Colombia is one of the most attractive countries in Latin America, and if you are planning to visit cities or places like Cartagena, Bogota, Medellin, or Valle de Cocora; for business or leisure, remember that at no time should you worry about your internet connection. However, we know that getting a cellular internet service abroad is expensive, so today in Roaming, we recommend international eSIMs for Colombia, one of the best alternatives that will keep you connected for the duration of your trip.
So that the internet issue does not take you by surprise and does not ruin your plans to visit the coffee country, in this article, we will show you everything you need to know about the eSIM, how convenient it is to hire this type of service, how easy it is to use or install it, how it works, the different providers in the market that offer the virtual card and how it compares with other providers.
Contents
What you should know about the eSIM card Colombia
The first thing to know about virtual SIM card technology, better known as eSIM, is that despite being a useful and convenient option for travelers, currently, many mobile devices do not have the necessary functions and tools built-in to run an eSIM. Therefore, keep in mind the following requirements when purchasing and installing one of these virtual cards:
- You must have a cellphone compatible with eSIM technology. In addition to that, check that your mobile is supported by the operator or eSIM card provider you are contacting.
- On the other hand, it is essential to have an email address to register and receive your eSIM.
- Remember that you must have an internet connection to scan the QR code or installation code to download your eSIM profile from the provider’s servers.
- Some providers will ask you to install their App to download the eSIM.
Cellular eSIM card providers for traveling to Colombia
We have now gone through the requirements for using and acquiring an eSIM. Below, we show you the eSIM Colombia providers available in the market so you can know and choose the best option to be connected to the internet in Colombia.
Remember that if your cellphone cannot use the eSIM service or want more data, you can choose a Colombia prepaid SIM card with other providers.
Furthermore, the following companies provide and sell international eSIM cards, most of which are intended to be used for tourism or business trips abroad. Depending on your needs, choose your best option:
- Holafly
- Truphone
- WifiMap
Rates and data plans from eSIM providers for traveling to Colombia
To help you make the best decision, we have prepared a list of the different plans and prices of eSIM cards available for travel to Colombia from the abovementioned providers. Remember that the price variation may be due to coverage, previous roaming agreements, location, and the available payment methods of each of these companies.
Holafly data plans and prices for Colombia
- Unlimited data for 5 days at USD 19
- Unlimited data for 7 days at USD 27
- Unlimited data for 10 days at USD 34
- Unlimited data for 15 days at USD 47
- Unlimited data for 20 days at USD 54
Truphone data plans and prices for Colombia
- 5GB for 30 days at 45.00 USD
- 2GB for 30 days for 30.00 USD
WifiMap data plans and prices for Colombia
- 10 GB for 30 days at 29.99 USD
- 5 GB for 30 days at 19.95 USD
- 3 GB for 30 days at 13.47 USD
Comparison of eSIM providers for Colombia
| Provider | Data plan | Days | Price | Support | Sales channels |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 5 | 19 USD | Spanish, English, French, and German | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 7 | 27 USD | Spanish, English, French, and German | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 10 | 34 USD | Spanish, English, French, and German | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 15 | 47 USD | Spanish, English, French, and German | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 20 | 54 USD | Spanish, English, French, and German | Web |
| Truphone | 5 GB | 30 | 45.00 USD | English | Play Store, App Store |
| Truphone | 2 GB | 30 | 30.00 USD | English | Play Store, App Store |
| WifiMap | 10 GB | 30 | 29.99 USD | English, Russian | Web, Play store, App Store |
| WifiMap | 5 GB | 30 | 19.95 USD | English, Russian | Web, Play store, App Store |
| WifiMap | 3 GB | 30 | 13.47 USD | English, Russian | Web, Play store, App Store |
What you should know about eSIM cards for traveling to Colombia
To better understand everything about eSIM cards, here are some crucial features you should know to have the best time on your trip to Colombia. In the same way, you can know the differences between these virtual SIM cards and the traditional physical ones.
- Most eSIM cards do not offer analog calls, only data. For voice communication, you can use Apps like Skype or WhatsApp.
- Some eSIM cards will set up an automatic APN for you.
- With your iPhone dual SIM, you can keep your local SIM without changing it when you travel to Colombia. Remember to configure your iPhone to avoid surprise bills.
- eSIMs can only be installed once, so if you are experiencing problems with your virtual card, the best thing to do is to contact your eSIM provider. We recommend that you do not remove it.
- Some eSIMs allow you to share data.
- You can add several data plans on your iPhone. This depends on the available memory, although using one at a time is possible.
eSIM coverage for traveling to Colombia
Another thing you should take into account when purchasing or choosing an eSIM is to know the coverage it offers. Sometimes, a cheap eSIM card may not provide good coverage at your destination.
