Prepaid SIM Cards in Colombia

Prepaid SIM Cards in Colombia – Complete Guide

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If you’re visiting Colombia or planning to stay for a while, getting a prepaid SIM card is the easiest and most affordable way to stay connected. With a competitive telecom market, multiple operators, and flexible plans, you can enjoy fast 4G coverage and even eSIM options across the country. This guide covers everything you need to know — from buying a SIM card to activating it, checking your balance, and choosing the best provider for your needs.

Basics Information

Colombia has several major mobile network operators offering prepaid SIM cards:

  • Claro – Largest provider with the widest coverage.
  • Movistar – Strong urban coverage, competitive data packages.
  • Tigo – Popular for good value prepaid data plans.
  • Avantel – Focuses on affordable data bundles in select cities.
  • WOM – Newer provider with aggressive pricing in major urban areas.

All these operators offer prepaid SIM cards to both locals and foreign tourists.

Official Websites

Availability

Prepaid SIM cards are widely available across Colombia. You can buy them in:

  • Mobile carrier stores
  • Airports (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena)
  • Convenience stores (Oxxo, Éxito, Jumbo)
  • Shopping malls
  • Kiosks and street vendors

Where to Buy

The safest and most reliable option is to purchase your SIM directly from the official carrier store. This ensures proper registration and activation. At airports, expect slightly higher prices compared to city outlets.

Frequencies

Colombia’s mobile networks operate on the following frequencies:

Network TypeFrequency Bands
2G (GSM)850, 1900 MHz
3G (UMTS)850, 1900 MHz
4G/LTE700, 1700 (AWS), 1900 MHz
5GNot widely available yet

Check if your phone supports these bands before traveling.

Coverage & Speed

  • Claro – Best nationwide coverage, including rural areas.
  • Movistar – Great in urban and suburban areas, slightly weaker in remote regions.
  • Tigo – Strong coverage in major cities, moderate rural availability.
  • WOM & Avantel – Best in large cities; relies on roaming agreements outside.

Average download speeds range between 20–40 Mbps in cities.

At a Glance Comparison

ProviderCoverageSpeedTourist PlanseSIMBest For
Claro★★★★★★★★★★YesYesRural & national travel
Movistar★★★★☆★★★★☆YesYesBalanced coverage & price
Tigo★★★★☆★★★★☆YesYesBudget-friendly data plans
WOM★★★☆☆★★★★☆YesYesCheap urban internet
Avantel★★★☆☆★★★☆☆NoNoShort-term city stays

Biometric User Registration

In Colombia, prepaid SIM card registration is mandatory and requires:

  • Valid passport (for tourists) or Colombian ID (for residents)
  • Fingerprint scan (biometric registration)

The process takes only a few minutes at the store.

What to Expect

  • SIM card purchase includes activation and setup assistance.
  • English-speaking staff may be limited outside tourist areas.
  • Mobile data is generally affordable compared to North America or Europe.

Device Registration

Colombia requires foreign devices to be IMEI registered if you plan to use them for more than 90 days. If you stay less than 90 days, no registration is needed. Long-term visitors must register online with the carrier to avoid service suspension.

Carrier Apps (with Links)

SIM Card Price

Prices vary by provider:

  • Claro, Movistar, Tigo – COP 5,000 to COP 10,000 (~$1.20–$2.50)
  • WOM – Often free with first top-up
  • Avantel – Around COP 7,000 (~$1.70)

eSIM Availability

Most major providers (Claro, Movistar, Tigo, WOM) offer eSIMs for compatible smartphones. You can request an eSIM in-store by scanning a QR code.

Prepaid Plans

Typical prepaid packages include:

  • Daily packs: COP 3,000 (~$0.70) for 1 GB + unlimited WhatsApp
  • Weekly packs: COP 10,000 (~$2.50) for 4 GB + unlimited social media
  • Monthly packs: COP 35,000 (~$8.50) for 15–20 GB + unlimited calls

Data Add-Ons

If you run out of data, you can buy extra bundles from COP 2,000 ($0.50) for 200 MB to COP 10,000 ($2.50) for 5 GB via the carrier’s app or USSD code.

Tourist SIM

Claro, Movistar, and Tigo offer tourist SIM cards with 15–20 GB of data, unlimited social media, and local calls for around COP 35,000–50,000 ($8.50–$12). Valid for 30 days.

Activation

SIM cards are usually activated instantly at purchase. Staff will insert it into your phone, configure APN settings, and verify service.

How to Check Remaining Balance

  • Claro – Dial *103# or use Mi Claro app
  • Movistar – Dial *611# or use Mi Movistar app
  • Tigo – Dial *111# or use Mi Tigo app
  • WOM – Dial *600# or use WOM app
  • Avantel – Dial *350# or use Mi Avantel app

Helpline Numbers

  • Claro: 123 or 01 8000 341818
  • Movistar: 611 or 01 8000 930930
  • Tigo: 118 or 01 8000 410456
  • WOM: 302 833 3333
  • Avantel: 350 333 0000

Conclusion

Getting a prepaid SIM card in Colombia is simple, cheap, and offers excellent flexibility for both short and long stays. Claro is the best for nationwide coverage, Movistar balances price and performance, and Tigo is a great budget option. With affordable tourist packages, eSIM support, and strong 4G speeds in major cities, staying connected in Colombia has never been easier.

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