Colombia – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Colombia, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Colombia’s assigned country code is 57. To reach a Colombian number from outside the country, you dial your international access code (typically + or 00), followed by 57, then the complete 10-digit national number. When placing calls within Colombia between landlines or from landline to mobile, you simply dial the 10-digit subscriber number directly, with no additional prefix. There is no leading zero to remove before the number, which differs from the convention used in a number of European countries — the same 10-digit number applies whether you are calling domestically or internationally after the +57 code.

A full international Colombian number contains a maximum of 12 digits: the two-digit country code (+57) followed by the national destination code, which currently consists of three digits for geographic areas (6XY). On fixed-line numbers, the digit immediately following the area code identifies the dialling zone, and every department falls within a single designated zone.

The area codes for Colombia’s most popular expat destinations are as follows:

Mobile numbers operate on a distinct prefix system from fixed lines. Each mobile operator assigns numbers within specific ranges, and mobile numbers typically begin with 3 (for example, 300, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 350). The complete 10-digit number must always be dialled in full, regardless of whether you are calling from a mobile or a landline anywhere within Colombia.

Placing international calls from a Colombian landline requires inserting a carrier-selection code after the 00 international dialling prefix, before the destination country code and subscriber number. In practice, most people calling abroad from Colombia prefer to use a mobile handset or an internet-based calling service, both of which sidestep this requirement entirely. Always confirm the current dialling procedure with your provider, as formats are subject to change.

Who are the major landline providers in Colombia, and how can you contact them?

Colombia has a number of established providers offering both fixed-line and mobile services. Claro is among the largest fixed-line operators in the country, providing telephony, broadband internet, and television packages with extensive nationwide network coverage. Claro holds approximately a 37% share of the fixed broadband market, making it the biggest single provider in that segment. Tariffs change on a regular basis, so always consult the official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

ETB (Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogotá) is a prominent fixed-line operator with a strong focus on the capital. It delivers landline telephony, broadband, and pay-television services, and has built a reputation for dependable service quality. As a state-backed company with a substantial fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) footprint in Bogotá, ETB is a compelling option for anyone relocating to the capital city.

Movistar, operating under the Telefónica group, provides ADSL/ADSL2+ coverage across 808 municipalities and FTTH networks in 69 municipalities, including Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga. The company has reported that roughly 87.1% of its subscriber base is connected through FTTH infrastructure.

Tigo-UNE is a significant fixed-line alternative, particularly in Medellín and across the wider Antioquia region, where it has deep historical roots. The combination of Tigo and UNE-EPM Telecomunicaciones produced a provider with considerable reach in Colombia’s second-largest city and its surrounding areas. Visit the official Tigo website for current plan availability and service zones.

The contact details and websites for the main fixed-line providers are set out below. Plan pricing and availability are subject to change — always verify current details directly on each provider’s official website.

For impartial guidance or to raise a complaint against any fixed-line provider, the national telecommunications regulator is the Ministerio de Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (MinTIC). Consumer protection matters and telecoms disputes also fall within the remit of the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC).

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Colombia, and how can you contact them?

Claro is Colombia’s dominant mobile operator, holding a market share exceeding 45% as of 2024. It is followed by Telefónica’s Movistar, which controls approximately 25.2% of the mobile market. In terms of active connections, America Movil’s Claro accounts for 52 million, Telefónica’s Movistar for 20.8 million, and Millicom’s Tigo for 16.7 million. Together, these three operators serve the overwhelming majority of Colombian mobile subscribers.

The three incumbent operators collectively hold around 90% of industry revenue, placing Colombia’s telecoms market in the highly concentrated category. A fourth operator, WOM, commands a smaller but notable portion of the market at roughly 5.5%, though it is currently undergoing restructuring following insolvency proceedings at its parent company. Anyone considering signing up with WOM should first verify the operator’s current service status and stability.

Mobile internet penetration reached 76% of the population in 2024, with 84.1% of all connections running on 4G technology. 5G services are also beginning to emerge: MinTIC conducted a 5G spectrum auction in December 2023, with four participants — Claro, WOM, a Tigo-Movistar joint venture, and a virtual network aggregator — collectively committing COP 1.37 trillion (approximately USD 352 million).

