South AmericaBogotaColombia eSIM and Travel Guide: Stay Connected from Bogota to Cartagena
Colombia has three strong national carriers with excellent urban 4G in Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Cartagena. Claro leads on nationwide coverage, making it the best choice for the Coffee Region and remote Caribbean and Pacific coasts. A Roamix Colombia eSIM connects to the strongest local network the moment you land at El Dorado or Jose Maria Cordova, avoiding carrier roaming costs and SIM counter queues. Budget 6 to 10 GB for two weeks mixing cities and national parks, and download offline maps before hiking in Tayrona, the Cocora Valley or the Guatape area.
Key Takeaways
- Claro has the widest nationwide coverage at 98% population reach, making it the best choice for travel outside major cities.
- A Roamix eSIM activates on arrival and avoids expensive home-carrier roaming fees for Colombian SIM registration queues.
- Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Cartagena all have strong 4G, with 5G rolling out in major cities from 2024.
- Cash in COP is useful in markets, rural areas and small towns, though card payment is widespread in cities.
- Download offline maps before Tayrona National Park, the Cocora Valley and the Lost City trek, all of which have no signal.
Quick Facts
Colombia Connectivity
Get a Roamix Colombia eSIM and land connected at El Dorado or Jose Maria Cordova.
How to Stay Connected in Colombia
Wifi is widely available in Bogota and Medellin hotels, hostels and cafes. In Cartagena's tourist district, wifi is common. In rural lodges, national parks and jungle camps, wifi is absent or satellite-based and very slow. Mobile data on Roamix is more dependable in cities.
Option
Best For
Notes
RecommendedRoamix eSIM
Most travellers
Instant activation on Claro or Movistar, no Colombian SIM registration, no roaming bill and no physical SIM to manage.
Local physical SIM
Long stays needing a local Colombian number
Claro, Movistar and Tigo have kiosks at El Dorado and Jose Maria Cordova airports. Requires passport registration under Colombian SIM law.
Pocket wifi
Groups sharing one connection
Available for rental in Bogota. Another device to charge and return.
Carrier roaming
Very short trips with no setup time
Colombia is a moderately expensive roaming destination. A Roamix eSIM typically saves significantly on a two-week trip.
For most visitors to Colombia, a Roamix eSIM is the most convenient and cost-effective option, giving you local Claro or Movistar speeds and no SIM registration hassle from the moment you land.
Get connected the moment you land in Colombia.
Get your Colombia eSIMMobile Networks in Colombia
Colombia's three main operators, Claro, Movistar and Tigo, cover over 90 percent of the urban population with 4G LTE. Claro has the most extensive rural network, making it the best choice for the Coffee Region, Tayrona and Pacific coast destinations. A Roamix Colombia eSIM connects to the strongest local network on arrival at BOG, MDE or CTG without any SIM counter or passport registration.
Largest operator with approximately 48% market share and 98% population coverage. Best for travel outside main cities including the Coffee Region, Caribbean coast, Tayrona and Leticia. Launching 5G in major cities.
Strong urban coverage in Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Cartagena. 95% population coverage. Reliable on main highways between cities. Best for city-focused trips.
92% population coverage. Competitive data speeds in urban areas. Good value for data-intensive city trips. Rural coverage is weaker than Claro.
Typical Speeds
4G in Bogota and Medellin delivers 30 to 80 Mbps. Regional cities and towns run 5 to 20 Mbps. Rural and park areas drop to 3G or no signal.
5G Status
5G commercially launched in Bogota, Medellin and Cali in 2024 via Claro, Movistar and Tigo on 3.5 GHz (n78). Available in main business and residential districts.
For trips staying in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena, any of the three operators works well. For the Coffee Region, Santa Marta, Tayrona or any remote travel, Claro's broader rural footprint makes it the safer choice. Always cache offline maps before entering any national park.
Colombia's varied topography creates significant coverage gaps. The Amazon basin, Pacific coast beyond Buenaventura, eastern Llanos plains and remote areas near the Venezuelan and Ecuadorian borders can have limited or no signal. Tayrona National Park, the Cocora Valley and the Lost City trek corridor all have no mobile coverage inside their boundaries.
