Obtaining a cell phone in Colombia is relatively easy, as they are sold in all shopping centres and many shops. However, we strongly advise you to take care when purchasing from an unauthorised seller, or street seller, as they could be stolen or counterfeit stock.
Prepaid plans require you to have some proof of funds and calling to other networks is customarily more expensive.
Movistar offers a wide range of contracts and phones, as well as digital and Internet services. It is one of the most popular cell-phone providers. For details of their phone plans, click here .
Tigo also offers special discounts on mobile phones. The network covers more than 80% of the population with the mobile GSM and GPRS network coverage operating under the frequency of 1900MHz. With its great Internet coverage and business and customer plans, its a popular choice for businessmen and leisure users alike. For more information click here .
Claro is one of Colombia's oldest networks and offers personal and business phone services. It has a variety of pre-paid plans and contracts. For more information click here .
Expats can easily obtain pay as you go plans by going in-store, however, for contracts a cedula, or Colombian ID, is needed as well as a Colombian bank account.
There are also special deals available for those who only call a certain amount of numbers on most providers. 3G Internet is also available on all major providers, depending on the mobile phone and plan.
You can purchase credit (saldo) at mobile phone stores and most newsagents in 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 Colombian peso denominations.