Using cellphones in Colombia

[Member #4287]

Ok I asked these questions previously but I think its warranted to ask if buying a Iphone 6 I should buy one for like tmoble because they are sim free / unlocked correct? No sprint and other than that should be good to go correct?

You are correct to buy a t-mobile phone but they use a sim just like all Colombian cell phones.

When I bought mine it took a month to get it unlocked. They wouldn't do it immediately for some reason. Don't know how they handle things now but I would buy one at least a month before my trip just to make sure.

I actually carry two phones now because t-mobile has free international data (3 G) and I use my blackberry to make local cell calls.

[SlamCity7777]

Ok I asked these questions previously but I think its warranted to ask if buying a Iphone 6 I should buy one for like tmoble because they are sim free / unlocked correct? No sprint and other than that should be good to go correct?

[AnalPerp]

It is obvious to most but for those doing this for the first time, unlocked phone is a must.

I highly recommend a smart phone so you can buy a data plan and use it for GPS, texts, Facebook and translation app in case you're in a bind.

Where? I don't if there is a Kiosk at the airport. My regular place used to be the supermarket in Parque Lleras across from Mondongo's restaurant. They no longer sell SIM cards. Best and friendliest is a phone shop in the middle of the block on the east of Parque Poblado. As you walk down the hill on Calle 10 (going west) turn left on Avenida Poblado (turn south). This is the main drag and if you cross it you will be in Parque Poblado. Don't cross.

The cell phone shop is next to a small restaurant with excellent Colombian food. If you buy a meal ($5 USD) they will give you access to their WIFi which you might need to activate your smartphone. (I have an unlocked iPhone and it needed access to my iTunes account)...

Thank you! I'll report as much as possible with pictures.

[Vitrea]

Americans are the only cell users that don't use the many apps available.

Whatsapp, Line, Viber to name a few.

Very true but that is because most Americans do not call outside USA and most have inexpensive data plans. It is changing though as companies are moving away from unlimited data to more expensive data plans.

[Vitrea]

My current phone cannot be unlocked. Planning to buy a new cheap one. Should I do it in the US or Colombia? Thanks.

I highly recommend buying in US. Most phones are more expensive in Colombia. Buy a quad band GSM unlocked smartphone phone. See my previous post on why a smartphone.

[AnalPerp]

I use chronicunlocks.com to factory unlock my phones that are in contact. Try him, I think it was $60 but sometimes there is a sale. I've used him twice with success.

My current phone cannot be unlocked. Planning to buy a new cheap one. Should I do it in the US or Colombia? Thanks.

[Maddur]

My current phone cannot be unlocked. Planning to buy a new cheap one. Should I do it in the US or Colombia? Thanks.

[Vitrea]

It is obvious to most but for those doing this for the first time, unlocked phone is a must.

I highly recommend a smart phone so you can buy a data plan and use it for GPS, texts, Facebook and translation app in case you're in a bind.

Where? I don't if there is a Kiosk at the airport. My regular place used to be the supermarket in Parque Lleras across from Mondongo's restaurant. They no longer sell SIM cards. Best and friendliest is a phone shop in the middle of the block on the east of Parque Poblado. As you walk down the hill on Calle 10 (going west) turn left on Avenida Poblado (turn south). This is the main drag and if you cross it you will be in Parque Poblado. Don't cross.

The cell phone shop is next to a small restaurant with excellent Colombian food. If you buy a meal ($5 USD) they will give you access to their WIFi which you might need to activate your smartphone. (I have an unlocked iPhone and it needed access to my iTunes account).

They have data plans that are for 1,2 or 4 weeks. They have other pay as you go plans but the time limited ones are most cost effective for folks that don't live there. I travel frequently so I used to buy pay as you go plans also but those expire due to prolonged inactivity and the number also goes out of service if it is inactive for a while. I heard more positive things about Claro data as opposed to Tigo so I get Claro and I am happy with it.

