How to Get and Activate Claro SIM Cards and eSIM: Guide for Tourists

Mia Moore

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Latest update: September 2024

If you’re going to be in Colombia, whether it’s a few days, weeks, or months, getting a Claro SIM card is a highly-recommended item. It’s a great way to have internet access throughout the country at a really affordable price! 

Here’s the detailed guide to buying Claro SIM cards and eSIMs in Colombia.

I. Overview about Claro – What you need to know

Claro Colombia is the largest telecommunications provider in the country of Colombia: 

• Full name: Comunicacion Celular S.A

• Formed: June 26, 2012 

• Services: mobile voice, data, fixed broadband, and TV.

• Number of subscribers: Nearly 34 million subscribers – more than 60% of the country’s population (Q4/2022)

II. Claro Coverage in Colombia

In Opensignal report in January 2024, Claro remains the clear winner for Coverage Experience, its score of 8.2 points on a 10-point scale is over double that of the closest competitor, Movistar, which places second with a score of four points. Tigo and WOM are even further behind with their respective scores of 3.7 points and 2.3 points.

III. Claro Speed in Colombia

Download Speed of Claro is 13.2 Mbps and Upload Speed is 7.6 Mpbs. With these data, Claor holds the second fastest operators in Colombia

► Our Recommendation: Claro will serve travelers well in their Colombia trip with excellent speed and wide coverage. 

IV. Does Claro have eSIM in Colombia?

Yes, Claro in Colombia supports eSIM, which is an electronic SIM card that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card.

To activate the eSIM service, Claro postpaid customers can simply download the Claro eSIM app and follow the provided instructions. Once activated, they can connect to Claro’s network without the need for a physical SIM card.

► Make sure your phone supports eSIM function before making a purchase. You can refer our list of eSIM compatible devices for quick check.

V. Top Claro SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

In Claro stores, you can purchase a Claro SIM card for 5,000 COP ( $1.22 USD), and it even comes with 1,000 COP credit(  $0.24 USD). It’s an affordable option to get started with Claro services.

However, if you decide to buy a Claro SIM card at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport, specifically at the Techport store, please be aware that the prices there are inflated. It’s always recommended to compare prices and consider purchasing from Claro stores in the city to get the best value for your money.

There are three types of Claro SIM Card: 

Paquetes Todo Includio (All Inclusive Packages) – Claro Colombia

The Paquetes Todo Includio (All Inclusive Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Paquetes de Datos (Data Packages) – Claro Colombia

The Paquetes de Datos (Data Packages) are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).

Paquetes de Apps (App Packages) – Claro Colombia

The Paquetes de Apps (App Packages) are data plans for Instagram, Snapchat, Waze, WhatsApp & YouTube individually.

VI. Where to Buy a Claor SIM card and eSIM?

When it comes to buying a Claro SIM card in Colombia, it’s important to choose the right place. Here are your best three options: 

1. Upon Arrival

If you’re flying into Colombia from another country, the most convenient option for buying a prepaid SIM card is at the airport upon arrival. However, it’s important to note that purchasing a SIM card at the airport in Colombia tends to be more expensive compared to buying one in the city center. It’s also advisable to avoid buying tourist SIM cards that are quoted in USD, as they may have higher prices.

2. Claro store

The best option for buying a Claro SIM card in Colombia is to visit the official stores. We highly recommend this to avoid any future issues. Here are the benefits of purchasing from official stores:

• Sales representatives at these stores usually speak some English, which can be very helpful.
• They properly register your phone and passport.
• It’s easy to add a data plan right away.

3. Other authorized retail stores

Buying a SIM card from tiendas or informal kiosks in Colombia is convenient. These places often don’t need your phone or passport, which may lead to problems later on. It’s best to go to official stores to purchase a SIM card and ensure a smooth registration process. 

Note: Make sure to unlock your devices before your trip to Colombia 

VII. A Better Alternatives to Claro SIM Cards – Colombia eSIM

Apart from Claro providers, we recommend travelers other operator which is Movistar due to it covers wider areas than Claro with many awards about this.

When it comes to reliable provider Colombia eSIM, Gigago stand out with different packages with affordable price. Added to this, customer services in Gigago is excellent when you can be supported 24/7 or instant delivery. 

For Colombia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $8.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Colombia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $8.90 – $35.90 . 

VIII. How to Top-up Claro SIM/eSIM

To top up your Claro SIM card, follow these steps:

• Visit the Claro Colombia payment and recharge portal.
• Select “CORPP” (Compra de Recargas) which stands for “Recharge Purchase.”
• Enter your Claro mobile number.
• Choose the desired amount or value of the recharge.
• Select your preferred payment method (credit card, debit card, or other electronic payment options).
• Follow the instructions to complete the payment process.
• Keep the receipt or confirmation details for future reference.

IX. FAQs about Claro in Colombia