Colombian LTE uses bands 4 (AWS), 5, 7, 28 and 66. All recent unlocked phones are compatible.
Data Usage Guide
Data needs in Colombia are moderate. Cities are well connected for transit, rideshare and restaurant discovery. National parks and jungle destinations require offline preparation before entering.
Download offline maps for every national park and remote destination you plan to visit while in Bogota or Medellin, before leaving city coverage.
Data by Activity
Light Use
4 to 6 GB
One week in Bogota and Medellin
Transit navigation, rideshare, WhatsApp tour bookings, social uploads and daily messaging in well-connected cities.
Standard
7 to 10 GB
Two weeks including Caribbean coast and Coffee Region
Offline map downloads for Tayrona and Cocora Valley, WhatsApp guide communication, intercity navigation and social sharing.
Heavy Use
4 to 5 GB
Lost City trek or Amazon trip
Pre-trek downloads of trail maps and guide contacts in Santa Marta or Leticia. Minimal data usage during multi-day treks with no coverage.
Apps & Internet Freedom
Colombia has a fully open internet. All common apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM.
There is no censorship of social media, messaging or search in Colombia. No VPN is required for any mainstream service.
Fully available and the primary communication method across Colombia.
FaceTime
Works normally over data and wifi.
Google Maps and Search
No restrictions. Essential for Bogota and Medellin navigation.
Social media
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X all work normally.
How to Set Up a Colombia eSIM
Install your Roamix Colombia eSIM over wifi before departure. It activates automatically when you land at El Dorado, Jose Maria Cordova or any Colombian airport.
Works on eSIM-capable unlocked phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Colombia eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi at home.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and SMS.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land in Colombia and the eSIM connects automatically to Claro or Movistar.
APN Note
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your activation email and toggle airplane mode.
Troubleshooting
If no data after landing, ensure data roaming is enabled for the Roamix line, select the network manually and restart the device.
Get connected the moment you land in Colombia.
Get your Colombia eSIMArrival Checklist
Confirm your Roamix eSIM has connected to Claro or Movistar before leaving the arrivals hall at El Dorado or Jose Maria Cordova.
Have your Colombian immigration card (entry declaration) completed before approaching the immigration desk.
Download the InDriver or Uber app for reliable rideshare from the airport to the city, and get local COP from the airport ATM for small expenses.
Cache offline maps for your first destination, especially if heading directly to the Coffee Region or Caribbean coast.
Save your accommodation address in Spanish and the Colombian emergency number (123) in your offline contacts.
How locals communicate
WhatsApp is the dominant platform for all communication in Colombia, from personal messages to business inquiries, restaurant reservations and tour bookings. Most Colombians and local businesses use WhatsApp as their primary contact channel.
Keep your home SIM active for two-factor authentication while using Roamix data for WhatsApp and navigation. Many Colombian services only operate over WhatsApp.
Airports in Colombia
El Dorado International Airport
Bogota
Free wifi throughout the terminal, though speeds vary during peak international arrivals.
Activate your Roamix eSIM before landing to compare the Transmilenio airport bus, SITP bus to Portal El Dorado and rideshare options the moment you clear customs. InDriver and Uber operate from the official rideshare exit.
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport
Medellin
Free wifi available in the main terminal. Coverage is good in international arrivals.
MDE is 40 km from central Medellin. Book your rideshare or official bus connection to El Centro or El Poblado via Roamix data before exiting baggage claim, as unofficial taxis at the exit quote inflated rates.
Rafael Nunez International Airport
Cartagena
Basic wifi in the terminal. Limited hours in some areas.
The airport is 2 km from Bocagrande and 5 km from the Old City. Book your rideshare or confirm your hotel shuttle via Roamix data before exiting. The official taxi to the walled city costs around 25,000 COP.
Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport
Cali
Free wifi available in the arrivals area.
