Landing in Medellín and realizing your phone plan doesn’t “travel” as well as you do is a classic. The good news: getting connected in Colombia is usually quick, budget-friendly, and way less stressful than negotiating a two-year contract back home.
Whether you’re here for a long weekend in El Poblado, a month of Spanish classes in Laureles, or a longer digital-nomad stay, this updated 2026 guide walks you through the smartest options—travel eSIMs, local prepaid SIMs, and (if you’re staying awhile) postpaid plans—plus the practical details people forget (IMEI registration, dialing changes, and a few safety tips).
The fastest way to get data in Medellín (pick your “traveler type”)
If you’re here for 1–14 days
Best pick: a travel eSIM (no store visit, no SIM swapping).
This is the easiest “land → turn on data → order an Uber” solution. Popular eSIM brands that actively sell Colombia plans include Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad.
Why people love it:
- You can get online immediately (often before you even leave the airport).
- You keep your home SIM active for iMessage/2FA (depending on how you set it up).
Quick watch-outs:
- Some travel eSIMs are data-only (no local Colombian phone number).
- “Unlimited” often means fair-use rules that may slow speeds after heavy usage.
If you’re here for 2–8 weeks
Best pick: a local prepaid SIM (cheap, flexible, easy to top up).
Prepaid (prepago) is the sweet spot for longer visits: you can keep costs low, switch packages when needed, and avoid monthly billing complexity.
Best place to buy: official carrier stores inside major malls (more on where, below).
If you’re staying 2+ months (or want “set-and-forget”)
Best pick: a local postpaid plan (monthly billing, bigger data, fewer top-ups).
Postpaid (pospago) can be a great value for long stays, but it usually comes with more steps (identity checks, billing setup, and sometimes local paperwork). If you don’t want friction, prepaid is often “good enough” even for longer trips.
eSIM vs. physical SIM in Colombia (simple, real-world comparison)
Travel eSIM (best for tourists)
Pros
- Instant setup (no store visit)
- Keep your home SIM active for texts/2FA
- No tiny SIM card to lose
Cons
- Often data-only (no local number)
- “Unlimited” may have fair-use speed limits Holafly
Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad all currently offer Colombia eSIM options. Airalo
Physical SIM (classic and reliable)
Still the simplest choice if you want:
- a local Colombian number,
- easy cash top-ups,
- and in-person help.
Prepaid vs postpaid plans (what they mean + who should choose what)
Prepaid (Prepago)
You pay up front by recharging and activating packages (daily/weekly/monthly).
Best for: short stays, tighter budgets, people who use lots of Wi-Fi.
Nice perk: you can “right size” your plan and change anytime.
Postpaid (Pospago)
You pay monthly, often with larger data buckets and more add-ons.
Best for: longer stays, heavy data users, people who want convenience.
Practical tip: If you’re unsure how much data you’ll use, start mid-range for your first week. Medellín has tons of Wi-Fi in cafés, malls, coworking spaces, and many Airbnbs—most visitors end up using less mobile data than they expect once they’re out exploring.
Major mobile providers you’ll actually see around Medellín (2026)
For most travelers, the brands you’ll spot most often in Medellín are:
- Claro Claro Colombia
- Movistar atencionalcliente.movistar.co
- Tigo ayuda.tigo.com.co
You can walk into an official store, ask for prepago, and get set up quickly.
Where to buy a SIM card or phone in Medellín (verified active options)
Safest, easiest choices
1) Official carrier stores inside major malls
They’re used to helping travelers, and you’re far less likely to run into sketchy devices or SIM issues.
2) Big, reputable retailers (phones + accessories)
- Éxito has an active online phone category and is a common, reputable place to shop. Éxito
- Jumbo also has active phone listings online. Jumbo Colombia
These options reduce the risk of accidentally buying a stolen/blocked phone.
Medellín’s famous tech mall: Centro Comercial Monterrey
If you love comparison shopping—or need a case, charger, screen protector, or repairs—Centro Comercial Monterrey remains an active tech hub with services and store listings. Monterrey Mall
A friendly caution about informal downtown phone markets
Medellín has long had areas known for phone buying/repairs, but stolen-device resale risk is real. If you’re not fully comfortable checking IMEI status and paperwork, stick to carrier stores, major retailers, or well-established shops in Monterrey.
Buying a used phone in Colombia (how to do it without regrets)
Used phones can be a bargain—but treat it like “trust but verify.”
Before you pay:
- Check the IMEI (dial *#06#).
- Ask for proof of ownership (invoice/receipt).
- Confirm it can be registered (or is already properly registered/homologated).
Colombia’s regulator (CRC) notes that registering a device generally requires the IMEI, proof of ownership, and your personal details.
If anything feels off, walk away. Medellín has plenty of legit options—no need to gamble.
IMEI registration in Colombia (don’t ignore this)
Colombia uses IMEI controls to reduce phone theft and keep stolen devices off mobile networks. In plain English: if your phone isn’t properly registered (or is flagged), it can get blocked on local networks.
Here’s the traveler-friendly way to handle it:
Step 1: Find your IMEI
Dial *#06# and screenshot or write it down.
Step 2: If you’re using a local SIM, ask the carrier store about registration
Each operator has its own process/help pages:
- Claro explains how to locate your IMEI and register through their flow. Claro Colombia
- Movistar also provides IMEI registration guidance. atencionalcliente.movistar.co
- Tigo explicitly notes that if you don’t register your device, it can be blocked on their network. ayuda.tigo.com.co
Step 3: Make sure your phone is homologated if required
The CRC also provides resources around “no te quedes sin móvil,” including device compliance/homologation guidance.
Easy rule: If you bought your phone outside Colombia and plan to use a local SIM, bring your purchase proof (even a digital receipt). It saves time.
Calling landlines in Colombia: the dialing rules that changed (and still trip people up)
Colombia unified dialing so calls are made in 10 digits, and fixed lines use geographic codes like 601 (Bogotá) and 604 (Antioquia/Medellín).
Common examples
- Medellín/Antioquia fixed lines: 604 + the 7-digit number
- Bogotá fixed lines: 601 + the 7-digit number
If you’re calling a business from your mobile, you’ll typically dial the full 10 digits (starting with 60X).
Emergency number in Medellín
For emergencies in Medellín, the city’s emergency response line is 123.
(As always: use it for real emergencies—medical, fire, immediate danger, major incidents.)
Quick safety + convenience tips (the stuff that makes your trip smoother)
- Set up your eSIM before you fly (or at least before you leave the airport Wi-Fi).
- Use official stores for SIMs and phone purchases whenever possible.
- Avoid random street “deals” on phones—IMEI headaches are a vacation killer.
- Keep a backup connection plan: even if you buy a local SIM, having your home SIM on standby for 2FA can be clutch.
Final takeaway: the simplest “best choice” for most visitors
- Under 2 weeks: get a travel eSIM for instant convenience (Airalo/Holafly/Nomad). Airalo
- A few weeks to ~2 months: grab a local prepaid SIM from a major carrier store. Claro Colombia
- Longer stays: consider postpaid if you want maximum convenience—otherwise prepaid still works great.
Once your data is sorted, Medellín gets really fun really fast.
WorldTravel365.com provides expert advice on how to effectively use your cellphone in Medellin, ensuring credibility and trustworthiness for travelers seeking reliable information.