Lois Larson
Bogota's El Dorado International Airport offers a range of options for purchasing SIM cards, which can be useful for tourists who want to stay connected during their trip. While the airport provides convenient access to SIM cards, it's important to consider that prices may be higher than in the city centre, and plan options might be limited. In this paragraph, we will explore the various places where travellers can buy phone chips at Bogota Airport and provide essential information to help them make an informed decision about their purchase.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | El Dorado International Airport (BOG) |
| SIM Card Options | Movistar, Claro, Tigo, Avantel, WOM |
| eSIM Options | Claro, Movistar, Tigo, Jetpac, Airhub, Airalo, Holafly |
| SIM Card Cost | COP 30,000 ($7 USD) for 1GB data |
| eSIM Card Cost | $12.5-$35 USD for 7-10GB data |
| Payment Currency | Colombian Pesos (COP) |
| Registration Requirements | Passport |
| Phone Requirements | Unlocked phone, space for nano or micro SIM card |
| Top-up Options | Phone carrier stores, supermarkets, online |
| Coverage | 4G LTE with fast speeds |
| SIM Card Expiry | Prepaid SIMs do not expire with periodic top-up |
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What You'll Learn
Phone chip options at Bogota Airport
Bogota International Airport, also known as El Dorado International Airport, is the main international airport serving Colombia's capital city, Bogota, and the surrounding areas. It is a significant hub for both domestic and international flights within Colombia and Latin America.
If you're travelling to Bogota, it is highly recommended to get a local SIM card for constant data and connectivity during your trip. There are several options for purchasing SIM cards at Bogota Airport:
- Movistar Store: One of the main phone carrier stores, located past the security check before you reach the main terminal lobby. Movistar has good coverage in Colombia. A tourist SIM card with 1GB of data costs around 30,000 COP ($7 USD).
- Tigo Store: Another carrier store located near the Movistar shop. A prepaid tourist SIM from Tigo will cost around the same as Movistar, and they also have good coverage.
- Claro Store: The Claro Store is located inside Bogota Airport and is the third main provider in Colombia. Their data packages and prepaid SIM costs are comparable to other providers.
In addition to these stores, there are also independent kiosks and retailers located throughout the airport building that sell prepaid SIM cards from different carriers. These include the Sim Market shop, which is the first shop after passing through the last customs baggage check.
It is important to note that SIM cards purchased at the airport may be more expensive than those bought in Bogota's city centre, and the plan options may be limited. However, for convenience, some travellers may prefer to purchase a SIM card directly at the airport.
When buying a SIM card at Bogota Airport, you will need to show your passport for registration and ID purposes, and ensure you have Colombian Pesos (COP) to pay for the SIM card. There are ATMs and money exchanges in the airport arrivals area. Additionally, make sure your phone is unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card and has space for a nano or micro SIM card if it does not use eSIM technology.
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Buying a phone chip in Bogota city centre
If you're looking to buy a phone chip in Bogota city centre, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to buy a SIM card in the city centre rather than at Bogota Airport, as prices tend to be lower and you'll have more plan options.
There are several mobile operators in Colombia, including Claro, Movistar, Tigo, Avantel, and WOM. Claro is said to have the best 4G/5G network in the country as of 2025. You can purchase a Claro SIM card with 9 GB of data and unlimited calls and texts for 30 days at any Claro store in the city centre for just $6 USD.
If you prefer the convenience of an eSIM, you can purchase one online before your trip. A Jetpac eSIM with 10 GB of data costs $35 USD, while an Airhub eSIM with 7 GB of data is $12.5 USD.
When purchasing a SIM card in Colombia, it's important to ensure your phone is unlocked and capable of accepting a foreign SIM card. Additionally, have your passport ready for identification and registration purposes.
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eSIMs for Colombia
If you're travelling to Colombia, it's a good idea to get an eSIM to avoid hefty additional roaming charges. Most newer smartphone models support eSIMs, which can be downloaded and installed before you travel, offering fast internet at a low cost.
Where to buy eSIMs for Colombia
There are several eSIM providers for Colombia, including:
- Airalo: Airalo offers eSIMs for Colombia starting from \$4.50 USD for 1GB of data valid for 7 days. They offer global access to eSIMs through collaborations with local telecom providers. In Colombia, Airalo works with Movistar, one of the country's largest network operators, to provide high-speed coverage across cities and popular tourist spots. You can purchase, manage, and top up your Airalo eSIMs through their app.
- Holafly: Holafly offers unlimited data plans for Colombia, ensuring seamless browsing and navigation. While their packages are generally great for uncapped web access, most travellers may not need such large amounts of data.
- Jetpac: Jetpac is an up-and-coming eSIM provider based in Singapore, offering some of the best eSIM data rates on the market. They provide well-priced packages for Colombia, including 3GB for 30 days for $12 and 10GB for $29. Jetpac also offers complimentary airport lounge access for flight delays over 60 minutes.
- Airhub: Airhub offers various eSIM plans from multiple providers, although their website is less user-friendly as it doesn't allow filtering or sorting by data volume or price. Their eSIMs for Colombia include a data-only plan that operates on the 4G/LTE Claro network. A 12GB data plan from Airhub is priced at $44 USD.
Buying eSIMs at Bogota Airport
While eSIMs offer convenience and can be purchased online before your trip, it's important to note that Bogota Airport does not currently offer eSIM activation. If you need an eSIM, you will have to arrange it before arrival or at your hotel. Additionally, local SIM cards purchased at the airport may provide more data for a lower cost.
