If you are traveling to Colombia and can’t live without your internet and phone, then you must currently be on the hunt for the best prepaid SIM card you can get in Colombia. you have plenty of internet companies depending on just how connected you need to be.
If you are just passing through, then the best plans for you are prepago which equals to a pay-as-you-go plans. These are ideal as you don’t need to have a long-term contract.
All you have to do is buy a local sim card with the company of your choice, choose the length and plan you prefer, and you’re good to go!
Depending on how many calls and how much internet you’ll want to use, below are the main and most popular cell phone prepago plans and companies in Colombia.
Prefer to keep your money in your pocket? No problem. If you think you will not be using your cell phone much, but would still like some internet and minutes just in case, Virgin’s prepaid SIM card plans in Colombia are pretty attractive.
Their prepago plans are called antiplanes and start at $12.000 or about $4 USD a month with which you will get 1 hour of calls, unlimited WhatsApp and 50MB of Facebook.
And in case you do need more data or minutes, you can always re-charge just one or the other with what Virgin calls ‘bolsas’.
This is ideal if you don’t plan on using your phone much. Although it does the job, do not expect great connection and speed.
Avantel has some of the best prepaid SIM card deals in Colombia! Whether you want 1-day, 3-day, week of month plan, Avantel has it.
Their week plan starts at $5.000 for 320 MB, 25 minutes of calls and unlimited FB and WhatsApp. This is perfect if you need to do some light browsing and getting your Ubers around the city. Of course, you can always extend or upgrade if you need more.
Tigo offers 2 day, 6 day and 7-day plans. I personally find the 6-day plan to be the best deal. For only $6.000 or $2 USD you’ll get 120MB, 10 SMS and 30 minutes of calls.
It’s definitely not enough to browse, but it’s enough to get by ordering Ubers around the city and making quick calls to meet up all week long.
If you liked Tigo’s offering but are looking for more long term options? Claro also offers very similar packages and prices but extend to 10, 20 or 30 days.
If you like to browse, you can get 1000 MB, 200 minutes and 1000 SMS for $40.000 for a month. That will definitely give you enough to avoid conversations, read your morning news and fall asleep to at night.
ETB’s plan start at $5.000 for 420MB, 20 mins of calls and 100 SMS for a week, this is a great option for those who are looking for good connection and flexibility.
They also have a good deal at $20.000 or about $6 USD for 3.5 GB, 85 mins and 100 SMS. This should give you plenty to browse, call, and do just about everything you usually do.
I personally suggest you go with companies who actively promote their prepago plan or prepaid SIM card plans. ETB’s prepago plans, although attractive, are indicated in a tiny font and the tariffs are listed to be valid only until a certain date.
Although I myself have a prepaid SIM card plan with Virgin, I personally don’t recommend it as if you plan on traveling to remote areas, you will not get great coverage.
What it includes: 1400 MB, 100 minutes of calls, unlimited Facebook and Whatsapp.
I personally haven’t tried the company but after a bit of online research in Facebook groups, I have seen many positive comments. You seem to get a lot of value for your money.
That offers more bang for your buck compared to Virgin’s, Tigo’s and Claro’s $20.000 COP plans.
Before you activate your plan, you’ll need to get a SIM card of the company you decide to go with (which shouldn’t cost more than $2.000-$5.000).
I find it’s easiest to just walk in the store. Most prepago plans have have to be done in person and a representative of the company will surely be able to activate the plan you want on the spot.
I hope this article was helpful to keep you connected while traveling in Colombia. Getting a prepaid SIM card in Colombia is really easy. You have plenty of options to choose from at a very low cost.
Do you already have a prepaid SIM card in Colombia? Which company do you use? Have you been happy with the service?
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Thank you for taking a little time to set up this site. Almost 20 years ago I used to come here and work with orphan kids with Jaime Jaramillo who started Ninos de Los Andes when Los Cobras were very active, and with several other orphanages in the Bogota area. My heart never left. Do they still have the orphans kids there that I can care for?
I'm in the process of tracking down an Android phone that will work good in the U.S. and there. It looks like there, call cost more, and data less, so I'm guessing you use Signal or WhatsApp when talking to friends or calling out of country?
Thanks!
Thank you for the detailed info! I was wondering, if after getting the bus from the MDE airport to San Diego Mall, there would be a Avantel (or any of these prodivers for that matter) in th San Diego Mall?
B
thanks for providing such a useful information which will help me to choose plan.