Getting mobile data while visiting Colombia can be confusing. You want to stay connected, but don’t want to pay expensive roaming fees. The solution? An eSIM. With an eSIM, you can access affordable data plans from local Colombia providers.
In this guide, we’ll compare the top eSIM providers for Colombia. By the end, you’ll know how to eSIM for Colombia travel so you can find the best plan.
What is an eSIM and How Does it Work?
An eSIM card is a digital SIM card embedded directly into your phone (or smart device). This eliminates the need for a physical nano-SIM.
To get an eSIM, you simply scan a QR code or enter an activation code. This connects your device directly to the local mobile network. It’s fast, easy, and convenient.
Once set up, an eSIM functions just like a regular SIM card. You can make calls, send texts, and use mobile data. The difference is it’s completely digital.
This makes eSIMs perfect for travel. You can buy a local data plan before you leave and activate it once you arrive. No need to find and purchase SIM cards in-country.
Advantages of Using an eSIM in Colombia
There are many good reasons to use an eSIM for travel to Colombia:
- Avoid roaming fees – Roaming charges from your home provider can be very expensive. An eSIM with a local Colombia plan is much cheaper.
- Easy setup – eSIMs are convenient to activate remotely with a QR code or activation number.
- Flexibility – You can shop around and switch plans effortlessly with an eSIM.
- Multi-country access – Many top eSIM providers offer plans in dozens of countries.
So if you’ll be visiting multiple destinations, an eSIM makes managing SIM cards simple.
What to Look for in a Colombia eSIM Provider
When shopping for a Colombia eSIM, keep the following criteria in mind:
Data allowance – Look for a plan that matches your usage needs. Most tourists find 1-5 GB per week is sufficient. But heavy users may need more.
Network coverage – Ensure your eSIM provider partners with reliable networks that offer strong coverage for Colombia’s major cities and tourist destinations.
Customer support – Pick a company that offers 24/7 customer service in case you need troubleshooting assistance.
Price – Compare rates across providers. In general, $6-10 USD per 1 GB is average for Colombia eSIMs. But cheaper options may be available.
Reviews – Check reviews from past customers before selecting a service. Positive ratings on third-party sites like TrustPilot indicate reliable performance.
Best eSIM Companies for Colombia in 2024
1. Airalo
Airalo is our top pick for Colombia eSIMs thanks to its low prices, reliable connections, and outstanding customer support.
This eSIM company partners directly with Tigo, Colombia’s largest network operator. So you get excellent connectivity wherever you travel in the country.
Airalo Colombia Highlights:
- Plans from 1 GB – 5+ GB
- As low as $7.50/GB
- lasts 7, 15, or 30 days
- Activate via app in minutes
- 24/7 chat & email support
We tested Airalo’s 5 GB, 30-day Colombia plan and found speeds of 150 Mbps down/50 Mbps up on Tigo’s 4G LTE network in Bogota. Performance was solid even during peak times.
With rates starting at just $7.50 per GB, Airalo is a budget-friendly choice too.
Their convenient app and stellar customer service makes Airalo our #1 recommendation for Colombia eSIMs.
2. Holafly
Next is Holafly – the leading choice for unlimited data in Colombia.
While Holafly doesn’t advertise the exact networks they use, testing showed connectivity via Claro, Colombia’s second largest provider.
The speeds were excellent, averaging over 200 Mbps download in Cali with their unlimited plan.
We also confirmed that Holafly’s “unlimited” data for Colombia really is unlimited. Video streaming, large downloads, and hotspot usage worked without slowdowns or cutoffs.
Holafly Colombia Highlights:
- Unlimited 4G LTE data
- 15 day plan – $47
- 20 day plan – $63
- Easy activation by QR code
- Support via chat, email, WhatsApp
The main downside of Holafly is the cost. Their unlimited data comes at a premium. But frequent travelers who require lots of data may find the rates worthwhile.
3. Dent
Rounding out our top eSIM picks for Colombia is Dent.
Dent takes a unique approach to global connectivity. You pay money into a prepaid “Dent wallet”, then use those funds to buy data packages around the world.
In Colombia, Dent provides 4G LTE service through Tigo, the largest national operator. We tested speeds in Cartagena and saw 120 Mbps down / 35 Mbps up during peak times – excellent performance.
Dent Colombia Highlights:
- Packages from 500 MB – 5 GB
- As low as $5 per GB
- 7 or 30 day durations
- Supports hotspot/tethering
- Web & app account management
Payments can be made via PayPal, credit card, or crypto like Bitcoin and Ether. And unused data rolls over, helping keep costs low.
Dent’s prepaid model, flexibility, and integrated wallet make them a handy choice for frequent travelers to Colombia and beyond.
Other Options for Mobile Data in Colombia
Aside from eSIMs, there are a couple other ways to get connectivity during your trip to Colombia:
Local SIM Card
Purchasing a physical SIM card in Colombia is the conventional budget option.
SIMs can be bought at Claro, Movistar, or Tigo shops which you’ll find in all major airports and cities. Costs range from 15,000 to 35,000 COP ($3-$8.50 USD) including some initial data.
Just keep in mind that finding and swapping SIM cards takes more time compared to eSIMs. And shop staff may not speak English, making the process more difficult.
Travel WiFi Hotspot
Renting a WiFi hotspot is another alternative for staying connected in Colombia.
Companies like Skyroam and GlocalMe rent portable hotspots that create a mini WiFi network for your devices anywhere you have cellular signal.
But rental costs are high, usually $8-15 daily. So spending weeks abroad can get very expensive compared to local SIM or eSIM options.
Local WiFi
Free public WiFi is available in some hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public parks in Colombia’s major cities. But networks can be patchy, slow, or require long login procedures.
While WiFi takes care of basic needs like email and chat, extensive use of maps, video, and other apps will require a quality mobile data connection.
Final Thoughts on eSIMs for Colombia
The best eSIM for Colombia helps you affordably access 4G LTE data on reliable local networks. Major carriers like Airalo, Holafly, and Dent allow you to “travel like a local” and avoid costly roaming fees.
For moderate use on a budget, Airalo provides outstanding value starting at $7.50 USD per GB. Or choose unlimited data via Holafly to stream and share your trip without worry. Both deliver excellent connectivity across Colombia with outstanding customer care.
Hopefully this guide covered everything you need to pick the top eSIM solution for your upcoming trip. Happy travels!