eSIM in Colombia: which plan to choose in 2026?

The best eSIM for Colombia, compared for you: price, data, coverage and activation.

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See the plans Updated in août 2026 • 51 plans available

Compare eSIM plans for Colombia: data, duration, prices and operators. Find the best offer and activate it now.

What are the best eSIM plans in Colombia?

Each provider's best plan for this country, with the real price.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily ★ 4.7 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$26.07	$1.30	View →
Ubigi ★ 4.4 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$36.10	$1.81	View →
Holafly ★ 4.6 · Review	Unlimited	5 days	$15.04	—	View →
YesSim ★ 4.3 · Review	10 GB	30 days	$21.06	$2.11	View →
DrimSim ★ 4.1 · Review	5 GB	30 days	$15.70	$3.14	View →
Airalo ★ 3.9 · Review	Unlimited	10 days	$35.10	—	View →

Cheap eSIMs in Colombia

A comparison of the cheapest plans, all providers combined.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily	1 GB	7 days	$3.01	$3.01
Ubigi	500 MB	30 days	$4.01	$8.02
Airalo	1 GB	7 days	$4.51	$4.51
Airalo	1 GB	7 days	$4.51	$4.51
DrimSim	1 GB	7 days	$4.98	$4.98
YesSim	1 GB	7 days	$5.01	$5.01

Guide expert

Choosing the best Colombia eSIM plan is not just about picking the largest amount of data. Your itinerary, phone, partner network, and the way you use the Internet can make all the difference between a smooth connection and a data allowance that runs out in the first week. This guide helps you prepare, install, and use your eSIM card in Colombia, from Bogotá to the Caribbean via the mountain roads.

How does an eSIM work in Colombia, and is my phone compatible?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card already built into your smartphone: instead of inserting a plastic chip, you download a mobile profile that gives you access to a Colombian data plan. After purchase, the provider usually sends you a QR code, an installation link, or activation through its app. Your phone then connects to the local partner network, often Claro, Movistar, or Tigo, depending on the plan you choose.

The main difference from a physical SIM is the logistical convenience. You can buy and install the eSIM before departure, comfortably at home and using your Wi-Fi, without removing your French SIM card or looking for a shop at El Dorado airport. Once in Colombia, you activate the travel line for mobile data; your phone switches to the local network as soon as it detects it. Be careful: installing the profile does not always mean that usage starts. The validity start date depends on the plan’s specific terms.

An eSIM is particularly convenient in Dual SIM mode. Your regular line remains available for receiving calls or banking SMS messages, while the Colombian eSIM provides Internet access for Google Maps, Uber, WhatsApp, your bookings, and social media. However, most travel eSIMs are data-only plans: they do not include a Colombian number, traditional calls, or local SMS messages. They are designed for data and Internet-based apps.

The iPhone XR, XS, and later models are generally eSIM-compatible; recent iPhones can store several profiles, although the number of lines that can be active simultaneously varies by model.
With Samsung, the Galaxy S20 series and later, many Galaxy Z Fold/Z Flip models, and several recent Galaxy A models offer eSIM support, but you should check the exact reference sold in your country.
The Google Pixel 3 and later usually support eSIM; recent Pixel models are particularly easy to configure with two lines.
Some recent Huawei, Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Sony devices are compatible, but this feature is not universal: check your phone’s settings rather than relying solely on the range name.
Your smartphone must be unlocked from all carriers. A phone locked by a carrier may not be able to accept a foreign travel profile.
To check, look for “Add eSIM” in your settings, or dial #06#: the presence of an EID number generally indicates that the device is equipped for eSIM.

Which eSIM should you choose for the best 4G or 5G coverage in Colombia?

To get the best coverage in Colombia, first choose an eSIM that relies on a strong Colombian network, then adjust your expectations to your itinerary: no travel plan can create coverage where there are no antennas. Claro has very extensive coverage and is often a reassuring choice outside urban centers. Movistar performs very well in many cities and along major routes, while Tigo is also a major player, particularly in densely populated areas.

In Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, or Cartagena de Indias, 4G is generally smooth enough for navigation, transport, video calls, and occasional sharing. 5G is expanding in major cities and some busy neighborhoods, but it remains a bonus rather than a decisive factor for travelers. Excellent 4G is more than sufficient for ordering a ride, loading an offline map, sending documents, or watching a standard-quality video.

Colombia’s terrain changes the picture dramatically. In the Andes, steep-sided valleys, certain parts of the Zona Cafetera, roads between cities, or rural areas of Antioquia, the signal can vary within just a few kilometers. Jungle and sparsely populated regions, such as parts of the Amazon around Leticia, Chocó, or La Guajira outside towns, should not be approached with the same connectivity expectations as an urban stay. Even with the best-established operator, you will encounter dead zones.

In practice, speeds of a few dozen Mbps are common on urban 4G, but they fluctuate depending on the time, the building, the weather, the network selected by the eSIM, and local congestion. Travel eSIMs often connect through an international partner, so the experience may differ from that of a local customer using a Colombian SIM card. If you work remotely, allow extra data and ideally choose accommodation with reliable Wi-Fi rather than relying solely on mobile service.

Major cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, CartagenaGenerally very smooth 4G; 5G available in some areas depending on the network, phone, and neighborhood.

Tourist destinations and busy routes: Eje Cafetero, Santa Marta, San Andrés, main roadsCoverage is often fair to good, with possible drops between cities, in parks, and on certain stretches.

Mountains, remote villages, and rural Andean areasUneven signal, sometimes limited to weak 3G/4G or completely absent in valleys and sparsely populated areas.

Jungle, remote coastline, and very sparsely populated regionsIntermittent or nonexistent connection outside towns; do not rely on the eSIM as your only safety measure.

Check the partner network listed at the time of purchase; two similar plans may not use the same operator in Colombia.
If your route combines cities and rural areas, prioritize a plan that can switch between multiple networks or uses a network known for extensive coverage.
Do not pay extra solely for 5G: focus instead on actual 4G coverage, the available data allowance, and hotspot authorization.
Download Google Maps, maps from Maps.me or Organic Maps, and your bookings before leaving the hotel Wi-Fi.
In remote areas, keep your phone charged and notify loved ones before traveling: the lack of signal also affects emergency calls, not just Internet access.

Is a Colombia eSIM enough if you are also visiting neighboring countries?

A national eSIM is enough if your trip takes place entirely in Colombia, including if you take several domestic flights. However, a Latin America regional eSIM becomes the smarter option as soon as your trip includes at least one other country, such as Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, or Panama. It saves you from buying and reconfiguring a line at every border.

The right choice depends on the number of countries and the time spent in each one. For three weeks in Medellín, Salento, and Cartagena, a local plan is often better value for the same amount of data. For a Bogotá–Quito–Lima itinerary, a multi-country plan offers real convenience: you keep Internet access as soon as you land, in taxis, and during connections, without relying on public Wi-Fi.

Nevertheless, check the complete list of covered countries, since “Latin America” does not always include exactly the same destinations from one provider to another. The partner network may also change from country to country, as may coverage quality. A regional eSIM is more flexible, but it may cost more per gigabyte than a strictly Colombian eSIM; it is therefore best suited to travelers who will genuinely use that flexibility.

Choose a Colombia-only eSIM for a trip within the country and the lowest cost per gigabyte.
Choose a regional eSIM for a trip including Ecuador, Peru, or Brazil, even for short overland visits.
Check that every country is included, including stopovers, before paying: transit coverage should never be assumed.
Read the regional roaming terms: some plans limit the amount of data usable in one country or automatically select a network.

What do travelers really think about eSIMs in Colombia?

Traveler feedback is generally positive: an eSIM eliminates the need to find a shop, deal with local procedures, or risk arriving in Bogotá or Cartagena without Internet access. Early installation, keeping your French phone number, and managing the plan through an app are the most appreciated benefits. For short trips, this simplicity often justifies a slightly higher price than a local SIM.