Across Colombia there are around 13 significant mobile operators in total. Alongside the main networks, a range of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) lease infrastructure from the major carriers to offer budget-friendly alternatives. Well-known MVNOs include Éxito Mobile (running on Tigo’s network), Uff Móvil (a budget option also on Tigo), Unefon (low-cost plans on Tigo), Edatel (on Claro, prepaid-focused), and Virgin Mobile (aimed at younger customers, also on Tigo).

Signal quality in major urban centres — Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena — is generally strong across all three main networks. The principal challenge lies in rural connectivity: while cities enjoy excellent coverage, more remote regions can suffer from patchy or absent signal, making reliable phone and internet access harder to secure outside urban areas.

For plan and pricing comparisons, always check current tariffs directly on each provider’s official website, as rates and data bundles are updated frequently. The MinTIC website also publishes consumer-facing comparative information on mobile tariffs across operators.

How do I get a landline connected in Colombia?

It is worth knowing that many Colombian properties do not have an existing fixed telephone line already in place. The country’s average telephone line density stands at around 17%, falling to approximately 10% in rural areas. This makes it important to check infrastructure availability before purchasing or renting a home. Unlike many countries where fixed-line infrastructure is near-universal, Colombia has undergone a significant shift toward mobile-first households, so confirming availability early in your property search will save time later.

The step-by-step process for arranging a new landline connection is as follows:

1. Choose your provider. Based on your location, identify which provider covers your area. Claro and Movistar have the widest geographic reach. ETB is the dominant choice in Bogotá; Tigo-UNE is strong in Medellín and Antioquia.
2. Contact the provider. Activation of a landline, as well as paying bills, can be carried out through the respective company websites or in-store at one of their branches. You can also call the customer service numbers listed above.
3. Prepare your documents. The provider will request personal details including your name, address, and identification. Foreign nationals will normally need to present their passport or, if resident, their Cédula de Extranjería (the identity card issued to registered visa holders by Migración Colombia). Proof of address — such as a utility bill or signed rental agreement — is typically required as well.
4. Pay any deposit. Providers may require a security deposit, which is ordinarily refunded upon closing the account. The specific amount depends on the provider and the plan selected; check the official website for current deposit requirements before proceeding.
5. Schedule installation. Once your account is created, the provider will dispatch a technician to install the necessary equipment at your home or business premises. Depending on the services you have subscribed to, this may include a telephone handset, modem, or router.
6. Confirm the lead time. Installation timelines vary between providers and service types. Some cases may allow same-day installation, while others could take several days. Request a confirmed appointment window when you make the booking so you can plan accordingly.

Whether you own or rent your property should not in principle affect your eligibility to apply. However, if you are a tenant, your landlord may already have an existing account or infrastructure at the property — worth clarifying before applying to avoid the cost and disruption of a duplicate installation. For the most current requirements, contact your chosen provider directly or consult the MinTIC consumer guidance pages.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Colombia?

Acquiring a mobile SIM card in Colombia is a simple process even for those who have just arrived. Prepaid SIMs are widely accessible and represent the most practical starting point for newcomers who do not yet have a permanent address or Colombian residency documentation.

Obtaining a prepaid SIM: Prepaid SIMs (known as prepago) are sold at operator stores, supermarkets, and kiosks throughout every major city. All three leading mobile operators maintain outlets in most shopping centres across Colombia, and standalone store locations are common in many neighbourhoods. SIMs are also available at major grocery retailers such as Éxito and Jumbo, as well as Homecenter home improvement stores. You will need to present your passport at the point of purchase. SIM cards are inexpensive — consult provider websites for current pricing, as rates are subject to change.

Signing up for a postpaid contract: Postpaid plans (pospago) generally call for a Colombian national ID (Cédula de Ciudadanía) or a Cédula de Extranjería — the identity document issued to visa holders who have completed their registration with Migración Colombia. Some operators may accept a passport alongside proof of address for foreign residents, but this varies by provider. For newcomers who have not yet obtained their Cédula de Extranjería, beginning on a prepaid plan is the practical route; switching to a postpaid contract once residency documentation is in hand is a straightforward process.

