How to Get a Colombian SIM Card in Medellín (2026 Guide)

Why You Need a Local SIM Card

A Colombian phone number unlocks everything a digital nomad needs: Nequi (mobile wallet), WhatsApp with locals and landlords, InDrive (cash-based rideshare), Rappi deliveries, and two-factor authentication for Colombian services. International eSIMs give you data, but they don't give you a local number — and in Medellín, that number is your lifeline.

Best Prepaid SIM Plans for Nomads (March 2026)

Where to Buy

Carrier stores in malls are the most reliable option. The El Tesoro and Santafé malls both have Claro, Movistar, and Tigo stores within walking distance of each other. You can also buy SIMs at:

• OXXO convenience stores — quick activation, staff usually help
• Éxito and Carulla supermarkets — dedicated phone counters
• Airport kiosks — available but often more expensive or limited plans
• Street vendors — functional but riskier; stick to official stores

eSIM Options: Skip the Store Entirely

All four Colombian carriers — Claro, Movistar, Tigo, and WOM — now support eSIM with 5G. You can activate a local eSIM at any carrier store. But if you want connectivity before landing, international eSIM providers work well for the first few days.

Carrier Coverage Comparison

Within Medellín, all carriers perform well in El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado. The differences emerge when you leave the city.

• Claro has the best coverage in smaller towns and rural areas — essential if you're doing Guatapé day trips, coffee farm weekends, or traveling to other Colombian cities
• Movistar is the fastest and most stable in Medellín proper — rated fastest ISP in Colombia by Ookla
• Tigo is dominant within Medellín but drops off outside the metro area
• WOM is the newest carrier — aggressive pricing but thinnest coverage

5G Status in Medellín

5G launched in Colombia in 2025 across all four carriers. However, it remains patchy and mostly unavailable indoors. You'll get 5G speeds on outdoor walks in El Poblado and parts of Laureles, but don't count on it for your home office. For indoor work, fiber internet at your apartment is still king — see our Internet & WiFi Guide.

Connectivity Issues to Know

• Older pre-2000s concrete buildings can block WiFi and mobile signals
• Heavy afternoon rains during April–May and September–November can temporarily affect connections
• Reddit users in 2025 criticized Claro and Tigo for "recurring drops" — Movistar fiber is the most stable option if you're choosing a home ISP

Our Recommendation

For most nomads: Get a Movistar SIM (100 GB for ~$10/month) as your primary. If you travel outside Medellín frequently, add a Claro prepaid as a backup on your second SIM slot or eSIM. If you just need a few days of data before landing, grab an Airalo eSIM, then switch to local once you're settled.