Cali is the gateway to the Sugar Cane Valley, salsa dancing and Parque Nacional Natural Farallones. Use Roamix data to book your transfer and confirm your first night's accommodation before leaving the terminal.
Visa & Entry for Colombia
Citizens of most Western countries including the USA, UK, EU and Australia enter Colombia visa-free for 90 days, extendable once to 180 days total. No visa application is required in advance.
eVisa / ETA
No advance visa or e-visa is required for citizens of most Western countries. Your 90-day entry is granted on arrival by immigration. Ensure you register your stay online via Colombia's migration platform if staying more than 90 days.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Colombia.
Onward ticket
Proof of onward travel may be requested by immigration or at the airline check-in counter. Have your return or onward ticket accessible on your phone.
Store your passport copy, travel insurance and accommodation details offline. Use Roamix data to access the Colombian migration portal and your digital documents.
Entry rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Colombian Embassy or official Migración Colombia sources before travel.
Get connected the moment you land in Colombia.
Get your Colombia eSIMMoney & Payments in Colombia
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP). Major cities are increasingly card-friendly, but cash is essential for small towns, national parks, market stalls and tipping guides and drivers.
Cash vs Card
Cards are accepted in most restaurants, hotels and supermarkets in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. Carry COP 100,000 to 200,000 cash for smaller payments, markets and national park fees.
ATMs
Bancolombia, Davivienda and BBVA ATMs accept foreign cards. Fees are typically around COP 13,000 per withdrawal. Use bank ATMs in well-lit, busy areas. Choose to pay in COP to avoid dynamic conversion.
Payment Apps
Nequi and Daviplata are local mobile wallets used for peer-to-peer payments. Nequi can accept international card top-ups. Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at larger retailers.
Daily Budget
Budget travellers spending on hostels and local food can manage 60,000 to 100,000 COP per day. Mid-range is 150,000 to 250,000 COP. Cartagena is the most expensive city for accommodation.
Data cost: International carrier roaming in Colombia is expensive compared to a Roamix eSIM plan covering the same trip.
Getting Around Colombia
Colombia combines improving urban transit in Bogota and Medellin with domestic flights for long distances and rideshare for city movement. Data is essential for every mode, from Transmilenio navigation to jungle lodge bookings.
Transmilenio and SITP (Bogota)
Bogota's bus rapid transit system and SITP bus network require the Tullave card. Use Google Maps or Moovit with Roamix data for real-time routing. The system covers most of the city but can be complex without navigation.
Medellin Metro and Metrocable
Medellin's clean metro and cable car system is the most efficient transit in Colombia. Pay with the Metro card. Use Roamix data for Google Maps routing and to navigate the cable car connections to the Comunas and Parque Arvi.
Rideshare (InDriver and Uber)
InDriver is the most popular rideshare app in Colombia and requires an active data connection. Uber also operates but has had regulatory issues in Colombia. Both are far safer and more price-transparent than unregulated taxis.
Intercity buses
Colombia's bus network is extensive. Bolivariano and Expreso Brasilia serve most routes. Book online via Roamix data or buy at the terminal. The Bogota to Medellin journey is 8 hours; the Medellin to Cartagena journey is 12 hours.
Domestic flights
Avianca, Latam and Wingo connect major cities quickly. Essential for reaching Leticia, San Andres Island and Pacific coast destinations. Book via Roamix data and store boarding passes offline.
Regions & Travel
Colombia has transformed into one of South America's most exciting destinations, with colonial cities, world-class coffee, Caribbean beaches, the Lost City, Amazon encounters and the vibrant culture of Medellin and Cartagena. A Roamix eSIM keeps navigation, WhatsApp bookings and weather apps working as you move between climates and regions.
Best time to visit: December to March and July to August are the main dry seasons across most of Colombia. The Caribbean coast around Cartagena and Santa Marta is best November to April. The Coffee Region is pleasant year-round with two dry seasons. January is the driest month in Bogota.
Bogota and the Andes Centre
Colombia's capital at 2,600 metres, with the historic La Candelaria neighbourhood, the Gold Museum, Usaquen antique market, world-class restaurant scene and the Monserrate cable car overlooking the sprawling city.