In contrast to many countries where any government-issued ID suffices for a postpaid account, Colombia places particular weight on locally issued identity documents. This stems from the country’s history of mobile phone-related fraud. Significant issues with stolen handsets led to unregistered phones being cut off after a set number of days. As a result, your phone’s IMEI number may need to be registered with your chosen operator — store staff can assist you with this when you purchase or activate a SIM.

Any unlocked GSM-compatible handset will function on Colombia’s mobile networks. For 4G LTE access, the best compatibility is achieved with a device that supports LTE Bands 2, 3, or 7, plus 3G bands at 850 and 1900 MHz. If you plan to use your existing handset after arriving in Colombia, it is worth verifying your device’s supported bands before you travel.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Colombia?

Monthly bills are issued to postpaid mobile subscribers and fixed-line customers on a regular billing cycle. Prepaid mobile users manage their spending by topping up credit as needed rather than receiving periodic invoices. Colombia offers a range of convenient payment methods, supported by a well-developed network of payment outlets spread across cities and towns throughout the country.

Many providers allow customers to settle their bills online, using a credit or debit card through the provider’s website. This is a flexible option that can be used from any location with an internet connection. Customers simply log in to their account on the provider’s portal and complete the payment from there.

In-person payment is also widely available, either at the provider’s own offices or at designated payment centres. Accepted methods at these locations typically include cash, cheque, and credit or debit cards. Beyond the operators’ own outlets, Colombia has an extensive network of corresponsales bancarios (banking correspondents) — small shops and pharmacies equipped with payment terminals — where telecoms and utility bills can be settled in cash. Operators such as Efecty and Baloto also operate broad payment networks that handle telecoms bill payments, making this a particularly useful option for those who do not yet hold a Colombian bank account.

Many providers additionally offer automatic payment arrangements, under which the monthly bill amount is deducted directly from the customer’s bank account or charged to a nominated credit card. This is equivalent to a direct debit setup familiar in many countries, and represents the most convenient option for residents who have established a local banking relationship.

Late payment policies differ between providers, but Colombian consumer protection law — enforced by the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) — places limits on disconnection procedures and obliges operators to give adequate advance notice before suspending service. If you dispute a charge, you have the right to submit a formal complaint (petición, queja o recurso) with your provider before any disconnection can legally take place. The SIC website carries current guidance on consumer rights in the telecoms sector.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Colombia as a newcomer?

Roaming from abroad: All major Colombian networks support international roaming, and most have reciprocal arrangements with overseas carriers. That said, roaming charges applied by your home-country operator while in Colombia can be steep. For any stay extending beyond a few days, purchasing a local prepaid SIM on arrival is almost always the more economical choice, and the process takes only a few minutes at the airport or at any operator store.

Number porting: Colombia operates a well-established mobile number portability system (portabilidad numérica), governed by MinTIC. If you change networks, you are entitled to retain your existing Colombian mobile number. The process typically requires a few business days to complete. Unlike some markets where porting concludes within a single working day, in Colombia you may experience a brief service interruption of two to three business days during the transfer. Contact your new provider to begin the process — you will need your identity document and the number you wish to bring across.

eSIM availability: eSIM technology is gradually becoming available through some of Colombia’s major operators. Claro offers eSIM activation for certain iPhone models, though users must visit a Claro store in person for setup, as eSIM profiles are linked to passport details. Movistar supports eSIM for iPhones and Samsung Galaxy S22 series devices, but this option is restricted to existing Movistar postpaid customers and is not available on prepaid plans. Overall, eSIM capability exists in Colombia but remains fairly limited. Check directly with your chosen operator for the latest compatible devices and plan requirements, as this area continues to develop.

Cross-network calling costs: Calls placed from one network to another — for example, from a Claro number to a Movistar number — can attract higher charges than calls within the same network. You will frequently see small shops, kiosks, and street vendors offering minutos (phone minutes) across several handsets, one per operator, which can work out cheaper for cross-network calls.

The “one ring” custom: In Colombia, mobile call charges fall solely on the person making the call — the person receiving it pays nothing. This creates a common practice known informally as a “one ring” call: a caller lets the phone ring once and then hangs up, waiting for the other person to call back at their own expense. This habit is particularly widespread among prepaid users with limited credit remaining. If a Colombian contact does this to you, it is a widely understood signal that they would like you to return the call.

