Where to Buy SIM Card at Bogota Airport

Bogota International Airport, also known as El Dorado International Airport, is the main international airport serving the Colombian capital city Bogota and surrounding areas. It’s a major hub for both domestic and international flights within Colombia and Latin America. If you’re traveling to Bogota, getting a local SIM card for your phone is highly recommended so you can have constant data and connectivity during your trip. Here’s what you need to know about buying a SIM card at Bogota airport.

I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Bogota Airport

There are a few options for purchasing SIM cards once you arrive at Bogota’s airport:

1. Inside the Main Terminal

• Movistar Store – This is one of the main phone carrier stores located past security check, before you reach the main terminal lobby. Movistar has good coverage in Colombia. A tourist SIM card with 1GB data costs around 30,000 COP ($7 USD).
• Tigo Store – Another carrier store located near the Movistar shop. Tigo also has solid coverage and a prepaid tourist SIM will cost about the same as Movistar.
• Claro Store – Claro is a third major provider in Colombia with store locations inside the Bogota airport. Their prepaid SIM prices and data packages are comparable to other carriers.

2. Inside Departures Area

There are additional carrier shops like Movistar, Claro and Tigo once you pass through security and enter the departures area. Here you can buy a SIM card at Bogota airport right before your flight.

3. Airport Kiosks

Some independent kiosks and stores around the terminal building also sell prepaid SIM cards from various providers. Shop around for best prices.

II. SIM Card at Bogota Airport – Options and Costs

Here are some of the main SIM card options you’ll find at Bogota airport:

1. Prepaid SIM Cards

The standard prepaid SIM card from major providers like Claro, Movistar and Tigo will cost around 30,000 to 50,000 COP ($7 – $12 USD). This usually includes some initial data, between 500MB to 2GB. You can then recharge with additional data packs.

2. Tourist SIM Cards

Some carriers offer tourist SIMs aimed at travelers, which include lots of data – usually 1 to 2 GB. These cost around 30,000 to 40,000 COP ($8-10 USD). Some also provide unlimited calling to certain countries like the US, Canada or Europe.

3. Unlimited Data SIMs

You can find SIMs that provide unlimited data for a daily rate, usually around 20,000 COP ($5 USD) per day. This can be convenient if you’ll be using lots of data. Be aware that speed may be throttled after a certain usage each day.

4. eSIM

Bogota airport does not currently offer eSIM activation. eSIM allows you to digitally install a data plan without needing a physical SIM card. You would need to arrange an eSIM before arrival or at your hotel.

III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Bogota Airport

Unlocked Phone

Your phone must be unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card. Contact your home carrier to request an unlock before traveling.

Passport

When buying a SIM card at Bogota airport, you need to show your passport for registration and ID purposes.

Pesos (COP)

Have some Colombian Pesos (COP) on hand to pay for your SIM card. There are ATMs and money exchanges at the airport arrivals area.

Space SIM Card

Make sure you have space for the nano or micro SIM card if your phone does not use eSIM technology. Bring a SIM eject tool to switch out cards.

Activate SIM

When you insert your new SIM, you may need to manually select it as your active SIM and reboot your phone. Follow the instructions provided with the SIM.

Set APN

Depending on your phone, you may need to manually enter the carrier’s APN settings to connect to mobile data. Ask for APN details when you purchase your SIM.

IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Bogota Airport

If you have a phone that supports eSIM technology, you can setup a data plan digitally without needing to install a physical SIM card. Here are some options:

Local eSIM Providers

Colombia providers like Movistar, Claro and Tigo do offer eSIM service. However, this is not currently available for activation at the Bogota airport. You would need to setup locally after arrival.

The benefit of eSIM is avoiding the need to find a SIM provider at the airport. But local SIM cards offer more data for less, so it depends on your needs.

Purchase eSIM Before Arrival

Buying eSIM from international provider like colombiaesim.com by GIGAGO a few days before your trip ensures you can easily set up the digital SIM before leaving home.

Our digital SIM card allows you to enjoy up to 5GB of high-speed 4G/LTE data valid for 3 to 30 days, all from the convenience of your existing phone number. Simply purchase the plan online, then scan the provided QR code to auto-install the eSIM – no need to switch physical cards.

You’ll get coverage throughout Colombia on Telefonica/Claro’s fast and reliable network. Use your data to navigate cities, check maps, message friends and stream music or videos without wireless charges holding you back from exploring.

Hotspot and tethering are also allowed, perfect for keeping other devices in your group connected. If you need more gigabytes, additional data bundles can be purchased anytime before expiry.

Customer service is always a chat or email away to help with setup or answer any other questions. Start enjoying affordable connectivity in Colombia today! Order the colombiaesim.com‘s plan now and we’ll deliver setup details within minutes for your upcoming travel dates. Stay in digital touch during your trip without roaming restrictions.

V. FAQs

VI. Final Words

Getting a local prepaid SIM card or eSIM plan for your phone should be a top priority when arriving at Bogota’s international airport. The major Colombian carriers all offer affordable data packages for tourists. Just look for the provider shops once you exit the plane to buy your SIM, swap it into your phone, and stay connected through your Bogota trip. Don’t forget to have your passport ready for purchase. Enjoy your time in Colombia!