How Reliable Is Colombia’s Internet and Can You Work Remotely or Get a Local SIM Card Easily?

Whether you’re visiting Bogotá for business, leisure, or a mix of both, staying connected is more important than ever. For digital nomads, remote workers, or travelers who just want to stream, navigate, or check in with loved ones, a reliable internet connection can make or break your trip.

Fortunately, Colombia—especially in major urban areas—has made significant progress in improving its digital infrastructure. From fast Wi-Fi in coworking spaces to affordable mobile data plans, working remotely or staying connected while traveling is easier than many people expect.

How Reliable Is Internet in Bogotá and Other Major Cities?

Colombia’s internet infrastructure has seen steady improvements in recent years, especially in its most developed cities. Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena now offer internet speeds and coverage that are generally reliable for both business and casual use.

Internet Quality in Bogotá

In Bogotá, fiber-optic internet is becoming increasingly common, particularly in business-focused and residential neighborhoods like Chicó, Zona T, and Parque de la 93. Many apartments, hotels, and coworking spaces in these areas offer fast connections suitable for:

• Video conferencing
• Cloud-based work
• Streaming and large file uploads/downloads

You’ll find that coworking spaces and cafés with strong Wi-Fi provide a good alternative to working from your accommodation. Internet speeds in Bogotá typically range between 50 Mbps to 300 Mbps, with latency that’s usually low enough for Zoom or Teams meetings.

Connectivity in Other Major Cities

Medellín, particularly the neighborhoods of El Poblado and Laureles, is another digital nomad hotspot. Many coworking spaces here advertise high-speed fiber-optic internet, backup generators, and quiet working environments.

In Cartagena, while speeds are slightly less consistent, most tourist-friendly accommodations and businesses provide decent Wi-Fi for casual and moderate business use.

What About Rural or Remote Areas?

In smaller towns or rural areas, internet speeds can drop significantly. Wi-Fi may still be available, but it’s often slower and less reliable—making heavy workloads or video meetings more difficult. If you plan to venture outside the main cities, a local SIM with mobile hotspot capabilities is a good backup plan.

Working Remotely in Colombia: What You Need to Know

Colombia is fast becoming a favored destination for remote workers—and for good reason. The combination of warm weather, vibrant culture, and improving tech infrastructure makes it a great place to work from, especially in cities like Bogotá and Medellín.

Coworking Spaces

Colombia’s major cities offer a growing number of coworking spaces that cater to both locals and digital nomads. Spaces like Co-Work LatAm provide:

• High-speed internet
• Comfortable workstations
• Meeting rooms and private offices
• Power backup systems

These facilities are ideal if you need a distraction-free environment or plan to work full-time while traveling.

Cafés With Reliable Wi-Fi

For a more casual setup, plenty of cafés in Bogotá’s Usaquén, Chicó, and Zona G neighborhoods have solid Wi-Fi. These spots are perfect for working a few hours over coffee or lunch. Just keep in mind that peak hours (e.g., lunchtime or evenings) may affect both seating availability and internet speeds.

Power Reliability

In cities, power outages are rare, especially in commercial zones. Most coworking spaces and high-end hotels have backup power solutions in place, so even in the event of a short outage, you won’t lose connectivity or work progress.

Time Zone Advantage

Colombia operates on Colombia Standard Time (UTC-5), which aligns well with Eastern Standard Time in the U.S. This makes it easier to collaborate with teams in North America during standard business hours. Even for those working with European teams, Colombia’s time zone allows for a few overlapping work hours each day.

Digital Nomad Communities

You’ll also find a growing digital nomad community, especially in Medellín and Bogotá. Many coworking spaces host networking events or informal meetups, offering great opportunities to connect with other remote professionals.

Getting a Local SIM Card and Mobile Data in Colombia

Staying connected on the go is easy and affordable in Colombia, thanks to the country’s competitive mobile market and wide coverage.

Where to Get a SIM Card

Getting a SIM card is simple. You’ll need your passport for registration (required by law), and you can purchase a SIM at:

• Airport kiosks (more expensive but convenient)
• Official carrier stores (Claro, Movistar, Tigo)
• Local electronics or convenience stores (often cheaper)

Major Carriers

The three main carriers in Colombia are:

• Claro – Widest coverage, especially outside major cities
• Movistar – Good speeds in urban areas
• Tigo – Reliable in cities and offers competitive data plans

All three provide prepaid options with a variety of data-only or combo (data + talk) packages. Expect to pay around \$5–\$15 USD for several gigabytes of data—much cheaper than roaming on a U.S. plan.

Prepaid Plans and Top-Ups

Plans are flexible and easy to top up using:

• Carrier apps (may require a local credit/debit card)
• Recharge kiosks in supermarkets or convenience stores
• Pay-as-you-go codes sold at pharmacies or mini markets

Make sure your phone is unlocked before arriving in Colombia to ensure SIM compatibility.

Mobile Hotspot Usage

If you’re planning to work remotely from areas without Wi-Fi, consider enabling hotspot mode on your phone. With a decent data plan from Claro or Movistar, you can run video calls and cloud-based work from almost anywhere with mobile coverage.

Language Barriers

Staff at airport kiosks or official stores often speak basic English, but it helps to know a few key Spanish phrases or bring along a translation app when registering your SIM.

Practical Tips to Stay Connected and Productive

Here are some extra steps to ensure a smooth and connected experience during your stay in Colombia:

1. Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi

Always use a VPN when working on public networks—especially in cafés or public places—to protect your data.

2. Carry a Portable Power Bank

Colombia uses Type A and B plugs (same as the U.S.), but having a power bank ensures you’re covered during long work sessions on the go.

3. Back Up to the Cloud

Use tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to back up your work regularly. Internet reliability can fluctuate, and having cloud access protects your progress.

4. Work During Off-Peak Hours

If you’re working from a café, try to arrive early or during less busy times for more reliable seating, quieter environments, and stronger Wi-Fi.

5. Get a Coworking Membership

If you’re staying for more than a week, a coworking membership can provide not just better work conditions, but also a helpful network of fellow travelers and professionals.

6. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Save the numbers for your carrier, internet provider, or accommodation tech support in case of outages or technical issues.

Navigating Colombia Is Easier Than You Think

Despite its reputation from the past, modern-day Colombia offers a reliable, digital-ready experience—especially in its largest cities. Whether you’re working remotely full-time or coming down for vacation, you should have no trouble getting connected. 

Have more questions about how to have a flawless trip? Get in contact with the team at Cielo Travel and learn how to travel with confidence. We’ll also point you in the direction of the best dining and accommodations, cultural gems, and other can’t-miss experiences.