Use Cell Phone In Colombia for Travelers 2024: How To Do It?

Mastering the proper way to use cell phone in Colombia is essential to ensuring seamless connectivity during your vacation in the country.

This article provides comprehensive guidance for travelers regarding how to use cell phone in Colombia. It recommends various options for acquiring mobile data, like eSIM, pocket wifi, SIM cards, or data roaming, throughout your Colombia journey. Such insights ensure visitors can enjoy their experience to the fullest while staying connected with their families.

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies and Networks in Colombia

Regarding compatibility, most smart mobile phones are compatible with network operators in Colombia, such as Iphone, Samsung, Xiaomi,… Besides, Colombia uses networks with 2G (GSM) standards for voice calls and text messages, and uses standard 4G (LTE) networks when high-speed data is needed.

Frequency ranges used in Colombia include:

• 2G (GSM): 850 MHz, 1900 MHz.
• 3G (UMTS): 850 MHz, 1900 MHz.
• 4G (LTE): 1700 MHz, 2600 MHz.

The mobile phone network in Colombia is extremely diverse, making it easy for customers to choose. Some of the best mobile carriers that you can refer to:

• Claro – Leading all new technology trends.
• Tigo Une – The most high speed mobile internet.
• Movistar – Together we make it possible.
• Avantel – Fastest internet service providers.

II. Will My Cell Phone Work In Colombia?

Yes. Using a cell phone in Colombia is possible. However, it’s important to verify its compatibility with local network providers and its performance speed. For the most accurate information, you can:

• Ensure that your phone operates on the frequency bands supported by Colombia.

Understanding the network frequencies used in Colombia is particularly helpful for ensuring seamless connectivity. Here’s a breakdown of the network frequencies commonly employed in Colombia:

Networks	Frequencies
Bands 2G	850 MHz, 1900 MHz
Bands 3G	850 MHz, 1900 MHz
Bands 4G	1700 MHz, 2600 MHz

• You can contact your local network operator for the most detailed information.

Verify your phone’s compatibility with SIM cards and carriers in Colombia by consulting the manufacturer’s specifications. If your phone isn’t compatible, travelers can opt for data roaming services, although this approach may incur significant costs.

III. Do I Need An International Plan In Colombia?

Yes. Having an International Plan ready before traveling abroad is crucial as it provides a sense of security and peace of mind. In the case of Colombia, it enables immediate internet access upon arrival, eliminating the need to spend extra time familiarizing yourself with local services. Tourists can enhance their experience with the following benefits:

• Call and text internationally at preferential rates.
• Use mobile data abroad at better rates than regular data roaming rates.
• Keep your home phone number when abroad.
• You can choose different packages depending on your needs and number of travel days.

While free WiFi is accessible in public places like cafes, restaurants, and malls across Colombia, it’s essential to recognize its limitations. These include:

• At some public wifi connection points, they ask you to fill in some information in a form, which may reveal your personal information.
• Connection speed is slow because many people connect at the same time.
• Risk of viruses attacking your mobile device.

IV. What Are Options To Use Cellphones In Colombia For Tourists?

There are a number of options for using other international plans such as eSIM, SIM Card, and Pocket Wifi. Below Gigago will share detailed information about how to use cell phone in Colombia:

1. eSIM Plan for Colombia

The eSIM package for your Colombia trip is advanced and can be activated online. If your phone is eSIM compatible, you can use the eSIM along with your primary phone number without any hassle. This allows the use of both SIM cards simultaneously.

As previously mentioned, the utilization of eSIM technology is not universally supported across all mobile devices. To ensure compatibility, it’s essential to check whether your phone can use eSIM or not.

To buy an eSIM for a trip to Colombia, tourists have many options: buy online from international SIM providers or providers specializing in sending SIMs to Colombia and buy upon arrival at some major airports in Colombia.

2. International SIM card for Colombia

Opting for an international SIM card while traveling to Colombia offers significant cost savings. With just one SIM card, you can stay connected throughout the region. Additionally, the wide range of package options caters to diverse user requirements, ensuring suitability for most travelers.

However, the limitation of this form is that it cannot use 2 SIMs at the same time like eSIM. Therefore, visitors will have to remove the main SIM from the phone. Travelers can purchase an international SIM through the carrier’s website, at the airport or at a mobile phone store.

3. Pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi is a compact device that offers mobile internet connectivity, utilizing a SIM card for operation. This device is compatible with many different types of mobile phones and can connect to multiple internet-connected devices at the same time. Activating Pocket WiFi is straightforward and doesn’t necessitate unlocking the phone to access the internet.

In addition to its quality and convenience, pocket WiFi comes with a relatively high cost. To access the internet, users must carry it in their pocket and ensure sufficient distance for connectivity wherever they go. Moreover, while multiple devices can be connected, surpassing the maximum limit may impact the WiFi’s quality.

V. Will My Local Network Work In Colombia?

Most likely your local network will work. It means that you can completely use cell phone in Colombia. However, this connectivity method is generally regarded as the priciest choice available. Without careful monitoring of usage habits and needs, travelers may find themselves facing substantial expenses by the trip’s conclusion.

Therefore, to limit the waste of money on your trip to Colombia, you need to determine your internet usage and buy a suitable package. Not strictly managing how you use data, calls, and messages will cause you to spend money on unnecessary things.

VI. Gigago eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet In Colombia With Your Cell Phone

eSIM stands out as a flexible and cost-effective option for tourists seeking internet access in Colombia. It is also very simple for customers to use eSIM, just scan the QR code to connect. This both saves time and does not require removing the SIM in the phone.

One special thing that public wifi or a physical SIM card cannot do is stable connection without interruption by any other SIM card. Some other highlights of eSIM include easy to buy, easy set up, diversifying plans to choose.

Which Colombia eSIM plan should you choose for your trip?

eSIM data plans for Colombia range from 1GB to 5GB with validity up to 30 days. Another of its variety is the cost from $8.9 to $35.9. Depending on trip duration, habits, and needs, choose the appropriate package. Visit the online store of a reputable eSIM provider (like Gigago) to choose the right eSIM plan for your trip to Colombia.

VII. Extra Tips To Use Cell Phone in Colombia

To enhance your experience during your journey to Colombia, Gigago provides a range of helpful tips for optimizing your phone usage. These recommendations are designed to help you stay connected, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

• Verify compatibility: make sure your phone can work abroad and is compatible with Colombia network providers. 
• Unlock your phone to use: If your phone is locked and can only be used with another carrier, you need to unlock it. This helps you use networks from Colombia providers.
• Buy SIM cards in Europe: Buying a SIM card in Europe is a good way to save money and easily connect to the internet. Tourists can easily buy it at airports, mobile phone stores, train stations,…
• Download offline apps: Downloads can be used offline, including maps that can help travelers quickly navigate and save money.
• Data control: To save costs, you need to strictly manage and control your package data. 

VIII. FAQs about Use Cell Phone in Colombia

IX. Conclusion

The above article shared some basics about how to use cell phone in Colombia. Make use of the tips shared so you can make your trip the best experience possible. If your mobile phone is eSIM compatible, visit Gigago for an eSIM to make your Colombia internet experience great.