Signal: Excellent 4G and 5G across Bogota. Claro, Movistar and Tigo all provide strong coverage in La Candelaria, Usaquen, Chapinero and the financial district. Monserrate cable car area has 4G.
Medellin and Antioquia
The City of Eternal Spring, transformed from its troubled past into a global urban renewal story with the cable car barrios, Pablo Escobar tours, Parque Arvi cloud forest and excellent gastronomic scene in El Poblado and Laureles.
Signal: Strong 4G and 5G in El Poblado, Laureles and central Medellin. The Metro Cable and Metrocable lines to Comunas have reliable 4G. Parque Arvi cloud forest has intermittent signal at the forest trail entrances.
Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero)
The heart of Colombia's coffee culture, where Salento, the Cocora Valley's towering wax palms, Jardin and the colourful coffee farm towns of Quindio and Risaralda deliver the authentic Paisa culture and landscape.
Signal: Claro 4G in Salento, Armenia, Pereira and Manizales. The Cocora Valley trail drops to 3G or no signal. Download offline maps and park guides before leaving Salento for the trail.
Caribbean Coast
Colombia's dazzling Caribbean front, from the walled colonial city of Cartagena, through the beaches of Santa Marta and the Tayrona National Park, to the Lost City trek through jungle to a pre-Columbian highland city.
Signal: Good Claro 4G in Cartagena, Santa Marta and Barranquilla. Inside Tayrona National Park, there is no mobile coverage on the trails or at Cabo San Juan beach. The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) trek has no coverage for 3 to 5 days.
Pacific Coast and Amazon
The wild Pacific coast around Nuqui and Bahia Solano offers whale watching and jungle beaches accessible only by light aircraft or boat. The Amazon around Leticia provides encounters with indigenous communities, river dolphins and jungle wildlife.
Signal: Very limited coverage. Nuqui and Bahia Solano have basic signal from Claro in the town centres only. Leticia has 4G from Claro and Movistar in the town. River excursions and jungle lodges are off-grid. Download all maps and emergency contacts before departure.
Hidden Gems
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
archaeological siteSierra Nevada de Santa Marta
A pre-Columbian city of terraced platforms and stone stairways hidden in the Sierra Nevada jungle, accessible only by multi-day guided trek through indigenous Kogi and Wiwa territory, one of South America's most rewarding wilderness experiences.
Signal: No mobile coverage on the 3 to 5 day jungle trek from Santa Marta. All navigation is guided. Download emergency contacts and trip details in Santa Marta before the trek begins.
Lost City tours are run by a limited number of licensed operators and fill quickly. Book your guided trek over Roamix data in Bogota or Santa Marta well before your arrival date.
Tayrona National Park
National ParkCaribbean Coast
A pristine stretch of Caribbean coastline where jungle meets the sea, with white sand beaches accessible only on foot through dense rainforest, the best of which is Cabo San Juan, a 90-minute walk from the park entrance.
Signal: No mobile coverage inside Tayrona National Park. Santa Marta city has good Claro 4G. Download park maps and guide contact details before the entry gate.
Tayrona visitor numbers are strictly capped and entry is now by timed permit only. Book your entry permit and Cabo San Juan hammock or campsite over Roamix data in Santa Marta before arrival.
Cocora Valley
natural landscapeCoffee Region
The iconic landscape of Colombia's Coffee Region, where the world's tallest palm trees, the wax palm at up to 60 metres, rise from misty Andean hillsides, with a 5-hour loop trail through forest and cloud.
Signal: Limited Claro signal in Salento town and at the main trailhead. Inside the Cocora Valley loop, coverage drops to no signal on most of the trail. Download the route map offline before leaving Salento.
Jeep taxis from Salento to the Cocora trailhead leave early and fill quickly. Use Roamix data in Salento to confirm departure times and book a coffee farm tour for the afternoon.
Medellin's Cable Car Comunas
urban neighbourhoodAntioquia
The hillside comunas of Medellin, once the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the world, transformed by the Metro cable car network, street art, community libraries and staircase murals into one of the most visited urban success stories in Latin America.