Once you get the SIM activated with data plan, it has zero credit to make phone calls so you need to put money for phone calls. All takes a maximum of 30 minutes and you can do this while eating lunch and having a beer. If you go through the phone shop you enter a covered sitting common area for all the shops and that is where you can eat lunch. Just to give an example of how nice these Colombians are, the phone lady did not accept money from me till my card was activated and phone was working.

Ask if you have any other questions.

Looks like you have a long trip ahead of you. Please post about your experiences.

[AnalPerp]

Where is the best place to get a SIM in Medellin? My phone is already unlocked, I'm just looking for a prepaid plan. Is there a booth in the Medellin airport? Which carrier has good data? I'm planning to travel around the whole country. I'll be staying in Pablado so anywhere close would be good.

[Mdoro]

Most are on whatsapp and facebook. Nobody wastes money on texting anymore.

Americans are the only cell users that don't use the many apps available.

Whatsapp, Line, Viber to name a few.

[Hioctane]

I'm flying into Medellin tomorrow and can't unlock my phone due to an existing AT&T contract. I got an international unlimited text / $1 minute / 120 MB data plan through AT&T just in case, but now I'm thinking it won't help me communicate with the girls in Colombia because they still have to text my USA Based number and I'm guessing it will cost them.

How do you guys set up appointments with the chicas from the strip clubs / casas? Are they on WhatsApp?

Most are on whatsapp and facebook. Nobody wastes money on texting anymore.

[SlamCity7777]

My suggestion is to buy an inexpensive unlocked cell phone from establishments like amazon, best buy, etc. Once you arrive at your destination purchase a sim card.

Since you are already in Medellin, suggest you purchase an inexpensive throw away cell phone. It will save you mucho dinero.

Think about buying a cheap burner for local calls, texts, and basic internet. It should be unlocked naturally so you can use it with new sims in other countries. This is especially a good idea if you plan on coming to Colombia or SA in general a bunch. Also better to lose a burner in a cab or get stolen vs you new Iphone 6000; you know what I mean?

If you want to stick with your phone FB messenger and usually Whats app is usually fine. I do like the direct old fashioned call as well.

[Shamester]

I'm flying into Medellin tomorrow and can't unlock my phone due to an existing AT&T contract. I got an international unlimited text / $1 minute / 120 MB data plan through AT&T just in case, but now I'm thinking it won't help me communicate with the girls in Colombia because they still have to text my USA Based number and I'm guessing it will cost them.

How do you guys set up appointments with the chicas from the strip clubs / casas? Are they on WhatsApp?

My suggestion is to buy an inexpensive unlocked cell phone from establishments like amazon, best buy, etc. Once you arrive at your destination purchase a sim card.

Since you are already in Medellin, suggest you purchase an inexpensive throw away cell phone. It will save you mucho dinero.

[ResetButton]

I'm flying into Medellin tomorrow and can't unlock my phone due to an existing AT&T contract. I got an international unlimited text / $1 minute / 120 MB data plan through AT&T just in case, but now I'm thinking it won't help me communicate with the girls in Colombia because they still have to text my USA Based number and I'm guessing it will cost them.

How do you guys set up appointments with the chicas from the strip clubs / casas? Are they on WhatsApp?

[Rewsna]

I'm using a Samsung Galaxy S4 unlocked. Didn't need any programs like magicjack. Just bought a new SIM card from Claro, inputted the code for internet, and they had to manually input an Access Point in my settings for the internet (or else it wouldn't work). The girl in the kiosk couldn't figure it out so I took a taxi to an official Claro store so a worker could input it in the settings. All my apps work fine.

For anyone who needs the settings:

Name: WEB Comcel 3 GSM.

APN: internet.com cel.com.co.

Username: COMCELWEB.

MCC: 732

MNC: 101

Thanks for this. I down loaded majickack and a few other items I think will be cool to have.

I have a question about the relationship between apps and the phone number / accounts that you have on your phone. Now when you sync you phone to the new sim card do you have to have all new accounts to whatsapp, wickr, majicjack, or anything that you have to be verified by your phone number?

Also if I import all my colombian contacts do I have to erase them from the phone from my trip or will my normal contacts be on my sim card? Is that question clear?