The main caveat concerns actual coverage. Travelers who are satisfied in cities may be disappointed on a mountain road or in a remote village, even though the issue may be caused by local infrastructure rather than the eSIM provider. The most useful reviews therefore specify the network used, the cities visited, the travel date, and the type of usage: a remote worker on video calls does not have the same requirements as someone who mainly uses WhatsApp and Google Maps.

Reviews also mention supposedly unlimited plans, which may include a fair-use policy, reduced speeds, or a limited hotspot. Finally, activation problems are almost always more troublesome once abroad without Wi-Fi. The lesson is simple: install your profile before leaving, keep the QR code available offline, and check the top-up and refund rules before purchasing.

A recurring advantage: connection as soon as you arrive without visiting a sales point or presenting documents.
A recurring advantage: dual-line mode lets you keep WhatsApp and important SMS messages on your usual number.
Be careful: rural coverage varies greatly with the terrain and cannot be guaranteed by an eSIM brand.
Be careful: check for hidden limits on unlimited plans, especially for tethering and intensive usage.

How do you buy, install, and activate your eSIM for Colombia?

Installation often takes less than ten minutes, provided you do it using a stable Wi-Fi connection before departure. Never delete the eSIM profile after installation until your trip is over: some QR codes can only be used once.

1
Check compatibility
Before purchasing, confirm that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Also check that an eSIM slot is available: some devices can store multiple profiles but support only a limited number of active lines. Install any pending system update; it may fix network or Dual SIM management issues.
2
Buy and receive the QR code before departure
Choose Colombia, the data allowance, and the duration, then read the plan details before payment: network, hotspot, top-ups, refund policy, and validity start date. You will receive a QR code or an installation button in the app. Save the email, take a screenshot of the code, and keep the instructions in your offline files.
3
Install the profile on iPhone or Android
On iPhone, open Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Add eSIM, then use the QR code or the transfer option provided. On Android, the path varies slightly by brand, but is generally found under Settings > Connections/Network & Internet > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. Give the line a clear name, such as “Colombia data,” so you do not confuse it with your usual line.
4
Activate on arrival and configure the APN
You can install the eSIM before leaving and keep its line disabled until you arrive, unless the provider specifies that the plan starts upon installation. In Colombia, activate the line, set it as your default mobile data line, and enable data roaming on this eSIM: this setting is often essential, even when you are connected to a local partner network. The APN is normally configured automatically; enter it manually only if the provider gives you a specific value.
5
Troubleshoot if the Internet does not start
Start by turning airplane mode off and on again, or restart the phone. Check that the correct eSIM is selected for data, that roaming is enabled for this line, and that your French SIM is not using data by mistake. If nothing changes, select the network automatically, check the APN in your mobile settings, and contact support with your model, city, and a screenshot of your settings.

How do you keep your number, make calls, share Internet, and top up your eSIM in Colombia?

You can keep your usual number while using a Colombian eSIM for Internet access: that is precisely the advantage of Dual SIM. In your settings, leave your French SIM active for calls and SMS if necessary, but choose the travel eSIM for mobile data. Disable roaming on your French line and, if your phone offers it, disable automatic data switching to avoid out-of-plan usage.

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. You therefore do not automatically get a Colombian number for calling a hotel or restaurant through the traditional mobile network. However, your WhatsApp account keeps your current number: you do not need to create anything again. WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, FaceTime Audio, Messenger, or Skype work as soon as you have data. To contact a Colombian business that does not use messaging apps, ask your hotel to call or choose a plan that explicitly includes voice and SMS.

Tethering lets you connect a computer, tablet, or a companion’s phone to your eSIM. It is very useful in a café, on a bus, or in accommodation with poor Wi-Fi, but it quickly uses up your allowance: a video conference, cloud backup, or computer update can consume several gigabytes without warning. Some plans limit or prohibit hotspot use, especially unlimited offers; check this before purchasing if you work while traveling.