Signal: Good Claro and Movistar 4G throughout the Medellin cable car network and the Comunas hillside neighbourhoods. The Metrocable to Parque Arvi drops to intermittent signal in the cloud forest.
Use Roamix data to navigate the Metrocable system on Google Maps and book a guided tour of the Comunas via WhatsApp with a local agency before heading up the cable car.
Cartagena Walled City
historic cityCaribbean Coast
One of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas, where the intact 16th century walled city, colourful balconied streets, the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress and proximity to Rosario Islands beaches make Cartagena the most photogenic city in Colombia.
Signal: Excellent Claro 4G throughout Cartagena's walled city and Getsemani neighbourhood. Beach areas outside the walls at Bocagrande and Marbella have strong coverage.
Boat day trips to Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca sell out at peak season. Book your island transfer over Roamix data and confirm departure times the evening before to secure your spot.
Guatape and El Penol
natural landmarkAntioquia
A 200-metre granite monolith rising above a reservoir landscape of colourful zocalos-decorated houses, with 740 zigzagging steps to a summit view of 37 jagged islands in the turquoise Pepenitas reservoir.
Signal: Good Claro 4G in Guatape town and at the El Penol parking area. The summit of El Penol has strong signal from all three operators.
Day trips from Medellin are popular and buses fill up on weekends. Book your shuttle or confirm bus times over Roamix data the evening before to get an early start at El Penol.
San Andres Island
IslandCaribbean
A Caribbean island closer to Nicaragua than Colombia, with the famous Sea of Seven Colours, world-class snorkelling and diving, duty-free shopping and a relaxed Raizal culture distinct from mainland Colombia.
Signal: Claro and Movistar have 4G on San Andres Island. The Sea of Seven Colours around Johnny Cay has good coverage near the boats. Remote beaches on the island's west side have basic signal.
San Andres requires a tourist card (tarjeta de turismo) purchased on arrival. Flights from Bogota fill quickly. Book your fare and accommodation over Roamix data well ahead of travel.
Bogota's La Candelaria
historic neighbourhoodBogota
Bogota's historic colonial quarter, where the Museo del Oro houses the world's greatest collection of pre-Columbian gold, the Botero Museum exhibits the master's bronzes in a colonial plaza, and street art fills the walls of Bogota's original settlement.
Signal: Strong 4G and 5G coverage throughout La Candelaria and the Museo del Oro area. The Monserrate cable car and sanctuary have good Claro coverage.
Navigate between La Candelaria's museums and the nearby Gold Museum and Luis Angel Arango library over Roamix data. Book the Monserrate cable car or funicular ticket online in advance during busy weekends.
Jardin
colonial townCoffee Region
Perhaps the most beautiful coffee town in Colombia, with a magnificent colonial church on a flower-filled central plaza, cable cars rising to coffee slopes, and the authentic Paisa culture less visited than better-known Salento.
Signal: Claro 4G in Jardin town square. Cable car to the hillside viewpoint has reliable coverage. Rural coffee farms and riding trails around the town have intermittent signal.
Jardin accommodation books out quickly on weekends. Reserve your guesthouse over Roamix data in Medellin before taking the 3-hour bus south.
Leticia Amazon
wildernessAmazon
Colombia's Amazon gateway, where river dolphin encounters, overnight jungle stays, Ticuna indigenous community visits and the rare chance to see the meeting point of three countries at the Tres Fronteras are possible from the small border town of Leticia.
Signal: Claro 4G in Leticia town. River excursions and jungle lodges are typically off-grid. Download all navigation and guide contact information before boarding river boats.
Leticia is accessed only by flight from Bogota. Book flights and jungle lodge stays over Roamix data well in advance, as capacity is limited and the route is popular in dry season.
Events & Best Seasons
Carnaval de Barranquilla
FestivalBarranquilla · February, four days before Ash Wednesday
The second largest carnival in the world after Rio, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, with four days of cumbia dances, marimonda costumes, the Battle of Flowers parade and over a million revellers filling the streets of Barranquilla.
