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Amériques · 2026

Colombia eSIM 2026: Cartagena, Medellín, Coffee

📖 9 min•☕ Colombia•The Alosea team•Updated 2026-05-28

Planning a big Colombia trip (4th largest country in South America, 1,141,748 km², ~52M inhabitants, the only South American country with access to BOTH Pacific AND Caribbean), a Cartagena-Medellín-Coffee combo, the Lost City trek (Ciudad Perdida, 4-6 days in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta), a salsa trip to Cali or a cruise to the San Andrés archipelago? Colombia — named after Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón) though he never landed there, independent from Spain in 1810 under Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Paula Santander, Republic of Colombia since 1886, long marked by internal armed conflict (FARC, paramilitaries, narco-trafficking 1964-2016), today in full tourism boom since the Havana peace agreements 2016 (+40 % visitors in 5 years) — concentrates Cartagena de Indias (UNESCO 1984, fortified colonial Caribbean city), Medellín (transformed from world capital of violence 1990s to Smart City innovation hub), the Coffee Triangle/Eje Cafetero (Coffee Cultural Landscape UNESCO 2011, Cocora wax palms tallest palms in the world 60 m), Bogotá (capital at 2,640 m altitude, one of the highest in the world), Caño Cristales (« river of 5 colours »), Tayrona park (Caribbean), and the English-speaking San Andrés archipelago. To use Uber/Cabify (heavily used in cities), Google Maps, WhatsApp (Colombia's #1 communication app), your smartphone will be your main tool. HEADS-UP: Colombia is OUTSIDE the EU — home carrier roaming is expensive. An eSIM activated BEFORE boarding gets you online at BOG/MDE/CTG straight off the plane.

› WHY AN eSIM

Why an eSIM for Colombia

Colombia is OUTSIDE the European Union (South America). Home plan roaming is EXPENSIVE outside the EU — often €10-15/day without a world plan, or €0.50/MB without a pack. An Alosea eSIM = a few euros to stay connected throughout the trip, without having to buy a local SIM on arrival (mandatory passport registration at Claro/Movistar shops). Your home number stays active for banking SMS (3D Secure, 2FA codes). Installation in 2 min via QR code received by email. Colombia launched commercial 5G in December 2023 (Claro and Tigo) in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena. 4G+ covers the entire inhabited country including Coffee Triangle, Tayrona and historic Cartagena. And concretely on arrival at Bogotá (BOG, El Dorado, the busiest air hub in South America after São Paulo Guarulhos), Medellín (MDE) or Cartagena (CTG)? You can buy a Claro, Movistar or Tigo physical SIM at airport counters, but expect to pay around €10 just for the SIM card itself (sometimes 30,000-40,000 COP) — on top of the data plan, with mandatory passport registration. With an Alosea eSIM, you walk off the plane already connected for Uber/Cabify, Google Maps or WhatsApp (Colombia's #1 app), with no paperwork or physical SIM fees.

› HOW MUCH IT COSTS

Travel eSIM pricing

A Colombia travel eSIM sits in an accessible price range — well below classic non-EU roaming fees. Price depends on data volume (5 GB for 3-5 day Cartagena city break, 7-10 GB for 1 week combo, 15-20 GB for 2 week grand tour, unlimited for 1 month road trip or Ciudad Perdida trek), validity (7/15/30 days) and zone (Colombia only or regional Latin America if you continue Ecuador/Peru).

› DATA GUIDE

How many GB do you need?

City break 3-5 days (Cartagena only)
Uber, Maps Walled City, Getsemaní photos
5 GB
1 week (Cartagena + Medellín)
Avianca/Latam domestic flights, WhatsApp local guides
7-10 GB
2 weeks (Caribbean + Coffee + Bogotá)
Multi-region road trip, Cocora, Salento, Comuna 13
15-20 GB
1 month (road trip + Ciudad Perdida)
4-6 day trek Sierra Nevada, San Andrés, Caño Cristales
Unlimited
› COVERAGE & OPERATORS

Network coverage and local carriers

Colombia launched commercial 5G in December 2023 (Claro and Tigo first, followed by Movistar and WOM in 2024) in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena — coverage gradually expanding to regional capitals (Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Pereira). 4G/4G+ covers the ENTIRE inhabited territory, including the Sierra Nevada, Coffee Triangle and Tayrona (except deep rural Amazon/Chocó). Four national operators: Claro Colombia (~50 % market share, subsidiary of Mexican giant América Móvil owned by Carlos Slim, ex-Comcel, largest network), Movistar Colombia (~22 %, Spanish Telefónica), Tigo Colombia (~22 %, Luxembourg group Millicom, merged with UNE in 2020), WOM Colombia (entered market 2021, smaller but price-aggressive). An Alosea travel eSIM automatically picks the best available carrier (typically Claro in rural areas for its superior coverage).

