing between a WOM package or an eSIM, it's good to know how much data 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 significantly less than the same volume with WOM roaming. To gauge your needs based on where you're traveling, check the guide on 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 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 stays in for bank SMS and calls; the eSIM carries the travel data. You keep your WhatsApp with the same number and pay tourist rates. 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 | Package by destination or pay-per-use | Fixed plan chosen beforehand |
| 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 | Maintained | Maintained (Dual SIM) |
| Risk of overcharge | 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, check how to activate and control data roaming.
How to use an eSIM without losing your WOM number
The most common question: "if I use an eSIM, will I lose my WOM 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 the settings, even without activating it.
- Keep 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 WOM.
With this, you browse using the eSIM and your WOM line only receives calls and messages, without generating data roaming charges. Your WhatsApp remains with your usual number.
Common mistakes that make your trip more expensive with WOM
Most high bills come from repeated oversights. Avoid them:
- Landing with data roaming on without having contracted a package: pay-per-use consumption skyrockets.
- Leaving apps syncing in the background: they consume data without you noticing.
- Contracting the package at the last minute, when it's cheaper to organize it from home.
- Choosing a package with too little data and running out of internet halfway through the trip.
- Assuming that WOM covers all destinations equally: the price and modality change by country.
With an eSIM ready beforehand, 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 escalates so quickly. Most people believe they consume more than they actually do: text chat barely counts, while video can drain 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 mostly 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 so you don't run 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?
Contract the package for your destination before traveling, from the WOM app, website, or customer service line. This way, you set 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 contracting the package for the corresponding zone, 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 remains 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, increase to 7-10 GB. Almost all 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 bind, but for most trips from Chile or Colombia, you'll pay more for consumption designed 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 with numbers. In most cases, for a few dollars, you'll have your entire trip's data sorted. Start with your destination in the international eSIM collection and travel connected without surprises.
