Internet access in Colombia
Can anyone tell me what would be the easiest and cheapest way to access the internet? How common are HotSpots (biggest cities or towns) ? Can I rely on it or would be easier to buy 'pay and go' SIM card ? I am not going to use it for any social network or anything like that (except of SE Travel :) ). Google maps, general googling and highly possible online banking (from time to time) would be mostly used.
Best Answer
I can now share my experience... There was no need to buy any local SIM cards as WiFi is almost everywhere: hotels, hostels, B&Bs, restaurants and buses (long distance ones). Just to remind you, be sure your mobile is fully charged and definitely have power bank handy (especially on the bus).
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How many people have access to the Internet in Colombia?
There were 34.73 million internet users in Colombia in January 2021. The number of internet users in Colombia increased by 1.3 million (+4.0%) between 2020 and 2021. Internet penetration in Colombia stood at 68.0% in January 2021.Is the Internet fast in Colombia?
The average download speed of broadband internet in Colombia has been on the rise in the last years. From May 2018 to May 2019, broadband internet in Colombia averaged a download speed of 3.48 Megabits per second (Mbps), up from 2.12 Mbps recorded between June 2016 and May 2017.How does internet work in Colombia?
The main broadband internet service providers in Colombia are Claro and Movistar. Both companies offer different types of internet plans. Based on your usage requirements, you can choose speeds anywhere between 1MB to 50MB.How much does internet cost in Colombia?
Colombia's fastest fixed-line broadband internet is some of the most expensive in the world. Consumers in the third-largest South American telecom market pay more than $160 a month for the speediest internet access, according to an OECD analysis of connections faster than 15 megabits per second (Mbps).GETTING INTERNET IN COLOMBIA
More answers regarding internet access in Colombia
Answer 2
Just buy a colombian prepaid simcard. Major carriers (Claro, Movistar or Tigo). I have used Movistar and Tigo, and I could recommend movistar. It has LTE, and the coverage and signal strength are good.
Movistar offers 7 (US $4.50) and 30 days plans (US $ 13), so is the cheaper and most convenient option here.
Answer 3
In the major cities, Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena etc you will find lots of free hotspot places like restaurants, pubs and bars. Even if you don't see hotspot advertised then feel free to ask the waiter for the logon details. Unlike in other countries most hotspots don't require any online registration, simply select the network and add the password for immediate unlimited access. If you are planning to travel about or want internet access in the street then a prepaid sim is your best bet, these are not locked so should be available to use on any cell phone. Again rural areas might suffer from weak mobile signal and hence poor internet but in most towns and cities you will get good coverage. I would recommend Claro and Movistar as the best providers.
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