Local operators
› PRACTICAL TIPS

Practical travel tips

Visa & passport

Colombia is OUTSIDE the EU. For UK/EU/US/CA/AU/JP passports: NO visa required for tourist stays ≤ 90 days (extendable once up to 180 days/year via Migración Colombia). NO e-visa or mandatory pre-registration (unlike many 2024-2026 destinations). Passport with minimum 6 months validity recommended, onward ticket may be requested at airline check-in. On arrival at BOG/MDE/CTG, stamp given by Migración agent — CHECK the number of days written (default 90 but sometimes less). Since 2023, the Check-Mig online form (free, migracioncolombia.gov.co, to be filled 72h before departure + 72h before return) is MANDATORY for ALL international air travellers.

Source ↗
Currency

Colombian Peso (COP $)

Time zone

GMT-5 year-round (Colombia Time, COT). NO DST (daylight saving permanently abolished in 1993). Same time zone as New York winter, Peru, Ecuador coast. Practical: late morning calls Colombia = evening in Europe.

Power outlets

Type A and B plugs (flat American pins, 2 or 3 pins) — ADAPTER REQUIRED for European equipment. Voltage 110 V / 60 Hz (NOT 230 V like in Europe). CHECK your charger: most modern chargers (phone, laptop, camera) are universal 100-240 V (printed on the block) → OK with simple adapter. But European 230 V hair dryers, straighteners, electric razors will NOT work (or burn out) → better to buy locally.

Climate & best season

Tropical climate varying by ALTITUDE, not season. Bogotá (2,640 m): cool 14°C year-round average, frequent rain (bring fleece + waterproof). Medellín (1,495 m): « city of eternal spring » constant 22°C ideal year-round. Cartagena / Caribbean: hot humid 28-32°C year-round (sweat guaranteed). Coffee Triangle (1,200-1,800 m): temperate 18-22°C, perfect for hiking. Seasons: December-March and June-August = dry season (best for Caribbean and Ciudad Perdida), April-May and October-November = more frequent rains (but Caño Cristales only visible June-November — the Macarenia clavigera plant only flowers in wet season).

Health & vaccines

No vaccines MANDATORY to enter Colombia from Europe. BUT yellow fever STRONGLY recommended (and mandatory for Amazon, Caño Cristales, low-altitude Tayrona park, and transit to Brazil/Peru/Bolivia afterwards). Vaccine valid for life (1 injection ≥ 10 days before departure, international yellow card to present at borders). Hepatitis A and B, typhoid recommended. Dengue, chikungunya and zika present in low tropical zones (Cartagena, Tayrona, Llanos) — DEET 30 %+. Malaria only in some Amazon/Pacific regions (classic tourist zones not affected). EHIC/GHIC NOT valid in Colombia — travel insurance ESSENTIAL (repatriation, altitude medical for Bogotá).

› CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

Culture and best practices

Greetings
Very warm and tactile. « Hola, ¿cómo estás? » between friends with kiss on right cheek (1 only, not 2). « Buenos días / Buenas tardes / Buenas noches » more formal. « Mucho gusto » (pleased to meet you) at first encounter, often followed by hand on heart (very Colombian gesture). Formal « usted » is used not only for strangers but often BETWEEN CLOSE RELATIVES (parent-child, spouses in Bogotá) — regional usage unique in the Spanish-speaking world. Colombians use diminutives in « -ito/-ita » constantly (cafecito, ahorita, momentico) — sign of affection.
Tipping
Tipping (« propina ») not widespread among locals but APPRECIATED from tourists. Restaurants: 10 % « propina sugerida » (suggested) often printed on the bill → you can refuse, it's LEGALLY optional (the server will ask). Hotels: 2,000-5,000 COP (€0.50-1.25) for porters. Taxis: no tip (just round up). Ciudad Perdida or Comuna 13 guides: 30,000-50,000 COP (~€7-12) per day much appreciated. Spas / massages: 10 % appreciated.
Dress code
Casual adapted to altitude. Bogotá: warm clothes (fleece, waterproof, jeans) — 14°C year-round. Medellín / Coffee Triangle: comfortable casual (jeans + t-shirt) 22°C. Cartagena / Caribbean: LIGHT absolutely (linen, shorts, dresses) 30°C+. Beach: swimwear OK Playa Blanca, Tayrona. CHURCHES (Bogotá Candelaria, Cartagena cathedral, Las Lajas Ipiales): shoulders and knees covered requested. Closed hiking shoes essential for Ciudad Perdida, Cocora, Comuna 13.
Religion
Overwhelmingly Christian: Roman Catholic ~73 % (Spanish colonial heritage from 1499), evangelical Protestant ~14 % (growing fast since 1990), no religion ~10 %, others 3 %. Patron saints: Virgen del Carmen (transporters, July), Virgen de Chiquinquirá (whole Colombia, July). Major pilgrimage: Las Lajas (Ipiales, Ecuadorian border). Holy Week and Christmas heavily celebrated. Colombia has 18 public holidays/year (world record with Argentina), many religious.
Languages
Spanish (official national language, Colombian accent reputed one of the CLEAREST and most neutral in Latin America, lots of « parce ! » Medellín expressions) · 65 indigenous languages co-official in respective territories (Wayuu in Guajira, Nasa-Yuwe Cauca, Embera Chocó, Ticuna Amazonas, etc.) · English SECOND official language in San Andrés and Providencia archipelago (British heritage 1631-1822) · San Andrés Creole (creolised English) spoken by 30,000 raizales
Useful phrases
  • ¿Quiubo, parce? — Hey dude? (very Medellín, paisa slang)
  • ¡Chévere! — Cool, nice, great (pan-Colombian word)
  • Bacano / Bacana — Awesome, top (synonym of chévere)
  • ¡Hágale pues! — Go on! OK! (paisa interjection)
  • ¡Qué pena! — Sorry / excuse me (used widely, not « lo siento »)
  • Tinto — Small black filter coffee (any time)
› MUST-SEE PLACES

Top iconic places

01

Cartagena de Indias (UNESCO 1984)

Colonial Caribbean jewel, founded 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, UNESCO-listed 1984. Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada): 11 km of walls built 16th-18th centuries to protect from English and French pirates — Francis Drake sacked it 1586. Districts: San Diego (quiet, bougainvilleas), Centro (1612 cathedral, Plaza Bolívar), Getsemaní (bohemian, street art, lively Plaza Trinidad evenings). Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (1657, largest Spanish fortress in the Americas). Rosario Islands (1h by boat, turquoise beaches). Climate 28-32°C year-round, humid.

Cartagena was for 280 years the MAIN SLAVE PORT of Spanish South America: between 1580 and 1640, ~150,000 African slaves (Yoruba, Bantu, Congo) were landed here to be resold across the Spanish empire. Local hero Pedro Claver (Spanish Jesuit canonised 1888) baptised and cared for ~300,000 slaves in the church that bears his name today. Cartagena's walls (11 km, built over 200 years) were the most expensive in Spanish America: at one point, King Philip IV allegedly asked « are these walls made of gold? » so astronomical was the cost. San Felipe fortress resisted ALL sieges, including the English fleet of Admiral Vernon in 1741 (186 ships, 27,000 men — defended by only 3,000 Spaniards under Blas de Lezo, one-armed, one-eyed, one-legged).

Wikipedia ↗
02

Medellín — City of eternal spring

2nd city of Colombia (~2.5M inhab.), capital of Antioquia department, valley at 1,495 m altitude → constant 22°C climate year-round (« ciudad de la eterna primavera »). Transformed from world capital of narco-trafficking and homicide (1991: 6,349 murders, highest rate ever recorded worldwide) under Pablo Escobar, to Smart City innovation hub (« most innovative city in the world » Citi/WSJ 2013). Symbols of transformation: Metrocable (urban cable car connecting poor barrios to metro since 2004), Comuna 13 (ex-most dangerous neighbourhood in the world, became Disneyland of street art with public escalators since 2011), Botero Plaza (23 bronze statues donated by Fernando Botero, local-born). Parque Arví (natural park accessible by cable car).