Urban vs rural service quality: Any of the big three networks — Claro, Movistar, and Tigo — will deliver reliable service in large cities and along main road corridors. However, if you are moving to a rural location or a smaller town, coverage can be inconsistent and varies considerably between operators. Review each operator’s coverage maps on their official websites, and seek advice from people already living in your specific area, as local knowledge is often the most reliable indicator of which network performs best there.

5G rollout: Following the MinTIC spectrum auction in December 2023, Colombia’s four main operators received clearance to launch commercial 5G services from February 2024. Coverage at present is primarily concentrated in major cities, with broader national rollout continuing. For everyday purposes, 4G LTE — accounting for 84% of connections as of 2024 — continues to be the predominant network technology across urban Colombia.

Keeping a foreign number: It is not possible to port a foreign number into a Colombian network. If you need to maintain a number from another country for professional or personal reasons, a dual-SIM handset allows you to run both your foreign SIM and a Colombian SIM concurrently. VoIP services are another option, providing you with a virtual number in your home country that routes through to your Colombian mobile.

Frequently asked questions about telephone services in Colombia

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Colombia?

No — Colombia’s number portability framework applies exclusively to numbers already registered on Colombian networks. Transferring a foreign number into a Colombian operator’s system is not possible. If holding on to a foreign number matters to you — for instance, for business contacts back home — a dual-SIM handset lets you run both your foreign SIM and a local Colombian SIM side by side. VoIP services offer yet another route, providing a virtual number in your home country that rings through to your Colombian mobile.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Colombia?

For a prepaid SIM, no local address is needed — a valid passport is the only document required. For a postpaid contract, providers typically ask for both an identity document (ideally a Cédula de Extranjería for residents) and evidence of a Colombian address. If you have only just arrived and have not yet secured a permanent address, starting on a prepaid plan and moving to postpaid once you are settled is the straightforward approach.

Can tourists buy a SIM card in Colombia?

Yes. Tourists can purchase prepaid SIMs without any residency requirement — a passport is sufficient identification. SIMs are available at the airport upon arrival, at operator stores throughout cities, and at many supermarkets and retail kiosks. The purchase process is fast and the cost is low.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in Colombia?

Claro is Colombia’s leading mobile operator with over 45% market share as of 2024, and it generally provides the most extensive geographic coverage, especially in rural and remote parts of the country. Movistar and Tigo both perform strongly in urban centres. For the most accurate picture, consult each operator’s coverage map on their official website, and speak to people already living in your specific area for on-the-ground insight.

Is 5G available in Colombia?

Colombia’s MinTIC conducted a 5G spectrum auction in December 2023, and operators received authorisation to offer commercial 5G services from February 2024. At present, 5G coverage is concentrated in the main urban centres such as Bogotá and Medellín. For the majority of everyday users, 4G LTE — which accounts for 84% of all connections as of 2024 — remains the main network technology in active use.

How do I top up a prepaid mobile in Colombia?

Prepaid credit (known as recargas) can be added through your operator’s official app, via the operator’s website using a payment card, at bank ATMs, at Efecty and Baloto payment points located throughout cities and towns, and at many small shops and supermarket kiosks. Top-up denominations are flexible and can be as low as a few thousand Colombian pesos, allowing you to manage your spending easily.

What is the telecoms regulator in Colombia, and what can they do for me?

The principal regulatory authority is the Ministerio de Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (MinTIC), which is responsible for licensing, spectrum management, and consumer regulation across the telecoms sector. All providers are required to operate within the rules and standards MinTIC sets. For individual consumer complaints — such as billing disputes or unjustified service disconnection — the appropriate body to approach is the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC).

Are MVNOs a good option for expats in Colombia?

MVNOs are smaller operators that lease network capacity from the major carriers in order to offer more affordable mobile and data packages. For cost-conscious expats, they can be an attractive choice, frequently undercutting the big operators on price while relying on the same underlying physical infrastructure. The trade-off is that their customer service operations may be more limited, and postpaid contract options can be narrower than those of the main networks. Carefully compare plans using each MVNO’s official website before making a commitment.