eSIM Guide Colombia: Staying connected from Bogotá to the Cocora Valley (real test)
A valley of almost unreal green, wax palms soaring nearly 60 meters high, clouds clinging to the Andean peaks. You’re in the heart of the Cocora Valley, phone in hand. You want to send this photo to your loved ones, check the time of the last jeep to Salento, or find your way back on Google Maps. And then… nothing. No signal. Your smartphone is now just a camera.
This is exactly the situation we wanted to avoid this summer. Our simpleSIM team spent three weeks in Colombia, in July and August 2026, traveling from Bogotá to Medellín, from the Coffee Region to Cartagena, with only one eSIM in our pockets: our Colombia 20GB + calls and texts plan. Our mission: to test coverage on a real traveler’s route and provide an honest report.
Here’s what happened.
Why Colombia demands a connection (more than you think)
Colombia is best experienced on the move. A classic itinerary links major cities, colonial villages, and mountains, with journeys by bus, plane, or car between each stop. And almost everything is organized via mobile phone.
To get around:
- In major cities, ride-hailing apps like inDrive and Uber are widely used. You know the price in advance and can track your journey live, without having to haggle on the curb.
- Google Maps becomes your co-pilot, from the alleys of La Candelaria in Bogotá to the hiking trails of the Coffee Axis.
To book and communicate:
- In Colombia, WhatsApp serves as the telephone exchange. Accommodation, guides, restaurants, drivers: we booked a large part of our trip by message, directly with the locals.
- Outside of tourist areas, English is not widely spoken. Google Translate can help you out of many situations, both in writing and speaking.
- Booking and booking apps allow you to adjust your itinerary day by day.
To understand what you are visiting:
- A Wikipedia search in front of a fresco in Comuna 13 or a colonial church in Villa de Leyva, and the visit takes on another dimension.
- And when the news escalates, as was the case during our stay, being able to stay informed in real time becomes essential.
In summary: in Colombia, offline mode is not enough.
Field report: 3 weeks, 18 GB and zero outages
We activated our Colombian eSIM upon arrival in Bogotá: connection established in 30 seconds, no kiosk, no queue, no local currency. For three weeks, we alternated between 4G and 5G, and the operator changed depending on the region we visited, without any intervention on our part. The result: 18 GB used out of the 20 GB plan, and not a single outage.
To be perfectly honest: we stuck to the classic travel route. We didn’t explore very remote areas like the Amazon or the Pacific coast.
Here is our verdict, step by step.
Bogotá and Villa de Leyva
Perched at 2,600 meters above sea level, Bogotá is often the gateway to the country. We explored La Candelaria, the historic district, discovering street art, colonial houses, and museums. The Botero Museum, with its free admission, is a must-see. A three- or four-hour drive away, Villa de Leyva and its vast cobblestone square offer a glimpse into colonial Colombia.
Verdict: no interruptions, from the streets of La Candelaria to Villa de Leyva. Ideal for ordering a ride-hailing service or booking accommodation via WhatsApp at the last minute.
Medellín and Guatapé
Medellín has undergone a profound transformation. Comuna 13, long one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods, now attracts visitors from around the world with its murals, open-air escalators, and vibrant energy. About a two-hour drive away, Guatapé and its giant rock, Piedra del Peñol, offer one of the most spectacular views in the country, though the climb to the top requires ascending more than 700 steps.
Verdict: Smooth connection in the sloping alleys of Comuna 13, just like in Guatapé. Perfect for sharing your photos live.
The Coffee Axis: Salento, Cocora Valley and Jardín
The coffee cultural landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Colombia’s most captivating regions. Salento charms visitors with its Calle Real, lined with colorful balconies, from which Willys jeeps depart for the Cocora Valley and its wax palms, the country’s national tree. Further north, in southwestern Antioquia, Jardín offers a more authentic Colombia, far from the crowds.
Verdict: even in the Cocora Valley, we stayed connected. A real safety feature on trails where the weather changes quickly.
Cartagena and Barichara
On the Caribbean coast, Cartagena de Indias and its fortified old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a completely different setting: warmth, vibrant colors, and a refreshing sea breeze. In the department of Santander, Barichara, often described as the most beautiful village in Colombia, charms visitors with its cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses.
Verdict: no difference compared to major cities. The connection followed us everywhere.
August 10, 2026: the day the earth shook
We couldn’t tell the story of this trip without mentioning that morning.
On August 10, 2026, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Chocó department in western Mexico. It left hundreds dead and thousands injured, causing significant damage, particularly in Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, and Manizales. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those rebuilding their lives today.
That morning, we were in Barichara, about 400 kilometers from the epicenter. At 7:34 a.m., an earthquake alert appeared on our Android phone, about thirty seconds before the tremors reached us. The indicated magnitude, 6.4, was only an initial automated estimate, later revised to 7.4 by the Colombian Geological Survey. Thirty seconds is a short time. Yet it’s enough to move away from a window or take shelter.
What this experience has taught us, as travelers:
- Activate earthquake alerts before you leave. On Android, Google’s alert system can be found in the settings, under Security and emergencies. It requires an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to function.
- Being able to contact loved ones changes everything. In the hours that followed, we spent a lot of time following the news and exchanging messages on WhatsApp, to reassure our families and check in on people we met during the trip.
