Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
In our increasingly connected world, maintaining strong bonds with loved ones while living abroad has become easier, yet more essential than ever.
From Colombia, a land rich in culture and history, modern communication methods offer numerous possibilities for staying in touch with those we care about. Through various applications and platforms, it becomes not only possible to share daily moments but also to organize virtual meetings and celebrate important events together.
Discover in this article how to leverage these tools to strengthen your relationships and make distance just a variable in the family equation.
Best Internet Options in Colombia
The main Internet service providers in Colombia in 2023 are Claro, Movistar, and Tigo, controlling nearly 90% of the national market. Other players like WOM and various MVNOs exist, but coverage and reliability remain dominated by the three leaders.
| Provider | Available Connection Types | Geographic Coverage | 4G/5G | Fiber/ADSL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claro | Fiber, ADSL, 4G, 5G | National, strong rural and urban presence | Yes | Fiber/ADSL in major cities |
| Movistar | Fiber, ADSL, 4G, 5G | Primarily urban, expanding rural | Yes | Fiber/ADSL in major cities |
| Tigo | Fiber, ADSL, 4G, 5G | Urban, continuous rural expansion | Yes | Fiber/ADSL in major cities |
| WOM | 4G, (5G in deployment) | Limited coverage, mainly urban | 4G | No |
Average Connection Speed (Mobile, 2023–2024)
- Claro: 13.4 Mbps (download), 9.0 Mbps (upload)
- Tigo: 10.9 Mbps (download), 9.0 Mbps (upload)
- Movistar: 10.0 Mbps (download), 9.2 Mbps (upload)
- WOM: 9.8 Mbps (download), 9.7 Mbps (upload)
Reliability and Cost
Claro offers the widest coverage, especially in rural areas, and recognized reliability, but its rates are often slightly higher.
Movistar and Tigo offer good performance in cities, with competitive prices and varied plans.
WOM provides attractive prices, but coverage remains lower, especially outside major urban areas.
Options for Short Stays
- Prepaid SIM cards available at airports, official stores, malls, and local retailers.
- Mobile internet top-ups starting from 5,000 COP, adaptable to stay duration.
- MVNOs like Virgin Mobile or Éxito Mobile offer economical and easily rechargeable plans.
Regional Aspects Influencing Choice
Urban areas: All providers offer fiber and 5G, with competitive offers.
Rural areas: Claro remains the preferred choice due to its extensive coverage and stability on the 4G network.
Speeds can vary significantly by region; it’s advisable to check specific coverage via tools like nPerf or Opensignal before subscribing.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Best Internet Option
- Determine if you need a fixed (home) or mobile (travel, short stay) connection.
- Prioritize Claro for rural coverage or if reliability is a priority.
- Choose Movistar or Tigo if you reside or stay in a major city and seek a competitive offer.
- Compare prepaid plans for short stays, especially those from MVNOs that may offer economical solutions.
- Seek advice at an official store for plan activation and setup.
A reliable Internet connection is essential for staying in touch with loved ones abroad, ensuring professional continuity (remote work, video calls), accessing banking or administrative services, and guaranteeing safety while traveling.
Tip: For short stays, a prepaid SIM card purchased at the airport or an official store is the simplest solution, allowing immediate access to 4G/5G connection across the provider’s coverage area.
Good to Know:
In Colombia, Claro, Movistar, and Tigo offer fiber and ADSL connections, with Claro dominating urban areas and Movistar offering better rural coverage; for a short stay, consider mobile plan top-ups with reliable 4G/5G coverage to keep in touch with your loved ones.
Essential Communication Apps in Colombia
Most Popular Messaging and Calling Apps in Colombia:
| App | Popularity | Main Advantages | Network Accessibility | Common Uses in Colombia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very High | Free, voice/video calls, groups, WhatsApp Pay, end-to-end encryption, intuitive interface | Works on 3G/4G/5G, Wi-Fi, low data consumption | Personal and professional communication, family groups, online sales, file sharing, mobile payments, technical support | |
| Facebook Messenger | High | Facebook integration, audio/video calls, stickers, voice messages, media sharing | 3G/4G/5G, Wi-Fi, optimized use with Facebook | Exchanges among friends, families, notifications, quick contacts for Facebook users |
| Telegram | Medium to High | Security, large file sharing (up to 2 GB), large groups, bots, news channels, optional encryption | 3G/4G/5G, Wi-Fi, good optimization for variable connections | Professional groups, secure sharing, automation, news, communities, private exchanges |
Video Conferencing Platforms (Remote Video Calls):
- Zoom
- Google Meet
Advantages:
- High-quality video calls, suitable for family, professional, and school meetings.
- Work well even with average connections; optimization options for low bandwidth.
- Frequent use to bridge significant geographical distances, especially in rural areas or between cities.
Practical Tips to Maximize Connectivity:
- Prefer stable Wi-Fi networks in public spaces (cafes, libraries) or use 4G/5G in major cities.
- Use a VPN to secure communications, especially on public networks or to protect privacy. Choose a reliable VPN, ideally with servers in or near Colombia for better speed.