Medellín has undergone the most spectacular urban transformation of the 21st century. In 1991, its homicide rate was 380 per 100,000 inhabitants (highest ever recorded in a peacetime city — for comparison, London is ~1.5). In 2024, it's around 14 per 100,000 (similar to Atlanta or Detroit). The key factor: « social urbanism » of mayor-architect Sergio Fajardo (2003-2007) who built schools, libraries and cable cars INSIDE the poorest barrios (Santo Domingo, Comuna 13), physically and symbolically connecting the excluded to the city. Comuna 13, where the army conducted military operation Orión in 2002 (~100 civilian deaths), is today an open-air street art museum visited by 1 million tourists/year.

Wikipedia ↗
03

Coffee Triangle / Cocora Valley (UNESCO 2011)

Coffee Triangle between Manizales, Pereira and Armenia — Colombia's Coffee Cultural Landscape UNESCO-listed 2011 (unique living agricultural landscape). 24,000 km², ~24,000 family farms (« fincas cafeteras ») cultivating altitude arabica coffee 1,200-2,000 m. Salento (pastel colonial village, tourist base) 50 km south-west, starting point for COCORA VALLEY: sanctuary of wax palms (Ceroxylon quindiuense), national tree of Colombia, the TALLEST PALMS IN THE WORLD (up to 60 m tall, some 200 years old). 5h loop hike in Andean mist. Hacienda Venecia, Don Eduardo: coffee farm tours (picking, drying, roasting, tasting 4-6h, ~50-80,000 COP).

Cocora's wax palms (Ceroxylon quindiuense) nearly went extinct in the 20th century for an astounding reason: vegetable wax extracted from their trunks was used to make CANDLES used on Palm Sunday (« Domingo de Ramos ») across Catholic Colombia. Each year, millions of palm fronds were cut. In 1985, the wax palm was declared NATIONAL TREE and its cutting banned — last-minute decision as only a few thousand individuals remained. Today ~600,000 palms protected in Los Nevados and Cocora. On coffee: Colombia is the world's 3rd producer (after Brazil and Vietnam) and the 1st producer of washed mild arabica — culture introduced by Jesuits in the 18th century, became NATIONAL economic pillar with the creation of the Coffee Growers Federation (Juan Valdez) in 1927.

Wikipedia ↗
04

Caño Cristales — River of 5 colours

« Liquid Rainbow »: river in the Sierra de la Macarena (Meta, Llanos region), where endemic aquatic plant Macarenia clavigera flowers RED/YELLOW/GREEN/BLUE/BLACK from JUNE to NOVEMBER only (flowering season + perfect water level). Rest of the year, the river looks normal. Access ONLY by flight from Bogotá to La Macarena (~1h, daily flights) + MANDATORY licensed tourism agency (ex-FARC zone secured since 2016). 3 day/2 night pack ~€600-900. Capacity limited to ~200 visitors/day to protect ecosystem.

Caño Cristales was INACCESSIBLE to tourists for 30 years (1989-2016) due to FARC presence in the Sierra de la Macarena, one of their main historical strongholds (central camp « Casa Verde » 80 km away). Since the Havana peace agreements (signed 24 November 2016, Nobel Peace Prize for President Juan Manuel Santos), the zone has become one of the biggest showcases of Colombian « peace tourism ». The Macarenia clavigera plant exists NOWHERE ELSE in the world — it clings to rocks under precise water depth (50 cm-1.5 m), and its flowering depends on exact photosynthesis based on transparency and current. One of the rarest biological wonders on the planet.

Wikipedia ↗
05

Tayrona Park + Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)

On the Caribbean coast east of Santa Marta. TAYRONA PARK: 150 km² of tropical jungle meeting turquoise sea — paradise beaches (Cabo San Juan, Playa Cristal, La Piscina), 770 bird species, capybaras, howler monkeys. Access from Santa Marta (1h), entrance ~80,000 COP, hammock accommodation ~30,000 COP. CIUDAD PERDIDA (« Teyuna » in Tayrona language): pre-Incan city founded ~800 AD, so 650 years BEFORE Machu Picchu, abandoned around 1600 (post-conquista epidemics), rediscovered 1972 by gold seekers, opened to tourism 2009. Trek 4-6 days mandatorily with licensed agency (~$400 USD/person, ~1,200 stone steps to climb, intense humid jungle hike), Wiwa/Kogi/Arhuaco indigenous guides.

