How to Get and Activate Claro SIM Cards and eSIM: 2024 Guide for Tourists

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. Quick Facts about Claro

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. Why Claro When Traveling Colombia – Coverage and Speed

Let’s discover the quality mobile network of Claro:

1. Coverage

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.

2. Speed

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. 

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Claro for Travelers to Colombia?

There are some popular options travelers can take into consideration

1. Claro eSIM

This is a great option to choose with various benefits: 

Advantages:

• Unlimited data plans available.

• You’ll receive it instantly in your email.

• It’s easy to install and activate.

• You can still use your local SIM card alongside it.

Disadvantages:

• Not all cellphones support eSIM cards.

2. Claro SIM Card

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to connect to cellular internet in Colombia, Claro prepaid SIM cards are a great option. They allow you to avoid expensive international roaming charges and connect to the networks of major operators in the country. With a SIM card for Colombia, you can enjoy a reliable connection, keep your WhatsApp number, and use it for calls and texts.

3. Other options

Regarding to Claro Pocket WiFi: This portable device acts as a small router, creating a private network for you and your companions to connect to. You can either buy one and purchase a separate SIM card for cellular data or rent the device. However, it’s worth noting that this option is less common in Colombia.

Moving on Free WiFi: While it’s the cheapest option, it’s important to exercise caution as connecting to open networks may pose security risks. Avoid providing personal information while connected. Additionally, the connection speed can be slow and unstable due to the high number of users. You can use apps to locate available networks, and in Colombia, you’ll often find places with signs indicating “Free WiFi.”

IV. Best 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.

Price	Data	Social Data 1	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
2000 COP	50 MB	Unlimited 2	50 minutes	Unlimited	1 day
4000 COP	400 MB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	2 days
7000 COP	1.4 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	6 days
8000 COP	2 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	7 days
11 500 COP	3.5 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	10 days
11 500 COP	10 GB	N/A	Unlimited	Unlimited	7 days
21 500 COP	7.5 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	20 days
21 500 COP	20 GB	N/A	Unlimited	Unlimited	15 days
31 500 COP	12 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
31 500 COP	30 GB	N/A	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
41 500 COP	18 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
100 000 COP	80 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

Paquetes de Datos (Data Packages) – Claro Colombia

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

Price	Data	Social Data 1	Validity
1000 COP	200 MB	Unlimited 2	1 day
2000 COP	400 MB	Unlimited	1 day
4000 COP	800 MB	Unlimited	3 days
7000 COP	2 GB	Unlimited	7 days

Paquetes de Apps (App Packages) – Claro Colombia

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

Price	Data	App	Validity
1000 COP	Unlimited	Waze	24 hours
2500 COP	Unlimited	Instagram	24 hours
3000 COP	Unlimited	YouTube	1 hour
3000 COP	Unlimited	Waze	7 days
9000 COP	Unlimited	WhatsApp	15 days
15 000 COP	Unlimited	Instagram	7 days
18 000 COP	Unlimited	WhatsApp	30 days

V. Does Claro Support 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.

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

1. Where to Buy a Claro SIM Card for Colombia?

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: 

1.1. 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.

1.2 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.

1.3 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 

2. Where to Buy Claro eSIM for Colombia?

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 . 

VII. How to Activate Claro SIM/eSIM in Colombia?

Using a Claro SIM/eSIM for Colombia is not difficult. If this is your first time using it, please check the instructions below.

1. How to Use a Claro SIM Card in Colombia?

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.

1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
2. Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
3. Activate the SIM card: In most cases, the Claro Colombia SIM card will be pre-activated
4. Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
5. Check your services.

2. How to Activate Claro eSIM?

Getting started with an Claro eSIM for Colombia is quite easy as follows:

1. Install the eSIM
2. Activate the eSIM
3. Set up the eSIM
4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

Please check your detailed instructions below:

• Activate eSIM on iPhone
• Activate eSIM on Samsung
• Activate eSIM on Google Pixel

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 by clicking on this link: Claro 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

X. Conclusion

We’re glad that our guide on getting a Claro SIM card in Colombia was helpful to you! We hope it has saved you from any potential troubles!