Buying Tigo SIM Cards and eSIMs in Colombia 2024: Guide for Tourists

Stay connected effortlessly with Tigo SIM card/eSIM  in Colombia is easy as long as you have an unlocked phone. Let’s see best plans of Tigo SIM cards/eSIM, prices, and better alternatives so you can make an informed decision on choosing connectivity option for your Colombia trip!

Travelers can enjoy reliable communication and seamless connectivity wherever you go with this SIM Card. This article below provides tourists with all necessary information to get and activate Tigo SIM Card/eSIM. 

Let’s follow us and explore why this operators is one of the largest mobile carriers in Colombia

I. Quick Facts about Tigo

Tigo is the third largest mobile phone company in Colombia. It is headquartered in Bogotá, D.C.

• Full name: Colombia Móvil S.A
• Founded: 2022
• Services: Home services including internet, TV, and phone plans, known as Tigo Triple Play
• Subscribers: 8 704 000 (April 2020)
• Innovation in Telecommunications: Tigo Colombia has been acknowledged for its innovative services and solutions in the telecommunications sector. 
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Tigo Colombia has received recognition for its commitment to corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as promoting digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and community development.

II. Colombia Tigo Coverage and Speed in the Colombia

Tigo is a reliable mobile operators in Colombia with wide coverage and excellent speed: 

1. Coverage

Tigo wins the Availability award outright with a score of 98.7% of Opensignal in January 2024. This means that travelers can enjoy Tigo’s network wherever they go

2. Speed

Tigo dominates the speed awards of Opensigal, taking home both Download Speed Experience and Upload Speed Experience. Tigo has won both awards outright in almost every report since January 2021. 

Tigo wins Download Speed Experience this time around with a score of 13.9Mbps. 

Upload Speed Experience is a similar story, Tigo’s 7.9Mbps placing it 0.3Mbps (4.2%) above second-placed Claro.

III. Tigo connectivity options for travelers to Colombia

There are several ways to stay connected when traveling to Colombia. Here are some ways to consider: 

• Purchase a Tigo SIM card under a local plan to use with your current phone: This option allows you to take advantage of local rates and can be cost-efficient if you’re staying in Colombia for an extended period. You may need to confirm if your phone is unlocked and compatible with foreign SIM cards.

• Purchase a Tigo SIM card and a cheap phone: If your current device cannot be unlocked, you can consider buying a cheap phone locally and using it with a local SIM card.

• Add international features to your existing phone service: Depending on your service provider, you may have the option to add international features to your current phone plan. This can be a convenient option, although the cost may be exorbitant.

• Use your current device for Wi-Fi only: If you’re not concerned about being connected all the time, you can use your existing smartphone to connect to Wi-Fi when it’s available. There are various messaging apps available that allow you to text or make calls for free over Wi-Fi.

IV. Best Tigo SIM Cards for Tourists & Costs

At Tigo stores and select resellers like ARA and Drogas La Rebaja, you can purchase a Tigo SIM card in Colombia for 5,000 COP (approximately $1.22 USD), 10,000 COP (approximately $2.44 USD), or 20,000 COP (approximately $4.88 USD). It’s important to note that Tigo does not sell SIM cards at Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport. So, if you’re planning to get a Tigo SIM card, make sure to visit their stores or the authorized resellers mentioned above.

Below is some plans of Tigo network operator:

Price	Data	Local Minutes	Validity
5000 COP	500 MB	Unlimited	3 days
10 000 COP	1 GB	Unlimited	7 days
20 000 COP	2 GB	Unlimited	15 days

V. Does Tigo Colombia support eSIM?

Absolutely! Tigo introduced eSIM support for prepaid plans in 2024. What’s an eSIM? It’s a digital version of a SIM card that goes directly into your phone, so you don’t need a physical nano SIM card anymore. Using eSIM brings you some great benefits:

• Easy setup: You can activate it remotely without having to go to a store.
• Dual SIM capability: With eSIM, you can use your regular SIM card and a local data SIM card at the same time.
• Enhanced security: Since eSIM is digital, you don’t have to worry about losing or having your SIM card stolen.
• Convenient switching: When you’re traveling, you can quickly switch between different plans or even different mobile operators.