- Do your research before you leave. If your itinerary passes through the affected regions, consult the travel advice of France Diplomatie and local information: roads and infrastructure have been damaged, including part of Pereira airport.
eSIM, local SIM or roaming: which to choose in Colombia?
We often get asked the question: “Why not buy a local SIM card there?” Here’s the honest answer.
| simpleSIM eSIM Colombia | Local SIM (Claro, Movistar, Tigo…) | Roaming (French operator) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Just a few minutes, from your home | Visit the shop or kiosk; ID is usually required. | None |
| Price | €39.99 for 20GB + 15 minutes of calls and 50 text messages | Cheaper per GB, but requires more time and paperwork. | Often high outside of the plan, varies depending on the operator |
| IMEI registration | Not required | Mandatory, otherwise the phone will be blocked | Not required |
| Your number and WhatsApp | Retained (dual SIM) | New issue | Preserved |
| Internet connection sharing | Yes | According to the offer | According to the operator |
| Connected upon landing | Yes | After purchase and activation | Yes, at roaming rates |
The key difference: the IMEI register. In Colombia, a phone used with a local SIM card must be registered with the operator and approved for use in the country. Without this registration, the operator can block the device, usually after about twenty days. A travel eSIM, which works while roaming on local networks, is generally not affected: no action is required.
Roaming? Double-check your plan before you leave. Colombia is outside the European Union, and data used abroad can quickly become expensive.
And if you are hesitating between several eSIM providers, our eSIM provider comparison will help you see things clearly.
How to install your eSIM for Colombia
Four steps. Seriously. And if this is your very first eSIM, our eSIM travel guide answers all the basic questions.
- Choose your plan from our Colombia eSIMs . We traveled with the 20GB + calls and SMS plan : 20GB, 15 minutes of calls and 50 SMS, valid for 30 days, for €39.99.
- Receive your QR code by email immediately after purchase. No printer handy? Follow our guide to install your eSIM from an email .
- Scan the QR code on your iPhone or Android. Unsure? Check your phone’s compatibility first.
- Upon arrival in Colombia , activate the eSIM and data roaming for that line. You are now online.
Good to know: with this package, the 30-day validity period starts immediately upon installation. So install it the day before you leave, not three weeks in advance.
Three tips from the pros, drawn from real-world experience:
- Size according to your needs. We used 18 GB in three weeks with heavy usage: daily GPS navigation, WhatsApp calls, photo sharing, and lots of searching. For shorter trips or lighter usage, our 5 GB and 10 GB plans may be sufficient. Prefer to never have to worry about your data? Discover the destinations covered by our unlimited data eSIM plans .
- Share the connection with your family. Connection sharing is allowed: a single plan can troubleshoot other phones in the group.
- Keep the minutes for unexpected events. The 15-minute call is convenient for contacting accommodation or a driver who is not responding on WhatsApp.
When to go to Colombia: the argument of the summer
Good news for families: July and August, in the middle of the French school holidays, are among the best times to discover Colombia.
- In the Andes (Bogotá, Medellín, the Coffee Axis), the climate roughly follows two drier seasons: from December to March, and from July to August. April-May and October-November are rainier.
- On the Caribbean coast , Cartagena remains warm all year round, with a drier period from December to April.
- As for temperatures , it’s the altitude that determines them, not the season. Bogotá remains cool year-round: pack a jacket for the evenings. Medellín, nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring, remains mild in every season.
Another advantage: Colombia is very well suited to a three-week tour, which allows time to combine cities, mountains and the Caribbean coast without rushing.
FAQ: eSIM and internet in Colombia
Do you need to register your phone (IMEI) to use an eSIM in Colombia?
Generally, no. IMEI registration applies to phones used with a Colombian SIM card. A travel eSIM works while roaming on local networks: you don’t need to do anything.
How much data should I plan for a trip to Colombia?
Allow approximately 1 GB per day for heavy use (GPS, WhatsApp, photos, searches). We used 18 GB in three weeks. For a shorter or more economical trip, 5 to 10 GB may be sufficient.
Is 5G available in Colombia?
Yes, in several areas. During our trip, our eSIM alternated between 4G and 5G depending on the location, without any interruptions.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number with an eSIM?
Yes. Your WhatsApp account remains linked to your usual number, even if data is transmitted via the eSIM. Your contacts will continue to message you as usual.
Is my phone eSIM compatible?
Most recent smartphones are compatible, but your phone must be unlocked. Check in seconds on our compatibility page .
Conclusion
Colombia is one of those trips that leaves a lasting impression. The wax palms of Cocora that seem to disappear into the clouds. The vibrant colors of Comuna 13. The tranquility of a colonial square in Villa de Leyva. And the warm welcome of Colombians, everywhere you go.
Don’t let a connection problem keep you from all that. With an eSIM, you can book, share, navigate, and stay connected, without searching for Wi-Fi or worrying about your phone bill.
Ready to go? 👉 Discover our 20GB Colombia eSIM + calls and texts for €39.99
And when you are in the middle of the wax palms of the Cocora Valley, phone in hand, full signal on your screen, don’t forget: here too, there is reception .