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Internet & Connectivity

Internet & Connectivity Tips

Stay connected in Medellín with our guide on finding reliable internet. Discover the best mobile SIM card options and high-speed Wi-Fi spots throughout the city, ensuring seamless access to digital resources essential for productivity and exploration.

SIM Card Options and Data Plans

Local SIM Cards: The Best Value for Fast Internet

Local SIM cards in Colombia offer excellent service quality, wide coverage in major cities like Medellín, and affordable data plans. For digital nomads, they provide the best value for fast internet, ensuring reliable connectivity throughout your stay.

In most supermarkets, shopping malls, or main streets, you can find authorized stores for any of these operators. Here are the average rates for each main provider:

Claro

Claro has the widest signal coverage among all mobile providers in Colombia, holding a significant market share of approximately 46%.
Plan
Duration
Cost
(COP/USD)
Data
Allowance
Call Minutes
and SMS
7 days
$11.500 / U$2.7
10 GB
Unlimited
15 days
$21.500 / U$5.0
20 GB
Unlimited
30 days
$31.500 / U$7.3
30 GB
Unlimited

Movistar

Plan
Duration
Cost
(COP/USD)
Data
Allowance
Call Minutes
and SMS
International
Minutes*
8 days
$5.000 / U$1.2
9 GB
Unlimited
15 min.
30 days
$18.000 / U$4.2
25.5 GB
Unlimited
60 min.
30 days
$22.000 / U$5.1
33 GB
Unlimited
100 min.
*USA, Venezuela, Canada & Puerto Rico

TIGO

Plan
Duration
Cost
(COP/USD)
Data
Allowance
Call Minutes
and SMS
7 days
$10.000 / U$2.3
5 GB
Unlimited
15 days
$20.000 / U$4.7
10 GB
Unlimited
30 days
$30.000 / U$7.0
12 GB
Unlimited

Virgin Mobile

Plan
Duration
Cost
(COP/USD)
Data
Allowance
Call Minutes
and SMS
7 days
$7.000 / U$1.6
3 GB
Unlimited
10 days
$11.000 / U$2.6
4 GB
Unlimited
15 days
$16.000 / U$3.7
5 GB
Unlimited
30 days
$21.000 / U$4.9
30 GB
Unlimited
30 days
$25.000 / U$5.8
60 GB
Unlimited
30 days
$32.000 / U$7.5
90 GB
Unlimited
30 days
$40.000 / U$9.3
120 GB
Unlimited
All Virgin plans include unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook.

eSIM: How to Get One Before Traveling to Colombia

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. Most modern smartphones, including newer models from Apple, Samsung, and Google, support eSIM technology.

Benefits of Using an eSIM

  • Immediate Connectivity: Activate your eSIM as soon as you arrive in Colombia.
  • Convenience: No need to find a store or wait in line upon arrival.
  • Cost-Effective: Avoid high roaming charges.

Steps to Get an eSIM Before Traveling

Step 1: Check Device Compatibility
Ensure your smartphone supports eSIM functionality. Most devices from 2019 onwards should be compatible. You can verify this through your device specifications or the manufacturer’s website.

Step 2: Choose an eSIM Provider
Select a reliable eSIM provider that offers plans for Colombia. Popular options include:

  • Airalo: Provides various data packages ranging from $4.5 to $42, depending on the data volume and call capability (more…).
  • SimOptions: Offers the option to purchase packages exclusively for Colombia, regional packages for South America, or global packages for any country worldwide. Plans start at USD 7.9 for a 7-day, 1 GB package (no calls included). (More…).
  • Conecty: Offers unlimited data plans starting at $7 for 7 days, 1 GB (more…).
  • Local Providers: None of the local operators (Claro, Movistar, Tigo, or Virgin) offer the option to purchase an eSIM in advance through their website. In all cases, you must visit a physical store. For trips longer than a week, an alternative is to purchase a short-term international eSIM from one of the options above and then visit a local provider’s store to get a more economical plan with better signal coverage.

Step 3: Purchase and Activate Your eSIM

  1. Visit the chosen provider’s website.
  2. Sign up and verify your account using your passport.
  3. Select a plan that suits your needs and complete the purchase.
  4. You will receive a QR code via email for activation.
  5. Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to install the eSIM.

High-Speed Wi-Fi Locations

Medellín has positioned itself as one of the most connected cities in Colombia and an excellent destination for digital nomads, thanks to its robust internet infrastructure. Throughout the city, remote professionals can find high-speed Wi-Fi in coworking spaces, shopping centers, major retail stores, and a variety of cafes and restaurants. This level of connectivity, combined with the city’s vibrant social and professional environment, makes Medellín an attractive and productive hub for digital nomads.

High-Speed Wi-Fi in Cafes and Coworking Spaces

The neighborhoods of El Poblado and Laureles are particularly popular among digital nomads due to their remote-work-friendly infrastructure. Coworking spaces like Semilla, Selina, Quokka Coworking, and Especial Coworking provide a professional atmosphere with high-speed internet, ideal for virtual meetings and data-intensive activities.
Additionally, cafes and restaurants in these areas, such as Pergamino, Al Alma, and Urbania, offer free Wi-Fi and comfortable workspaces, enhancing the remote work experience in a modern and welcoming setting.

Free Wi-Fi in Shopping Centers and Major Retail Stores

In Medellín, nearly all shopping malls and major retail chains provide free Wi-Fi access. Spaces like El Tesoro, Santafé, Oviedo, Unicentro, Viva Envigado and Los Molinos not only offer Wi-Fi connection points but also informal work areas, making them convenient for those who need connectivity throughout their day. This kind of free access in commercial spaces facilitates connectivity and productivity for those who prefer working from different points across the city.

Free Public Wi-Fi Provided by the Medellín Municipality

One of Medellín’s major achievements in connectivity is its extensive network of free public Wi-Fi zones, established by the city government to ensure that all citizens, residents, and visitors can access the internet easily and securely. Currently, Medellín offers nearly 300 free Wi-Fi zones in parks, plazas, sports facilities, and transportation stations. This effort makes Medellín the city with the most extensive free connectivity in Colombia and reflects the city’s commitment to digital inclusion.

These free zones, which operate 24/7 and support up to 200 simultaneous connections, cover a 100-meter radius, providing a stable and comfortable connection experience.

Additionally, major stations within the Metro System offer free Wi-Fi, allowing users to stay connected while they travel. Notable stations with internet access include Caribe, Poblado, Parque Berrío, and Metrocable stations like Popular 1 and Santo Domingo.

With these resources, Medellín offers digital nomads a truly connected environment where they can work, network, and explore with ease.

Some suggestions for staying secure on public Wi-Fi:

1. Use a VPN: Protect your data by connecting through a reputable VPN, which encrypts your online activity and keeps it private.

2. Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid accessing bank accounts or entering sensitive information on public networks whenever possible.

3. Enable HTTPS: Ensure websites use HTTPS, shown as a padlock icon in the URL bar, for a secure, encrypted connection.

4. Turn Off Sharing: Disable file and printer sharing in your device settings to prevent unauthorized access.

5. Use Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts to add an extra security layer.

6. Forget the Network: Once done, forget the public Wi-Fi network on your device to avoid automatically reconnecting in the future.

7. Keep Software Updated: Ensure your operating system, antivirus software, and applications are up to date for the latest security patches.

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