- Ensure your phone is unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card by contacting your home carrier before travelling.
- Bring your passport for identification and registration during the purchase.
- Have Colombian Pesos (COP) ready to pay for the SIM card. There are ATMs and currency exchanges in the airport arrivals area.
- If your phone doesn't support eSIM, ensure you have space for a nano or micro SIM card and bring a SIM eject tool to switch cards.
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Registering your phone in Colombia
Bogota International Airport, also known as El Dorado International Airport, is the main international airport serving Colombia's capital city, Bogota, and its surrounding areas. It is a significant hub for both domestic and international flights within Colombia and Latin America.
If you're travelling to Bogota, it is highly recommended to get a local SIM card for constant data and connectivity. You can purchase a SIM card at the Bogota airport from stores like Movistar, Claro, and Tigo. However, SIM cards bought at the airport are generally more expensive than those purchased in Bogota's city centre.
Now, here is a detailed guide on registering your phone in Colombia:
To combat the theft and sale of stolen phones, all mobile phone users in Colombia are required to register their devices with service providers. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Ensure your phone is compatible with the Colombian network: Colombia uses the GSM 850 and GSM 1900 bands for cell phones. Verify that your unlocked phone supports these bands to ensure it will work in Colombia. CDMA phones will not work in the country.
- Visit a recognised store: Take your phone to one of the recognised stores of the major mobile operators in Colombia, such as Claro, Movistar, or Tigo-UNE. These stores are authorised to sell you a SIM card, install it, and help with the registration process.
- Provide necessary documentation: You will need to present an ID, such as a local Cedula or your passport, to register your phone. Additionally, if you have purchased your phone abroad, it must be officially recognised by Colombian regulatory agencies, and you will need to provide proof of purchase.
- Register your SIM card: Make sure that your SIM card is registered in your name. Check with your chosen provider, such as Claro, Movistar, or Tigo, to ensure that the registration is completed correctly.
- Be aware of blocking policies: Some phone models may need to be "homologised" to avoid being blocked from using Colombian SIM cards. Check with your provider to understand their specific policies and requirements.
- Keep your receipts: If you buy a phone from a place other than a mobile provider's store, keep your receipt. You will likely need it to register the phone with a Colombian mobile provider and prove that it wasn't stolen.
- Consider the type of plan: If you are visiting Colombia for a short period, avoid postpaid plans, as you may end up paying for a full year. Instead, opt for a prepaid plan ("prepago" in Spanish) that offers more flexibility.
- Compare prices and providers: There are five major mobile operators in Colombia, including Claro, Movistar, Tigo, Avantel, and WOM. Compare their prices and plan options to find the best deal for your needs.
- Timing your purchase: If you arrive at Bogota Airport late at night, note that the SIM card shops typically close before midnight. Plan to purchase your SIM card during the daytime to ensure the stores are open.
By following these steps, you can successfully register your phone in Colombia and stay connected during your stay.
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Phone chip prices at Bogota Airport
Bogota Airport, officially known as El Dorado International Airport, offers a range of options for purchasing phone chips or SIM cards. The airport serves as a significant hub for both domestic and international flights within Colombia and Latin America. Here are the key details about phone chip prices and where to buy them at Bogota Airport:
Phone Chip Prices:
The price of phone chips or SIM cards at Bogota Airport can vary depending on the carrier and the data package included. Here are some specific price examples:
- Movistar Store: Movistar is one of the major phone carriers at the airport, located past the security check. They offer a tourist SIM card with 1GB of data for around 30,000 Colombian Pesos (COP), which is approximately $7 USD.
- Tigo Store: Tigo is another carrier store located near Movistar. Their prepaid tourist SIM cards are priced similarly to Movistar, offering good coverage.
- Claro Store: Claro is the third main provider in Colombia, with store locations inside Bogota Airport. Their data packages and prepaid SIM card costs are comparable to other providers.
- Convenience Store: According to a traveller's blog, you can purchase a SIM card from the convenience store in the arrival hall for approximately $2.00. You can then add airtime or choose a data plan for between $2.00 and $15.00.
- ESIM Options: If your phone supports eSIM technology, you can opt for a digital plan without a physical SIM card. While Bogota Airport does not offer eSIM activation, providers like Movistar, Claro, and Tigo offer eSIM services that can be set up locally after arrival. For example, Jetpac offers an eSIM with 10 GB of data for $35 USD, while Airhub provides 7 GB of data for $12.5 USD.
Other Considerations:
When purchasing a phone chip at Bogota Airport, keep the following in mind:
- Ensure your phone is unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card by contacting your home carrier before travelling.
- Have your passport ready for registration and identification purposes.
- Bring Colombian Pesos (COP) to pay for the SIM card. ATMs and currency exchanges are available in the airport's arrivals area.
- If your phone does not support eSIM, ensure you have space for a nano or micro SIM card, and bring a SIM eject tool for swapping cards.
- You may need to manually select the new SIM card as your active SIM and restart your phone.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few options for purchasing SIM cards at Bogota's El Dorado International Airport. You can find them at airport kiosks, convenience stores, and phone carrier stores. The three main Colombian cellular companies, Claro, Movistar, and Tigo Une, have stores located across Bogota.
You will need to show your passport for registration and ID purposes. You will also need Colombian Pesos (COP) to pay for your SIM card. There are ATMs and money exchanges at the airport arrivals area.
Buying a SIM card at the airport ensures that you have constant data and connectivity during your trip. Tourist SIM cards usually last 30-60 days and buying at the airport may include extra tourist data or calling packages.
