Description
Colombia draws visitors from the UK for the walled old town of Cartagena, the coffee farms of the Zona Cafetera, Caribbean beaches and the mountain cities of Bogotá and Medellín. Plenty of travellers also come back to see family, often staying for several weeks. Having mobile data from the moment you land makes it easier to book a ride, find your hotel and let everyone know you have arrived.
A travel eSIM gives you that data without a trip to a phone shop. It sits alongside your UK SIM, so your usual number stays in the phone, while the eSIM looks after maps, messaging and browsing for the rest of your stay.
Choose your Colombia data plan
There are 10 plans for Colombia. Pick the one that matches the length of your stay and how much you stream, video call or share photos.
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| 1GB – 7 days | £3.80 |
| 1GB – 1 day | £4.68 |
| 2GB – 15 days | £6.73 |
| 3GB – 30 days | £8.48 |
| 3GB – 15 days | £11.61 |
| 5GB – 30 days | £13.65 |
| 10GB – 30 days | £33.96 |
| 20GB – 30 days | £62.24 |
| 50GB – 90 days | £149.40 |
| 100GB – 180 days | £291.32 |
- Week in Bogotá or Cartagena: 1GB for 7 days covers maps, WhatsApp and the odd ride booking on a short city trip.
- Two-week tour from coast to coffee country: 3GB for 15 days or 5GB for 30 days leaves room for navigation on long road journeys and sharing photos.
- Month visiting family: 10GB or 20GB for 30 days suits regular video calls home and everyday browsing.
- Long stays and regular visitors: 50GB for 90 days or 100GB for 180 days.
How ordering works
- Choose a plan and place your order. Pay by UK bank transfer or PayPal.
- Once your payment is confirmed, we prepare your eSIM and send you the QR code by email or live chat. Orders are handled by hand, so we suggest ordering at least a day before you fly.
- Scan the QR code at home over Wi-Fi, then switch the eSIM on when you arrive in Colombia.
Installing your eSIM
- iPhone: Settings, Mobile Service (or Mobile Data), Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR code.
- Google Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, then Download a SIM instead.
Install it before you travel, while you have a steady Wi-Fi connection. A QR code can usually be installed only once, so do not delete the eSIM from your phone until your trip is over. When you land, turn on the eSIM line, set it as the line for mobile data and switch on data roaming for that eSIM.
Using mobile data in Colombia
Most UK visitors arrive at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, while José María Córdova near Medellín and Rafael Núñez in Cartagena also take international flights. Data earns its keep on the ground: ride apps are widely used in the big cities, domestic airlines expect you to check in on your phone, and a translation app helps if your Spanish is rusty.
Signal is generally good in cities and towns but can be patchy in the Amazon region, along remote parts of the Pacific coast and on mountain roads between towns. Download offline maps before a long bus journey or a trek such as the Lost City.
Check your phone first
Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later can use one. Some models sold in certain countries have no eSIM, so look for an Add eSIM option in your settings. If you are not sure, ask us before you order.
Good to know
- Data only: these plans give you mobile data, not a local phone number. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps for calls and messages.
- For travel only: the plans work in Colombia and are not meant for use in the UK.
- Your UK SIM: keep it in the phone to receive texts such as bank codes, but turn off data roaming on it so it does not use data abroad.
- Colombia only: this plan works in Colombia. If your trip continues to Ecuador, Peru or Panama, ask us about a plan for each country.
- Travel advice: the FCDO advises against travel to some parts of Colombia. Check the latest FCDO travel advice for your route before you go.
Questions
Will I have signal on the islands off Cartagena?
Cartagena itself is well covered, but signal on small offshore islands such as the Rosario Islands can be limited. Save tickets and directions to your phone before a boat trip.
Do I need a Colombian number for ride apps?
Most ride apps let you keep your UK number on your account. The eSIM gives you data only, so keep your UK SIM switched on to receive any verification texts.
When should I buy my Colombia eSIM?
A day or more before you travel is best. That leaves time to receive the QR code and install it at home.
When do the days start counting?
The number of days is how long the plan lasts once it is active. Install it before you go and switch it on when you arrive.
Can I cancel after the QR code is sent?
No. Like our other codes, an eSIM cannot be returned once the QR code has been sent. See our refunds and cancellations page.