Therefore, keep in mind that the best eSIMs are those that have the most significant number of roaming agreements in Colombia. In this case, the carriers with coverage in the coffee-growing country are Claro, Avantel, Movistar, and Tigo.
Below, we share with you the coverage map of each of these operators so that you can get an idea of the extension of each of these servers in Colombia.
Claro’s 4G coverage map in Colombia
3G coverage map of the carrier Avantel in Colombia
4G coverage map of Movistar in Colombia
4G coverage map of the carrier Tigo in Colombia
Local cellphone carriers offering eSIM in Colombia
In Colombia, two national companies currently offer Colombian residents the option of having or changing their traditional SIM card to an eSIM. Also, remember that users who opt for this alternative and can activate a plan with an eSIM must comply with specific requirements and carry out the procedures stipulated by these carriers.
Among the companies Claro, Tigo, Movistar, Wom, Avantel, Virgin, ETB, Flash Mobile, and Móvil Éxito; those that offer Colombian residents the possibility of acquiring or changing the physical chip to an eSIM are:
- Claro
- Movistar
eSIM Claro Colombia
Claro Colombia’s eSIM is currently only compatible with Apple Watch. That means that you will not yet be able to replace your physical card with the eSIM. The operation of the eSIM on Apple Watch allows you to continue using your smartwatch without the need to be near the iPhone.
How much does Claro Colombia eSIM cost?
The Claro Colombia eSIM costs $15000 COP. This price must be paid every month and allows you to use both calls and cellular data on your Apple Watch.
How to activate Claro Colombia eSIM on my Apple Watch?
To activate your Claro Colombia eSIM on your Apple Watch, you must first pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone. Once paired, follow these steps to activate your eSIM.
- Log in to the Watch App and go to the Mobile Data section.
- Select the Configure mobile data option.
- Enter your usual username and password that you have in your Claro account (the same one you use in the My Claro App).
- Now you just have to accept the eSIM activation to start downloading and installing it.
eSIM Movistar Colombia
Movistar Colombia’s eSIM is currently only compatible with cell phones. Therefore, for now you cannot use the service on your Apple Watch.
Movistar Colombia eSIM compatible cell phones
The Movistar Colombia eSIM for activation in cell phones is compatible with the latest versions of Apple and Samsung devices. Among them are: iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone SE 2020. Samsung Galaxy S20, S21 with its Plus and Ultra variants, Samsung Z Flip, Z Fold and the Huawei P40 and P40 Pro.
It is important for you to know that the Huawei P40 Mini and Huawei P40 Pro Plus do not support eSIM. Huawei phones that are dual SIM can only have 2 cards in operation at the same time. This means that if you activate eSIM, the physical slot 2 will be deactivated.
Where to get the Movistar Colombia eSIM?
The Movistar Colombia eSIM is available at customer service centers or physical branches. It is available for prepaid, control and postpaid customers. In the experience center they will give you a printed QR code, which you must scan with your compatible cell phone. The activation path is very similar if you do it on iPhone, Samsung or Huawei.
How to activate the Movistar Colombia eSIM on my iPhone?
Once you have the printed QR code in your hands, you just need to scan it to install and activate the Movistar Colombia eSIM. It is very important that you are connected to the internet (WiFi or cellular data) to activate your eSIM. After checking the above, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data
- Select the Add data plan option
- Your cell phone camera will now be activated.
- Scan the QR code
- Your phone will recognize the eSIM profile for you to download.
- Accept and that’s it, in a few minutes it will be ready.
- Your cell phone will now have two network indicators.
You can configure your phone to choose your eSIM as the primary or secondary line, as well as select the physical SIM or the default digital SIM for your mobile data. That’s all.
If you have any questions, write us in the comments and we will answer them.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM in Colombia
It is not necessary to present a passport; some providers do require your address. This applies only for the tourist eSIM. Not for Claro or Movistar eSIM, who will ask for your information.
After installing the virtual SIM profile you must choose it as the default cellular data medium, turn on data and roaming and your virtual SIM should be working.
Yes, just like physical cards, virtual SIM cards also have an expiration date.
The days start counting from the moment you activate your eSIM by scanning the QR code on your phone.
Cell phones compatible with eSIM Colombia are increasing every day. Remember that if you reside in a European or Latin country and plan to travel to Colombia, you must carry a cell phone compatible with both eSIM and its bands, because if you do not, you will be left without service in this country. You will be forced to rent or buy a new cell phone.
These are the cell phones on which you will be able to install and activate an eSIM Colombia. Make sure first that the eSIM provider supports it.
The eSIM is the evolution of traditional SIM cards. The eSIM works thanks to a chip inserted inside the cell phone, which allows storing and configuring the profile. To learn more we encourage you to read: what is eSIM and how does it work?
