A local SIM is one of the first things you should pick up on arrival. A Colombian number unlocks Uber, bank apps, Nequi, WhatsApp business chats with landlords, and coworking registrations. Here's exactly how to get one as a foreigner in 2026.
The Three Main Carriers
- Claro — largest coverage, reliable everywhere in the metro area and most of Colombia.
- Movistar — solid, slightly cheaper plans, strong in cities.
- Tigo — aggressive data pricing, especially on prepaid plans popular with nomads.
All three have excellent coverage in Medellín. For nomads, the difference is mostly pricing and plan structure, not signal quality.
What It Costs
- Prepaid SIM card: ~$3–5 USD.
- Monthly prepaid plan with 15–30 GB of data + unlimited calls/WhatsApp: $8–15 USD.
- Pospago (postpaid) plan: cheaper per GB but requires a Colombian cédula or long-term commitment — not practical for most nomads.
Where to Buy
- Official carrier store. Most reliable option. Bring your passport. Agent activates the SIM and registers it to your passport number. Takes 15–30 minutes.
- Mall kiosks. Same process as a carrier store, often faster, same pricing.
- Éxito or Olímpica supermarkets. Sometimes sell prepaid SIMs, though activation can be trickier without a Colombian ID.
- Corner store (tienda). Technically available but activation is often stuck.
Tip: Go to an official carrier store, not a corner store. The price is the same and you'll walk out with a working SIM. Corner stores often sell the SIM but can't activate it on foreign passports.
Activation Process
- Show your passport.
- Staff registers the SIM to your passport number in the government database (RNDI).
- Staff swaps your SIM and activates the prepaid plan.
- You pay the SIM fee plus the plan fee — cash or card.
- You're online within a few minutes of leaving the store.
Topping Up (Recarga)
Monthly prepaid plans can be renewed via:
- The carrier's app (install and link to your SIM).
- Nequi or Daviplata (if you've set those up).
- Any corner store — just ask "recarga [carrier] de [amount]."
- Éxito or supermarket registers.
Find Accommodation
FAQ
Do I need a Colombian bank account to get a SIM?
No. A passport is enough for prepaid. Postpaid plans require a cédula de extranjería and are not practical for short-stay nomads.
Can I use my home-country phone with the Colombian SIM?
Yes, if your phone is unlocked. Nearly all modern unlocked phones work on Colombian networks.
Does eSIM work in Colombia?
Yes, major carriers now offer eSIM activation. The process is similar but worth confirming with the carrier you choose.
How long is a prepaid SIM valid?
The SIM itself stays active as long as you top up periodically. Most carriers deactivate the number after 3–6 months of no use.