🇨🇴 Colombia Internet & SIM Cards — Connectivity Guide

In Colombia, you can expect a relatively good internet experience with average speeds and widespread coverage, making it easy to stay connected during your trip.

Internet Overview

The internet in Colombia has improved significantly over the past few years, with average internet speeds of 25 Mbps download, allowing for smooth browsing, streaming, and online activities. However, there is still a noticeable urban vs rural divide, with faster speeds and more reliable connections available in major cities like Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena, while rural areas often experience slower speeds and more frequent outages. Despite this, the overall reliability of the internet in Colombia is relatively good, with most providers offering stable connections and adequate customer support.

In general, Colombia's internet infrastructure is well-developed, with a high level of investment in recent years, resulting in improved coverage and speeds. This has enabled the growth of digital services, such as online banking, e-commerce, and streaming platforms, which are widely available and popular among locals and tourists alike. However, as with any country, there are still areas where the internet is less reliable, particularly in remote or rural areas, where speeds may be slower and connections more prone to outages.

Getting a SIM Card

To get a SIM card in Colombia, you can visit one of the main carriers' stores, such as Claro, Movistar, or Tigo, and purchase a tourist SIM for around 10 USD. You will need to provide a valid passport and fill out a registration form, which usually takes a few minutes. The recommended carriers offer a range of data plans, including prepaid and postpaid options, with varying amounts of data, minutes, and texts. It's a good idea to compare the different plans and prices before choosing the one that best suits your needs.

You can also purchase SIM cards at airports, shopping malls, and other retail locations, making it easy to get connected as soon as you arrive in the country. Additionally, some carriers offer special tourist plans that include additional benefits, such as free incoming calls and texts, or discounted rates for international calls.

WiFi Availability

• Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with most hotels and hostels offering free WiFi for guests
• Cafe WiFi culture is widespread, with many cafes and coffee shops offering free WiFi for customers
• Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular, offering high-speed internet and other amenities for remote workers
• Public WiFi is available in many parks, plazas, and other public areas, although the speed and reliability can vary
• Many restaurants and bars also offer free WiFi, making it easy to stay connected while enjoying a meal or drink

For Remote Workers

• Coworking spaces like WeWork, Regus, and Selina offer high-speed internet and other amenities for remote workers
• Reliable cafe chains like Juan Valdez and Pergamino offer good WiFi and a comfortable working environment
• Backup internet options like portable WiFi hotspots or mobile data plans can be useful in case of outages or slow speeds
• VPNs can be useful for secure browsing and accessing blocked sites
• Many cities in Colombia have a growing expat community, with many resources and services available for remote workers

Tips & Warnings

• Internet censorship is not a major issue in Colombia, but some sites may be blocked due to copyright or other restrictions
• Using a VPN can help you access blocked sites and secure your browsing
• Roaming alternatives like eSIMs or portable WiFi hotspots can be a good option for travelers who want to avoid high roaming charges
• Some carriers may have data limits or throttling policies, so it's a good idea to check the terms and conditions of your plan before signing up
• Public WiFi networks can be vulnerable to hacking, so it's a good idea to use a VPN and keep your devices and software up to date
• Regular software updates can help protect your devices from viruses and malware