Staying connected upon arrival is crucial for many travelers landing in Colombia. Purchasing a local SIM card is strongly advised in order to ensure continuous data and connectivity. This guide provides tips for getting a SIM card at José María Córdova Airport (MDE) to have data, calls, and SMS for exploring the city. You will know updated prices, ways to get, and better alternatives to airport SIM cards in Colombia.
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You can buy a SIM card at José María Córdova International Airport for immediate Internet connection upon arrival.
However, there are also drawbacks of this way and there may be cheaper solutions based on your needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
| Where to buy | Pros | Cons |
| At José María Córdova International Airport | – Saves you time searching elsewhere | – Potentially higher price |
| Online before trip | – A broader range of plan alternatives; – Reasonable prices | – Additional delivery expenses; – Must wait for delivery |
| In Medellín center | – Help with registration; – Wider selection; – Potentially lower prices | – Inconvenience; – Language barrier |
► Our Recommendations:
Unfortunately, there is no SIM Card SIM card shop in the arrival hall at Medellin Airport that offer Colombia SIM cards for tourists. However, you can find SIM cards in a phone store located in the departure hall on the 2nd floor of José María Córdova Airport. This shop sells phone cases, accessories and prepaid SIM cards for tourists. You can get a Claro SIM Card with 12GB of data used in 30 days flor 85,000 Pesos ($17.5 USD).
Besides, travelers arriving in Medellin still have several options to secure a SIM card:
Pro Tip: You can connect to the airport wifi to purchase Colombia eSIM online. But, make sure that your phone supports eSIM function.
No, While the airport welcomes travelers 24/7, keep in mind that SIM card shops inside might not share the same enthusiasm for late hours. Most likely, they’ll be closed after midnight, following the rhythm of flight schedules and passenger flow.
An international SIM card for Colombia at José María Córdova Airport often costs between $10 and $40. In fact, the cost of a SIM card vary substantially depending on the source you select. Consider that foreign shipping often raises the cost of the service.
Three major carriers – Claro, Movistar, and Tigo – dominate the mobile communication market in Medellín. These service providers cater to a variety of client demands by providing a range of services over many network types, such as 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE. Whether in an urban or rural setting, consumers must select an operator that best meets their unique connection demands, as each has a different range of frequencies and coverage areas.
► Our recommendation: The greatest SIM card in Colombia is Tigo. This plan is ideal for digital nomads, remote workers, and travelers!
You need to prepare the following things when buying a SIM card at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE):
Remember: If you use data or make calls before activating your SIM card, you may be charged roaming fees on your current phone plan.
You should definitely consider using eSIM as it has lots of benefits to make your trip to Medellín much more stress-free. Here is why:
You’ll avoid the difficulty of finding your SIM card at José María Cordova International Airport with Gigago. This is a reputable eSIM dealer, providing a convenient solution to stay connected throughout your Colombia trip. Their user-friendly service allows you to purchase and activate an eSIM quickly and conveniently.
Gigago has a variety of plans to suit your needs, from 7 days for $8.90 to 30 days for $35.90. Plus, with a Gigago Colombia eSIM for Medellín, you’ll avoid expensive roaming fees and keep your home SIM active for calls and texts.
While José María Córdova International Airport offers SIM cards, you also have options to buy in the city center. In Medellín, just like everywhere else in Colombia, there are some stores on the streets that sell prepaid SIM cards by far. Here’s where you can get it:
Some shopping malls, such as El Tesoro or Santafé, could have kiosks or tiny shops selling SIM cards. SIM cards may be found at Medellín convenience shops and supermarkets, including Éxito, Jumbo, Justo, and Bueno.
For a wider selection of prepaid SIM card plans in Medellín, head to official stores of the major carriers such as Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. You’ll find them conveniently located throughout the city.
Claro Official Store in Medellín:
Movistar Official Store in Medellín:
Tigo Official Store in Medellín:
► Our recommendation: The most suggested alternative when buying a SIM card outside José María Córdova International Airport is getting it from one of the internet provider’s official stores in Medellín. Their assistance experts will help you choose the right one.
Yes, you likely can find a store selling Colombia SIM cards at the airport. However, options and plans might be limited.
You can choose among Medellín’s major mobile network providers like Claro, Tigo, and Movistar.
If you prioritize convenience, security, and keeping your home SIM active, and your phone supports eSIM, then you should go for the eSIM. You can find a reputable provider like Gigago to buy and activate eSIM online.
Finally, buying a SIM card at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) is pretty simple. The major carriers have stores right in the arrival hall that sell various data plans. Having a local SIM card allows you to simply look up transportation, check maps, and communicate with your loved ones back home via communication applications. An eSIM package is also a great option for dependable Internet connectivity and flexibility.
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