Ciudad Perdida (the « Lost City » Teyuna) is older than Machu Picchu (Peru) by 650 years: founded around 800 AD by the Tairona people, abandoned around 1600 after European epidemics decimated 90 % of the Sierra Nevada indigenous population. The city had ~3,000 inhabitants at its peak, 169 circular stone terraces connected by stairs and paved paths. It was « rediscovered » in 1972 by gold seekers who found the first gold objects on the Santa Marta black market — the Colombian state had to negotiate with the looters (« guaqueros ») to stop the pillaging. Today, the trek is managed JOINTLY by the descendant peoples (Wiwa, Kogi, Arhuaco, Kankuamo) who consider the Sierra Nevada the « heart of the world » and receive a share of tourist revenues.

Wikipedia ↗
06

Bogotá — La Candelaria + Monserrate

Capital (~7.8M inhab. metro area), Distrito Capital, at 2,640 m altitude (3rd highest capital in the world after La Paz and Quito). LA CANDELARIA: historic colonial centre, 16th-17th century cobbled streets, Plaza de Bolívar (Primatial Cathedral 1823, National Capitol, Palace of Justice). Gold Museum (Museo del Oro, 55,000 pre-Columbian gold objects, one of the most important in the world, free Sunday). Botero Museum (208 works including plump Mona Lisa). La Candelaria district colourful street art. MONSERRATE: sacred mountain at 3,152 m overlooking Bogotá, accessible by cable car, funicular or 1h30 hike — 360° panoramic view, 17th century pilgrimage church.

Bogotá is one of the HIGHEST CAPITALS IN THE WORLD at 2,640 m (only La Paz Bolivia at 3,640 m, Quito Ecuador at 2,850 m and Thimphu Bhutan at 2,320 m exceed or approach it). The altitude requires 1-2 days adaptation on arrival (mild soroche / altitude sickness: headaches, breathlessness → drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, chew coca leaves legal in tea form « mate de coca »). The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) was created in 1939 by the Colombian Central Bank to STOP the mass export of pre-Columbian pieces — it houses today ~55,000 pieces including the emblematic El Dorado Raft (legend of the Muisca cacique who covered himself in gold and dived into Lake Guatavita at his coronation — origin of the European El Dorado myth that obsessed the conquistadors).

Wikipedia ↗
07

San Andrés and Providencia — Caribbean

Colombian archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, 700 km from Bogotá but only 150 km from Nicaragua (subject of historic territorial dispute with Managua, settled by The Hague Court 2012 in favour of Colombia). SAN ANDRÉS (26 km², ~70,000 inhab.): main town, beaches, « Sea of 7 colours » (spectacular turquoise gradients), Seaflower coral reef (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 2000, 3rd largest in the world 65,000 km²). PROVIDENCIA (17 km², ~5,000 inhab., 80 km north): more authentic, English-Creole speaking, pirate Henry Morgan had his base here 17th century. « Raizal » population descendants of African slaves + English settlers. English + Spanish + San Andrés Creole spoken.

San Andrés and Providencia are South America's most STRIKING territorial oddity: these Colombian islands are located only 150 km from Nicaraguan coasts... but 700 km from Colombia's Pacific coast. This peculiarity results from occupation by ENGLISH PURITANS in 1631 (Providence Company, financed by the same investors as the Massachusetts colony) who used it as a pirate base against the Spanish fleet, until Spanish recapture in 1641. When Colombia gained independence in 1810, it inherited these islands — but inhabitants remain ENGLISH-SPEAKING (San Andrés Creole) and Baptist Protestant (not Catholic like the rest of Colombia). In 2012, The Hague Court definitively confirmed Colombian sovereignty despite Nicaraguan claims — but granted Nicaragua a significant maritime economic zone around.