Network note
Good Claro 4G throughout Barranquilla. Carnival parade routes draw enormous crowds and can slow data during peak moments.
Roamix tip
Hotel and flight availability to Barranquilla during Carnival books out months ahead. Confirm your accommodation and transport over Roamix data early and download parade route maps offline.
Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro de Bogota
FestivalBogota · March to April (even-numbered years)
The world's largest theatre festival, held in Bogota every two years with over 100 companies from 40 countries performing free and ticketed shows in parks, streets, plazas and theatres across the city for 16 days.
Network note
Strong 5G across Bogota's festival venues.
Roamix tip
Free outdoor shows do not require tickets but ticketed indoor performances sell out. Use Roamix data to monitor the programme release and book shows the moment the schedule publishes.
Feria de las Flores Medellin
FestivalMedellin · August, ten days
The Flower Festival is Medellin's most important annual celebration, featuring the Silletero Parade in which farmers descend from the mountains carrying extraordinary flower arrangements on their backs, alongside orchid exhibitions, horse parades and concerts.
Network note
Strong 4G and 5G throughout Medellin festival venues. The Silletero Parade route in El Palo street can slow data with large crowds.
Roamix tip
Hotels and Airbnbs in Medellin during Feria de las Flores book out months ahead. Confirm accommodation and Silletero Parade viewing spots over Roamix data before the festival.
Festival de Musica del Pacifico Petronio Alvarez
FestivalCali · August, six days
The most important celebration of Afro-Colombian Pacific coast music, bringing together marimba ensembles, chirimia brass bands and currulao rhythm groups from the Pacific coast to Cali for free concerts, food and artisan markets.
Network note
Good 4G throughout Cali festival venues.
Roamix tip
Free concerts run until dawn. Use Roamix data to navigate between stages across multiple venues in northern Cali and find the best Pacific coast food stalls.
Rock al Parque Bogota
FestivalBogota, Parque Simón Bolivar · September to October, three days
The largest free rock music festival in Latin America, held in Bogota's Parque Simon Bolivar with over 80 national and international rock, metal and punk acts performing across multiple stages to 90,000 daily attendees.
Network note
Parque Simon Bolivar has 4G and 5G coverage. Large crowds can slow data near main stages during peak hours.
Roamix tip
Download the festival app and stage schedule over Roamix data before arriving. The event is free but food and transport planning is important for the massive venue.
Semana Santa Popayan
religiousPopayan · Holy Week (March or April)
The most celebrated Holy Week processions in Latin America outside Spain, held in Popayan's white colonial city with nightly candlelit processions of religious statues through cobbled streets, a tradition dating to 1556.
Network note
Good Claro 4G in Popayan's historic centre. Evening processions attract large crowds on narrow streets.
Roamix tip
Popayan hotels for Semana Santa book out a year ahead. Confirm accommodation in Popayan or nearby Cali over Roamix data well in advance.
Colombia Fashion Week
CulturalBogota · February
Bogota's main fashion and design showcase, featuring Colombian designers alongside international labels, with runway shows, trade events and street style activations across the Zona Rosa and Chapinero districts.
Network note
Excellent 5G throughout Bogota's fashion week venues.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to check public event listings and navigate between shows in Bogota's northern design districts.
Festival de Jazz de Bogota
FestivalBogota · September
Bogota's major jazz festival, with Colombian and international artists performing across concert halls, parks and cafes in the Usaquen, La Macarena and Parque de la 93 neighbourhoods.
Network note
Strong 4G and 5G throughout Bogota's jazz festival venues.
Roamix tip
Download the programme over Roamix data and book ticketed indoor shows early. Free outdoor sessions in Parque de la 93 are popular and get crowded.
Feria Internacional del Libro de Bogota (Filbo)
CulturalBogota, Corferias · April to May, 17 days
The largest book fair in Latin America, held annually at Corferias in Bogota with publishers, authors and readers from across the Spanish-speaking world, drawing over half a million visitors to literary events, talks and children's programming.