- Check app compatibility with local plans: most Colombian operators offer data plans that include unlimited access to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, limiting data consumption.
- Monitor data usage for video calls; prioritize optimized platforms or reduced quality options to save bandwidth.
Suitable Mobile Data Subscription Options:
- Prepaid or postpaid plans with dedicated data for WhatsApp and Messenger, very common with Claro, Movistar, and Tigo.
- Specific data packs for Zoom or Google Meet access, sometimes included in professional or student offers.
- Option to purchase one-time data top-ups for temporary needs (e.g., important meetings).
Summary of Local Usage:
Residents primarily use WhatsApp to stay in touch with loved ones, organize family groups, send photos/videos, share news, and even make payments or purchases via WhatsApp Pay.
Facebook Messenger is favored by very active Facebook users, especially for quick contacts and multimedia content exchange.
Telegram appeals to users seeking security, large file sharing, advanced group management, and access to specialized news channels.
For long-distance video calls, Zoom and Google Meet are the most common solutions, used for work, education, and family exchanges alike.
Important Tip: For an optimal experience, combine a local data plan including WhatsApp with a reliable VPN and prioritize video calls over Wi-Fi when possible.
Good to Know:
WhatsApp is the most used messaging app in Colombia, offering excellent accessibility with local networks, while Telegram stands out for its advanced security options, ideal with a VPN to secure your communications. For video calls, prioritize Zoom or Google Meet platforms, and complement with a local data plan to optimize your network connection.
Practical Tips for Successful International Calls
Recommended Apps and Services for International Calls from Colombia
- Yolla: Excellent audio quality, very competitive rates (from $0.04/min to mobiles), user-friendly interface, no hidden fees, call history, number displayed abroad, non-expiring balance, 24/7 support, free credits available.
- Mytello: High-quality VoIP calls, up to 90% savings, works on mobile/landline, no commitment, local access numbers, alternative to Skype.
- Viber: Free calls between users, end-to-end encryption, paid calls via Viber Out to landlines and mobiles, secure messaging.
- Rebtel: Calls via local lines without needing Internet, crystal-clear sound quality, attractive rates (2.9¢/min), ideal if internet connection is unstable.
- Talk360: Cheap international calls to any number, existing number retained, usable offline.
| App | Audio Quality | Rates | Internet Required | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yolla | Very Good | From $0.04/min | Yes | Non-expiring balance, number retained |
| Mytello | High | Up to -90% | Yes/No | Local numbers, flexible |
| Viber | Good | Free/Viber Out | Yes | Encryption, free calls |
| Rebtel | Crystal Clear | 2.9¢/min | No | Calls without Internet |
| Talk360 | Good | Competitive | No | Offline calls |
Tips for Managing Time Zone Differences
- Check the time zone of your contact’s country before scheduling a call.
- Prioritize “overlapping” slots: morning in Colombia ↔ afternoon in Europe, or late afternoon in Colombia ↔ evening in Asia.
- Use tools like Google Calendar or World Time Buddy to visualize local times.
- Schedule reminder messages or automatic invitations.
Checking Internet Connection Stability
- Test network speed before each call (speed test services).
- Prefer a stable Wi-Fi connection over mobile data to avoid dropouts.
- Close other bandwidth-heavy applications during the call.
Recommendations for Saving on Costs
- Use VoIP numbers, often offered by Yolla, Mytello, or Rebtel, to reduce rates.
- Opt for unlimited monthly subscriptions if you frequently call the same country.
- Take advantage of free credit offers or seasonal promotions.
- Compare rates before each call via the chosen app.
Tips to Personalize and Enhance Call Experience
- Use virtual backgrounds or video filters to liven up calls (feature available on Viber or Zoom).
- Send a personalized message before the call (brief introduction, anecdote, photo).
- Schedule reminders for important dates or send audio greetings via the app.
- Prepare a conversation topic or surprise to strengthen the bond during recurring calls.
Anecdotes and Testimonials from Expats Living in Colombia
A French expat shares:
“From Bogotá, I use Yolla to call my family in France. The quality is amazing, even during the rainy season when Wi-Fi can be spotty. I’ve saved over 70% on my phone bills compared to my previous mobile carrier.”
Testimonial from a Spanish expat:
“I’ve gotten into the habit of sending a quick WhatsApp message before each call to check if the timing is good. It avoids calling at 3 AM in Madrid!”
A Colombian user expatriated in the United States:
“With Rebtel, I can call my parents without Internet, which is very handy when I travel to rural areas. We’ve even personalized our calls with family backgrounds for birthdays.”
List of Best Practices for International Calls
- Check the time zone before scheduling a call.
- Test the Internet connection or use Rebtel if the network is unstable.
- Compare app rates and choose the offer best suited to your calling frequency.
- Personalize calls with messages, backgrounds, or reminders of important events.
- Have a backup plan in case of disconnection (recontact via SMS or WhatsApp).
Good to Know:
WhatsApp and Telegram are recommended for their quality audio calls and attractive rates; remember to account for the time difference and always check your Internet connection before making a call.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
