International tourism in Colombia continues to thrive, with the latest data from 2024 showing a remarkable surge in visitor numbers. According to reliable sources such as ProColombia and Statista, the country welcomed over 6.5 million non-resident visitors in 2023, marking a 25% increase compared to 2022. This growth trajectory is expected to continue in 2024, driven by strategic initiatives and improved air connectivity.

A significant development in 2024 is the expansion of Qatar Airways in Latin America, with the airline enhancing its operations by introducing additional flights between Doha’s Hamad International Airport and Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport. This move is anticipated to further boost tourism by facilitating easier access for international travelers.

Colombia’s digital nomad visa, introduced in 2022, remains a key driver of tourism growth. By 2024, cities like Medellín are attracting approximately 9,000 digital nomads monthly, according to Migration Colombia. This influx has not only diversified the tourism sector but also contributed significantly to local economies through increased spending on accommodation, coworking spaces, and services.

The rise in international visitors has led to substantial economic benefits, including higher tourism revenues and job creation. However, challenges such as infrastructure limitations and connectivity gaps persist. Addressing these issues is crucial to fully harnessing the economic potential of tourism and ensuring sustainable growth.

Whether visiting Colombia for work, leisure, or a blend of both, one thing is clear: Mobile connectivity remains essential for travelers in 2025. Reliable internet access and seamless communication are no longer luxuries but necessities for modern travel.

The need for eSIMs and mobile connectivity in Colombia 

Roaming charges when abroad can add to the cost of a trip significantly. While savvy travelers used to rely on local SIM cards, many of them have switched to a more modern and convenient solution in the form of eSIMs.

These are essentially online, digital SIM cards. This means visitors to Colombia no longer need to waste time looking for a store or worry about losing their original SIM card while on the road.

Although Colombia has a wide range of reliable local service providers such as Claro, Movistar, and Tigo, taking out a local data plan can be time-consuming and complicated for international visitors.

Further, while WiFi is reliable within Colombia’s cities and urban areas, this isn’t the case in rural areas where mobile connectivity is essential. This is a particular challenge for the digital nomad community, which needs reliable internet access at all times.

Here, eSIMs mean that digital nomads can tether to mobile data when working from the beach or in a remote town. It also offers a more reliable alternative to public WiFi networks in places like Medellin or Bogota, keeping tourists connected as they explore the sights of the city.

eSIMs offer ultimate choice and flexibility. For example, Google Maps uses 5 MB per hour; social media: 50MB per hour; internet browsing: 50MB per hour; streaming music: 100 MB per hour; and SD video: 1 GB per hour.

These guidelines allow users to pick the ideal data package that aligns with the activities and duration of the visit. This means that tourists aren’t locked into long-term contracts and digital nomads can easily switch their packages when heading to a new destination.

Sim Local: the global eSIM provider 

The Bogota Post has named Sim Local its #1 eSIM provider in Colombia based on its quality of service, customer feedback, and reputation in the market, including the company’s strong partnerships with local telecom providers in the country.

Sim Local is the leading global eSIM provider, and, having been founded in 2011, the company was one of the first movers in this fast-growing market.

Having helped more than 3.5 million connections, the London and Dublin-based company remains one of the most popular. Sim Local is a top choice for travelers seeking affordable eSIM options, available in more than 150 countries.

Sim Local plans are tailored to suit any journey—from fast, reliable, single-country coverage to multi-destination plans that automatically connect tourists to the best local networks as they cross borders, all at some of the most affordable prices on the market.

For Colombia, the availability of Sim Local and its eSIM offering means that the rising number of international travelers can enjoy uninterrupted mobile connectivity from the moment they touch down and throughout their stay.