Claro SIM Card for Tourists: Plans, Prices, and Where to Buy

Mia Moore

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Latest update: August 2026

Claro is Colombia’s largest mobile network, but the local market recently experienced a major shift. In February 2026, Tigo and Movistar merged their operations into a single company that now directly competes with Claro in size. This article details about Claro Colombia SIM cards for tourists, including coverage, network performance, plans, prices, and where to buy.

Is Claro Good for your Colombia Trip?

Yes, Claro is the largest mobile network in Colombia, holding about 47% to 48% of the total market. While Claro remains the market leader, its dominance has dropped from around 60% in previous years. The newly merged Tigo-Movistar entity now holds about 42% to 43% of the market. For tourists, Claro is still the safest choice for widespread coverage, but it no longer operates without strong competition.

How Does Claro Compare to Movistar, Tigo, and WOM Right Now?

Claro offers the widest coverage across Colombia, but it sn’t the fastest network anymore. Movistar is the one taking that place with faster internet speeds and better connection stability.

According to Opensignal’s April 2026 report:

• Claro: Wins in Coverage Experience and 5G Availability. It is the best network for keeping a steady signal when traveling between cities or visiting remote areas.
• Movistar: Wins most speed and quality categories, including download speeds, video streaming, and overall reliability.
• Tigo & WOM: Pick up occasional category wins, but neither leads the market overall.

Overall, Claro’s signal is fast and dense in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, and Barranquilla, as well as along main highways. However, its coverage thins out significantly east of the Andes in the Llanos and Amazon regions.

→ Learn more:

WOM Colombia SIM cards for tourists

Tigo Colombia SIM cards for tourists

What are Claro Colombia Prepaid Plans for Tourists and Costs?

Claro prepaid plans for tourists vary by type, with all-inclusive data, call, and text packages ranging from 2,000 COP (~$0.50 USD) to 100,000 COP (~$25 USD).

Claro offers 3 main prepaid plan options:

• All-Inclusive Packages (Paquetes Todo Incluido): nclude data, local calls, and texts.
  • Popular 6-day option: 7,000 COP (~$1.75 USD) for 1.4 GB high-speed data, unlimited social media, and unlimited local calls/texts.
  • Max 30-day option: Up to 100,000 COP (~$25 USD) for 80 GB.
• Data-Only Packs (Paquetes de Datos): Internet access only, with no call or text minutes. Prices range from 1,000 COP (200 MB for 1 day) to 7,000 COP (2 GB for 7 days).
• App-Specific Packs (Paquetes de Apps): Cheap passes for single apps like WhatsApp, Waze, or Instagram. Prices range from 1,000 COP to 18,000 COP depending on the app and validity period.

Can Tourists Get a Claro eSIM Without Switching to a Postpaid Plan?

Yes, tourists can purchase a prepaid Claro eSIM directly online through Claro’s official website or app.

All three major Colombian networks now allow direct online eSIM purchases. In the past, store clerks often tried to push tourists into long-term postpaid contracts when asked for an eSIM. Buying a dedicated prepaid tourist eSIM directly through the official website or app avoids store hassle completely.

Where Can You Buy a Claro SIM or eSIM?

You can buy a Claro SIM card at official retail stores, airport kiosks, local shops, or order an eSIM online before you arrive.

1. At International Airports (Most Convenient)

Buying a Claro SIM card right upon landing at BOG and MDE airports is very easy, though you will pay a bit more for the convenience compared to city prices.

• El Dorado Airport (BOG – Bogotá): Once you pass security and before you reach the main lobby, you’ll spot official counters for Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. You can also pick up a Claro SIM at a tech shop called Techport. Claro SIM at Techport. Just keep in mind that airport prices are marked up compared to the usual ~5,000 COP price tag in town.
• José María Córdova Airport (MDE – Medellín): Look for the carrier counters in the international terminal, where Claro SIMs start at around 30,000 COP. While some guides claim these desks stay open 24/7, travelers often find them closed after 7:00 PM. If you’re landing late at night, it’s smart to have a backup plan (like buying an eSIM or waiting until you get into the city).

2. In Official Stores (Most Reliable):

You can head to an official Claro service center called a CAV (Centro de Atención y Ventas) instead of a random phone shop. Major malls like Unicentro, Santafé, and Gran Estación all have CAV stores. They are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sundays until 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
Alternatively, you easily find these same CAV stores across Medellín, Cartagena, and other major cities.

The staff here often speak some English and will properly register the SIM card to your passport on the spot, so your phone won’t get unexpectedly blocked later.

3. At Informal Kiosks (Not Recommended):

Street vendors and small kiosks are common and cheap, but registration issues are frequent. You should go to official stores if a deal seems suspiciously cheaper than the 5,000 COP baseline price.

4. Online Before You Land (Fastest Option):

Claro, Movistar, and Tigo all sell eSIMs directly via their official apps and websites. Note that, if your foreign credit card gets declined online, select the cash option and complete the payment at an Efecty counter upon arrival.

How Do You Top Up a Claro SIM After Buying One?

You can top up a Claro SIM online via the Mi Claro app or in person using cash at payment networks like Efecty.

• Online Top-Ups: You can recharge through the Mi Claro app or claro.com.co. However, foreign credit cards are frequently declined on local payment portals.
• Cash Top-Ups (Recommended Backup): If your credit card fails online, visit an Efecty point. Efecty is a national cash payment network with thousands of locations across Colombia that processes SIM top-ups without issues.
• In-Person Stores: You can also recharge at major supermarkets (Éxito, Olímpica, D1), pharmacy chains (Cruz Verde, Farmatodo), or local neighborhood corner stores (tiendas). Simply give the cashier your Colombian phone number and the amount you want to pay.

Is Gigago’s Colombia eSIM a Good Alternative to Claro SIM/eSIM?

Yes, Gigago’s Colombia eSIM is an excellent alternative if you want instant, data-only connectivity without identity registration or store visits.

This eSIM operates on the Movistar network (now part of the joint Tigo-Movistar entity).

Plans start at $4.50 USD for 1 GB (3 days) up to $16 USD for larger 30-day data packages. After payment, the eSIM is delivered via email as a QR code within 5 to 10 minutes of purchase. Scan it to install – no physical SIM swap required.

Note that the eSIM is data-only (no local phone number or traditional voice calls included), suitable for travelers who prioritize convenience and fast data speeds over having a local Colombian phone number.

FAQs about Claro in Colombia