Network note
Good 4G and 5G throughout Corferias.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to check the author programme and buy tickets for featured talks and international author presentations before they sell out.
Hay Festival Cartagena
CulturalCartagena · January
The Colombian edition of the world-famous Hay literary festival, held in Cartagena's historic walled city with international authors, journalists, filmmakers and thinkers in conversation across the colonial venues of the Old City.
Network note
Good Claro 4G throughout Cartagena's walled city festival venues.
Roamix tip
Festival talks and performances in Cartagena's colonial theatres and plazas sell out quickly. Book over Roamix data as soon as the programme is announced.
Spring
March to May is the beginning of the main rainy season in the Andes and interior. Holy Week in March or April brings Popayan's famous processions. The Amazon is accessible. Bogota and Medellin remain navigable year-round with warm afternoons and cool evenings.
Summer
June to August is one of the drier seasons across much of Colombia. The Caribbean coast is at its driest and best for Tayrona National Park. The Coffee Region is pleasant. Bogota and Medellin see the Feria de las Flores in August. The Pacific coast is in rainy season.
Fall
September to November is the wetter rainy season across much of Colombia. The Coffee Region can see heavy afternoon rains. The Amazon is at its fullest. Bogota and Medellin remain accessible year-round. The Caribbean coast begins to dry from November.
Winter
December to February is Colombia's main dry season on the Caribbean coast and in Bogota. Cartagena and Santa Marta are at their best. The Coffee Region is drier and pleasant. The Llanos and Amazon are in their drier period.
Remote Work from Colombia
Medellin is one of Latin America's leading digital nomad cities, with a thriving coworking scene in El Poblado and Laureles, excellent cafe culture and a comfortable year-round climate. Bogota and Cartagena also have coworking spaces.
Urban 4G in Medellin and Bogota handles video calls and cloud work reliably. A Roamix plan with 15 to 20 GB suits a full working week of calls and browsing.
Try coworking spaces like Selina, Espacio and Atomhouse in Medellin's El Poblado. Use Roamix as a secure backup to hotel or coworking wifi for sensitive work.
Get connected the moment you land in Colombia.
Get your Colombia eSIMLocal Tips for Colombia
Language
Spanish is the only official language. Colombian Spanish is considered among the clearest in Latin America. English is spoken in tourist areas of Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena but very limited elsewhere. A translation app is useful for rural areas.
Tipping
A 10 percent voluntary propina is often pre-added to restaurant bills and can be declined. Tour guides, drivers and hostel staff appreciate tips. Hotel porters and airport staff expect 2,000 to 5,000 COP.
Food & Dining
Colombian cuisine is hearty and regional. Try the ajiaco chicken and potato soup in Bogota, bandeja paisa of beans, rice, meat and avocado in Medellin, fresh seafood in Cartagena and lechona roast pig in Tolima. Coffee shops serving single-origin Colombian beans are excellent in Bogota and the Coffee Region.
Transport
Use InDriver for safe, transparent-pricing rideshare in all Colombian cities. Avoid unmarked taxis on the street, especially at night. In Medellin, the Metro is the safest and most reliable transit option.
Emergency Numbers
general
123
police
112
ambulance
123
fire
119
Essential Apps
InDriver
The most popular and reliable rideshare app in Colombia. Fare negotiation system gives price transparency. Available in all major cities and many secondary towns.
The primary communication channel for all services in Colombia, from tour operators to restaurants and accommodation. Essential for travel across the country.
Moovit
Real-time routing for Bogota's Transmilenio and SITP buses and Medellin Metro. Helps navigate complex bus systems with English language support.
Safety & Health in Colombia
Colombia has improved dramatically in safety and is now a popular tourist destination. Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena have specific unsafe areas that tourists should avoid, particularly at night. Petty theft and phone snatching are the most common risks in tourist zones. Check current neighbourhood safety advice before exploring.