Wikipedia ↗
› OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH

Unique experiences to live

  • Go to a salsa club in Cali (WORLD CAPITAL of salsa) — « Delirio » (Saturday show with 200 dancers, ~€50) or Tin Tin Deo, Zaperoco for local vibe.
  • Coffee farm tour in Salento (Coffee Triangle) — Hacienda Venecia or Don Eduardo: bean picking, depulping, drying, roasting and guided tasting (4-6h, ~50-80,000 COP).
  • Lost City trek (Ciudad Perdida) — 4-6 days in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta with MANDATORY licensed agency (Wiwa Tours, Magic Tour, Expotur), ~$400 USD/person all included.
  • Sailboat Cartagena → Panama via San Blas Islands (Kuna Yala) — 4-5 day Caribbean crossing with stops at paradise beaches among the indigenous Kuna people (~$550-750 USD/person, alternative to flying).
  • Climb to Las Lajas Sanctuary (Ipiales, Ecuadorian border) — 1949 neo-Gothic basilica spanning a 100 m canyon on a stone bridge, one of the most beautiful churches in the world (CNN 2015), photogenic at sunset.
› GASTRONOMY

Traditional dishes to try

Bandeja Paisa

EMBLEMATIC dish of paisa region (Antioquia, Medellín). XXL platter containing: white rice, red beans (frijoles), chicharrón (fried pork belly), chorizo, fried egg, fried plantain (tajada or patacón), corn arepa, avocado, sometimes ground beef. ~25-35,000 COP (~€6-8). Filling but culturally essential.

Wikipedia ↗

Arepas (all regions)

White or yellow corn cakes, grilled, fried or baked. Pan-American base dish (also Venezuelan) with ENDLESS regional variations: arepa de queso (cheese, Caribbean coast), arepa paisa (thin, unsalted, side), arepa de huevo (fried with egg inside, Cartagena), arepa de chócolo (sweet yellow corn). Typical breakfast with tinto coffee.

Wikipedia ↗

Sancocho

Popular national stew: large broth pot with meat (chicken « sancocho de gallina », beef « de res », fish « de pescado »), green plantain, cassava (yuca), potato, corn on cob, coriander. Served with white rice and avocado. Sunday family dish. ~15-25,000 COP.

Wikipedia ↗

Colombian empanadas

Fried turnovers in yellow corn dough (different from Argentine wheat empanadas). Traditional filling: potatoes + ground beef + cumin + hogao (tomato-onion sauce). Served with spicy ají (coriander-onion-vinegar sauce). ~1,500-3,000 COP each, street snack everywhere.

Wikipedia ↗

Ajiaco bogotano

SIGNATURE soup of Bogotá: shredded chicken + 3 potato varieties (criolla yellow melting, sabanera, pastusa) + tender corn on cob + GUASCAS (endemic Andean aromatic herb, ESSENTIAL for the taste). Served with sour cream, capers, avocado and rice on the side. Perfectly warming after Bogotá's cold (2,640 m).

Wikipedia ↗

Exotic fruit juices (lulo, curuba, guanábana, maracuyá)

Colombia has the greatest diversity of tropical fruits in the world (~400 edible species, 50 of which are unique to the country). Lulo (lemon-orange-acidic), curuba (banana passion), guanábana (creamy soursop), maracuyá (classic passion), tomate de árbol, Andean mora, feijoa, zapote, granadilla. All made into fresh juices (« jugos naturales ») by the glass or « en agua » (water) / « en leche » (milk) ~3-5,000 COP everywhere.

Wikipedia ↗

Aguardiente — national spirit

Sugarcane-based spirit flavoured with anise (~29 % alc.). Regional brands: Aguardiente Antioqueño (Medellín), Cristal (Caldas), Néctar (Bogotá-Cundinamarca), Blanco del Valle (Cali). Drunk in shots (« copitas ») at parties, weddings, New Year. Spanish origin 17th century. Most consumed drink in the country after beer (Aguila, Club Colombia, Poker).

