Using an iPhone 12 in Colombia: eSIM Setup & Internet Guide
🇨🇴 iPhone 12 works in Colombia
- ✓ Fully compatible with Claro Colombia, Movistar Colombia, Tigo, WOM
- ✓ eSIM installs in 2 minutes — no SIM swap needed
- ✓ Supports 1 active eSIM — keep your home SIM active
Recommended eSIM Plans for Colombia
See all plans →🌍 Global - 0.4883GB / 3 Days
Asialink
0.4883 GB · 3 days
🌍 Global - 0.1953GB / 30 Days
Discover
0.1953 GB · 30 days
🌍 Global - 1.0GB / 5 Days
Discover
1 GB · 5 days
🌍 Global - 0.4883GB / 3 Days
Eurolink
0.4883 GB · 3 days
Prices shown for Free tier. Pro members save 7%, Premium save 12%.
Ask AI: Which Colombia Plan Works Best for iPhone 12?
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iPhone 12 compatibility in Colombia
Network band compatibility
iPhone 12 supports LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66. B19 support covers Japan NTT Docomo. Broad global coverage across all major regions.
SIM configuration
iPhone 12 has a nano-SIM slot plus one eSIM. One active eSIM at a time. Physical nano-SIM required for voice in dual-SIM mode. Sold in all markets with a physical SIM tray.
Active eSIMs
1
Stored profiles
Up to 5
Physical SIM
Yes
Carrier lock risk
None
How to install your Colombia eSIM on iPhone 12
Complete these steps at home over Wi-Fi before your flight. Takes 2–3 minutes.
- 1
Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
- 2
Tap "Use QR Code" and scan the QR code from your LTE.app order
- 3
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete eSIM setup
- 4
Label the new plan (e.g., "Travel Data") for easy switching
- 5
Set the new eSIM as your primary data plan when you arrive
- 6
After landing in Colombia, go to Settings and switch on your LTE.app eSIM line. Your phone connects to Claro Colombia, Movistar Colombia, Tigo, WOM automatically.
What happens when you land in Colombia
- 1
Install your eSIM on iPhone 12 before your trip
Scan the QR code from your LTE.app order at home over Wi-Fi. Takes 2–3 minutes. Your home SIM stays active and untouched throughout.
- 2
Land at El Dorado International Airport
After your flight, disable Airplane Mode. Open Settings → Cellular and enable your LTE.app eSIM line.
- 3
Connect to Claro Colombia, Movistar Colombia, Tigo, WOM
Your iPhone 12 automatically connects to Colombia's LTE network. Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali have excellent LTE. Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero), Tayrona National Park (main trails), and Villa de Leyva have LTE in town centres. Amazon (Leticia) and remote Pacific coast have very limited coverage.
- 4
Maps, messaging, and apps work immediately
Navigation, translation, ride-hailing, and messaging apps all work the moment you exit the arrivals hall — no queuing, no SIM swap.
Roaming vs eSIM in Colombia: cost comparison
Roaming your home carrier in Colombia costs significantly more than a local eSIM.
US and EU carriers charge $10–15/day for Colombia roaming. Local data is affordable.
Claro tourist SIM cards from BOG airport cost $4–12 for good data packages. An LTE.app Colombia eSIM installs at home and activates on landing — faster than the BOG airport SIM queue.
LTE coverage in Colombia for iPhone 12 users
Colombia uses LTE bands 2, 4, 5, 7, and 28. Claro Colombia and Movistar Colombia lead, with Tigo and WOM competing.
Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali have excellent LTE. Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero), Tayrona National Park (main trails), and Villa de Leyva have LTE in town centres. Amazon (Leticia) and remote Pacific coast have very limited coverage.
Frequently asked questions — iPhone 12 in Colombia
Is the iPhone 12 compatible with Colombia's mobile network?
Yes. iPhone 12 supports LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66. B19 support covers Japan NTT Docomo. Broad global coverage across all major regions. Colombia uses LTE Colombia uses LTE bands 2, 4, 5 — all supported by the iPhone 12.
Can I keep my home SIM active while using a Colombia eSIM on my iPhone 12?
Yes. The iPhone 12 supports nano-SIM + eSIM. Your physical SIM stays active for calls. Set the LTE.app Colombia eSIM as your data line in Settings → Cellular (iOS) or SIM Manager (Android).
When should I install the Colombia eSIM on my iPhone 12?
Install it at home over Wi-Fi before your flight. The process takes 2–3 minutes using the QR code from your LTE.app order. Colombia requires the eSIM to be installed before arrival in some cases — never wait until you land. El Dorado International Airport has free Wi-Fi if you forget, but pre-install is strongly recommended.
How many eSIM profiles can I store on my iPhone 12?
The iPhone 12 can store up to 5 eSIM profiles, with 1 active at once. You can buy and install eSIMs for multiple countries in advance and switch between them without deleting old ones.
Other devices in Colombia
More Colombia resources
Ready to use an iPhone 12 in Colombia?
Install your eSIM before your flight. Works the moment you land at El Dorado International Airport.
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