Keep your Roamix eSIM active for emergency services (123), rideshare booking and real-time navigation. Use the BogotaSecura or similar local safety apps. Do not use your phone on the street at night in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
Health Note
Colombia is below 2,500 metres in most visited cities. Bogota at 2,600 metres can cause mild altitude sickness for some visitors. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for the Amazon and Pacific coast. Yellow fever vaccination is required for some jungle areas.
Water Safety
Tap water is safe to drink in Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Cartagena. In smaller towns and rural areas, stick to bottled water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Colombia eSIM, connectivity, and travel
What is the best eSIM for Colombia?
Roamix is a top choice for Colombia because it connects to Claro or Movistar, which together cover over 95 percent of the population and include the best rural reach for the Coffee Region, Caribbean coast and national parks. You activate before flying and land already online.
Do I need a SIM card for Colombia?
You do not need a physical SIM. A Roamix Colombia eSIM gives you local 4G data without registration, card swapping or airport queues, at a fraction of home-carrier roaming costs.
Which mobile network is best in Colombia?
Claro has the widest coverage at 98% of the population, making it the best choice for rural areas, the Coffee Region and Caribbean coast. Tigo often delivers faster urban speeds in Bogota and Medellin. A Roamix eSIM connects to whichever is strongest at your location.
How do I set up an eSIM for Colombia?
Buy a Roamix Colombia plan online, install the eSIM via QR code over wifi before you fly, then enable data roaming on the Roamix line. It connects automatically to Claro or Movistar when you land at El Dorado, Jose Maria Cordova or any Colombian airport.
Will my eSIM work in Tayrona National Park?
There is no mobile coverage inside Tayrona National Park. You must download all trail maps and guide contact information in Santa Marta, which has good Claro 4G, before the park entry gate.
Can I use WhatsApp in Colombia?
Yes. Colombia has an open internet and WhatsApp is actually the primary communication method for Colombians. All messaging, social media and voice call apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM without a VPN.
Is Colombia safe for tourists?
Colombia is much safer than its past reputation. Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena are popular tourist destinations with manageable risks. Avoid specific unsafe neighbourhoods, do not use your phone on the street at night and use rideshare apps rather than street taxis. Keep your Roamix eSIM active for emergency contacts.
Do I need a visa for Colombia?
Citizens of most Western countries including the USA, UK, EU and Australia enter Colombia visa-free for 90 days. No advance application is required. Your 90-day entry is granted on arrival.
How much data do I need for two weeks in Colombia?
Plan for 7 to 10 GB for a mixed city and outdoor trip. Offline map downloads for Tayrona, the Cocora Valley and the Coffee Region take significant data. Download these over 4G or 5G in Bogota or Medellin before you travel.
What currency does Colombia use?
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP). Cards are widely accepted in cities but cash is essential for smaller towns, national parks and markets. Use Bancolombia or Davivienda ATMs for the best rates and choose to pay in COP.
Is airport wifi at El Dorado enough, or should I get a Colombia eSIM?
Airport wifi is free at El Dorado but stops at the terminal exit. A Roamix Colombia eSIM keeps you connected through the airport, in your Uber or InDriver, and all the way to your hotel without interruption.
What should I book in advance for Colombia?
Book the Ciudad Perdida trek with a licensed operator months ahead. Reserve Tayrona entry permits in advance. Book Coffee Region guesthouses for weekends early. Cartagena accommodation and Rosario Islands boat trips also sell out. Use Roamix data to secure all bookings before arrival.
How do I get around Bogota?
The Transmilenio bus rapid transit is cheap and covers most of the city. SITP buses fill the gaps. InDriver or Uber are safer for night travel and reaching areas the Transmilenio does not serve well. Use Google Maps via Roamix data for real-time routing across all transit options.
What is the voltage in Colombia and what plug adaptor do I need?
Colombia uses 110V with Type A and B plugs, the same as the USA and Canada. Travellers from the UK, Europe and Australia will need an adaptor. Most modern device chargers are dual voltage and will work fine at 110V.
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Stay connected across Colombia with Roamix
Skip the roaming bills and SIM registration queues. Install a Roamix Colombia eSIM before you fly and land with fast 4G ready from Bogota to Cartagena.