When you approach your limit, top up through the provider’s app or website while your plan is still valid. Do not necessarily wait until the last megabyte: without Internet access, you will need Wi-Fi to buy a top-up and receive the instructions. If the provider does not offer an extension, buy a new plan compatible with the same profile or install another eSIM, according to its rules. Always keep maps and itineraries downloaded so you are not left stranded.

Set the eSIM as your mobile data line, and use your French line only for essential calls or SMS messages.
Disable roaming on your regular SIM to avoid an unexpected international data bill.
Keep your number on WhatsApp: the app will continue working with your existing account.
Before using a hotspot for a computer, disable highly data-intensive backups, updates, and automatic syncing.
Enable usage alerts on your phone and with the provider; they will help you top up before service is cut off.

What criteria should you use to choose the best Colombia eSIM plan and avoid mistakes?

The right amount of data mainly depends on how you use it: allow around 1 to 3 GB for a few days of maps, messages, and bookings; 5 to 10 GB for two weeks with social media; and more if you share Internet, watch videos, or work remotely.

Do not compare only the advertised amount: calculate the price per gigabyte, but also the actual validity period. A very cheap small plan becomes poor value if it expires before your return or forces you to pay for several top-ups.
Read exactly what “unlimited” means. Some plans reduce speeds after a certain level of usage, block high-definition video, or limit tethering to a daily amount.
Choose a validity period slightly longer than your trip. A delayed flight, an extension to Santa Marta, or a change of itinerary should not leave you without data on the last day.
Identify the partner network before confirming. If you are planning to visit Medellín and major cities, several networks may work well; for a rural route, prioritize a network known for broader coverage or a multi-network plan.
Install the eSIM on your main phone before leaving, but do not activate a plan prematurely if its validity starts upon installation. This rule varies by provider and deserves careful checking.
Plan for offline use: download maps, music, Spanish–French translations, tickets, accommodation confirmations, and passport copies. This is essential in areas where the signal is weak.
Avoid sharing your connection without monitoring usage. A computer can start an update or backup in the background and consume your data allowance far faster than mobile apps.
Prefer a provider that clearly explains top-ups, networks, support, and restrictions. A pleasant app is useful, but the plan’s terms matter more than a marketing promise.
Do not delete the eSIM to try to fix a problem. First try airplane mode, restarting, and checking the APN: deleting it may make the profile unusable without support assistance.

Questions fréquentes

Will my eSIM work as soon as I arrive at Bogotá airport?

Yes, in principle, as soon as your phone connects to a partner network and the line is correctly activated. At El Dorado, activate eSIM data, enable roaming on this line, and disable Wi-Fi: you can then check the connection before leaving the airport.

When exactly does my eSIM plan’s validity begin?

It depends on the provider: some plans start upon installation, while others begin when you first connect to a network in Colombia. Check this rule before purchasing and install early only if the profile can remain inactive without starting the validity period.

Can I use the same eSIM on two phones or a tablet?

No, an eSIM profile is generally linked to one device and cannot be freely transferred. For a tablet or second phone, you need a second eSIM, or you can temporarily use tethering if your plan allows it.

Can I call Colombian emergency services with a data-only eSIM?

Do not rely on a data-only eSIM for traditional emergency calls. In Colombia, the general emergency number is 123; keep your main SIM active if possible, note down local contacts, and ask people nearby for help if you have no network.

Can I get a refund if my eSIM does not work?

Refunds depend on the provider’s terms and are often more difficult after activation or data usage. Document the problem with screenshots, do not delete the profile, and contact support promptly before purchasing another plan.

Should I use a VPN with an eSIM in Colombia?

A VPN is not required for mobile connectivity, but it can improve your privacy on public Wi-Fi at airports, cafés, or hotels. Choose a reliable service and test it before traveling, as a VPN may slightly reduce speeds or interfere with certain apps.