Wikipedia ↗
› INSTALLATION

How to install your eSIM

On iPhone

  1. 1.Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
  2. 2.Scan Alosea QR
  3. 3.Label (« Colombia »)
  4. 4.On arrival at BOG/MDE/CTG, switch data to Colombia line
  5. 5.Enable data roaming

On Android

  1. 1.Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add Mobile Plan
  2. 2.Scan Alosea QR
  3. 3.Confirm and switch to Colombia line
  4. 4.Enable data roaming
Troubleshooting

No signal on arrival at BOG/MDE/CTG or in Tayrona jungle? Check « data roaming enabled » (off by default in EU). Enable 4G/5G in Mobile Networks. A phone restart fixes 90 % of cases. In remote zones (Caño Cristales, Amazon, Sierra Nevada), it's normal to have little signal — Claro has the best rural coverage, Alosea selects automatically. Otherwise, Alosea support (7 languages, web chat).

› OUR TIPS

Tips for Colombia

01
Colombia is OUTSIDE the EU — CHECK your home plan: without « world » or « Latin America » inclusion, roaming = very expensive
02
Activate Alosea eSIM BEFORE boarding to have Uber/Cabify + Google Maps + WhatsApp straight from the airport
03
Claro Colombia ~50 % market and best rural coverage (Sierra Nevada, Caño Cristales), Alosea uses it when available
04
Commercial 5G since December 2023 in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena — 4G+ everywhere else
05
NO visa for UK/EU/US/CA < 90 days, but Check-Mig form MANDATORY online 72h before each flight (free, migracioncolombia.gov.co)
06
Yellow fever vaccine strongly recommended (mandatory for Amazon + transit Brazil/Peru) — 1 injection for life
07
Electric adapter type A/B (US, flat pins) REQUIRED for European equipment — 110 V/60 Hz beware 230 V hair dryers/straighteners won't work
08
Time difference: GMT-5 year-round (no DST). Same as New York winter
09
Bogotá at 2,640 m: plan 1-2 days altitude adaptation (drink water, avoid alcohol, coca tea « mate »)
10
Colombian pesos: large numbers (~4,200 COP per €1) — « mil pesos » = 1,000 COP ≈ €0.25
11
Uber is technically illegal but ubiquitous and tolerated (prefer Cabify or DiDi for total legal peace of mind)
12
Safety: Colombia 2026 is SAFE for tourists on classic routes (Cartagena, Medellín, Coffee, Bogotá Candelaria, Tayrona) — avoid peripheral neighbourhoods after dark, don't flash Rolex/iPhone
🇨🇴

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› FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Colombia FAQ

Is Colombia in the EU?+

NO, it's a South American country (outside EU). Home carrier roaming expensive.

Do I need a visa?+

NO for tourist stays < 90 days (extendable to 180 days/year). But Check-Mig form MANDATORY online 72h before each flight.

Does eSIM work well in Colombia?+

Yes, very well. 5G in Bogotá/Medellín/Cali/Cartagena since December 2023, 4G+ everywhere else. Solid rural coverage via Claro.

Which carrier does Alosea use in Colombia?+

Mainly Claro Colombia (~50 % market, best rural coverage), Movistar (~22 %) or Tigo (~22 %) as backup — automatic selection based on your location.

How much data for 1 week Cartagena-Medellín combo?+

7-10 GB are enough for Uber + Google Maps + WhatsApp + Instagram + a bit of streaming in the evening.

What's the time difference?+

GMT-5 year-round (no DST since 1993). Same as New York winter. When it's noon in Bogotá, it's 5pm UK winter / 6pm summer.

Which plugs in Colombia?+

Type A and B (US, flat pins). Adapter REQUIRED. Voltage 110 V/60 Hz: European 230 V hair dryers/straighteners will NOT work (modern phone/laptop chargers are universal 100-240 V, OK).

Do I need yellow fever vaccine?+

Recommended for all (1 injection valid for life), MANDATORY for Amazon, Caño Cristales and transit to Brazil/Peru. International yellow card to present at borders.

Is my iPhone eSIM-compatible?+

iPhone XR (2018) and newer yes. Android: Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+, Xiaomi 13+. Check phone is not carrier-locked.

› IN SHORT

Wrapping up

  • Colombia is OUTSIDE the EU — without an eSIM, home carrier roaming can spike quickly
  • NO visa for UK/EU/US/CA < 90 days, but Check-Mig form MANDATORY 72h before each flight
  • An Alosea eSIM activates in 2 minutes via QR code, uses Claro/Tigo 5G in Bogotá-Medellín-Cali-Cartagena and 4G+ everywhere else
Get your Colombia eSIM now — ready in 2 minutes
› SOURCES

Sources & references

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