Using eSIM technology makes connecting to mobile networks much simpler. No more searching for and inserting physical SIM cards. It’s all done digitally for your convenience!

VI. Where can you buy a Tigo SIM card and eSIM?

1. Where to buy Tigo SIM for Colombia

• In Tigo stores: Travelers can easily buy a Tigo SIM card in Colombia. Just look for their official stores, which have a deep-blue color and a white “tigo” logo. You’ll find these stores on popular streets in most big towns and cities.
• In International Airport: Most major airports in Colombia have mobile kiosks or convenience stores selling Tigo SIM cards. Prices might be slightly higher than other locations.
• In convenience stores: Many major retailers and supermarkets sell Tigo SIM cards. Options and availability may vary compared to official stores.

2. Where to buy Tigo eSIM

You can easily purchase a Tigo eSIM by visiting the official Tigo website or contacting their customer support. They will guide you through the process and provide you with all the necessary information to get your eSIM up and running. It’s a convenient way to get connected without the need for a physical SIM card. Just reach out to Tigo, and they’ll help you get started with your Tigo eSIM hassle-free!

VII. How to activate Tigo Colombia SIM/eSIM

It’s not difficult to use a Tigo SIM/eSIM for Colombia. If this is your first time using it, please check the instructions below.

1. How to use Tigo Colombia SIM card

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,Tigo 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 Tigo Colombia eSIM

Getting started with an Tigo 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:

• Activation guide for eSIM on iPhone
• Activation guide for eSIM on Samsung
• Activation guide for eSIM on Google Pixel

VIII. How to top up Tigo Colombia SIM/eSIM

To top up your Tigo SIM card, you can follow these simple steps:

• Visit the Tigo Colombia website or use their mobile app.
• Look for the “Top Up” or “Recharge” section.
• Choose your preferred top-up method: credit/debit card, voucher, or electronic payment platforms.
• Enter your Tigo phone number and the desired top-up amount.
• Follow the provided instructions to complete the top-up process.
• Receive a confirmation message once your top-up is successful.

IX. Alternatives to Colombia Tigo Mobile Network Operator

Although Tigo is also one of the best operators in Colombia, we recommend travelers two other operators which are Claro and Movistar due to some reasons below: 

• Various packages: two operators offer more plans about Colombia SIM Card for tourists to choose. 
• Wider coverage: Claro and Movistar cover wider areas than Tigo with many awards about this 

If you are considering these operators, visit GIGAGO eSIM – a reliable prestigious provider with the perfect solution – Colombia eSIMs. With their convenient and reliable service, you can enjoy seamless internet connectivity throughout your journey in Colombia. Let’s explore the benefits of using Gigago as your Colombia eSIM provider: 

• Various Colombia eSIM plans: Travelers can enjoy and choose suitable plans form different Colombia eSIM packages with affordable price
• Instant Delivery: Instant delivery of eSIM throughout email. Within minutes of purchase, travelers can have eSIM QR code ready for activation. 
• Extensive Coverage: Gigago Vietnam partners with leading mobile network providers in Colombia to ensure excellent coverage across the country.
• Cost Savings: Gigago Vietnam’s eSIM allows you to enjoy affordable local data rates. You can stay connected without breaking the bank.

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 . 

X. FAQs about Tigo in Colombia

XI. Conclusion

In conclusion, Tigo SIM cards and eSIMs are your ticket to staying connected effortlessly in Colombia. With reliable coverage, flexible plans, and easy top-up options, Tigo makes it simple to stay in touch with loved ones and enjoy seamless communication wherever you go. Whether you’re a traveler or a local, Tigo has got you covered with their user-friendly and convenient mobile solutions. Stay connected with Tigo and experience the freedom of hassle-free communication.