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HelloRoam eSIM for Medellin starts at NZ$5.80 across 199+ carrier networks. Scan a QR code to activate in under two minutes on any eSIM compatible phone. Your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees mobile number stays active. Unactivated eSIMs qualify for a 180-day refund, and 24/7 live support is included.
210+
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eSIM Medellin data plans from HelloRoam
Sorted for less: eSIM plans for Medellin start from NZ$5.80, with local 4G LTE and 5G mobile data on trusted carrier networks. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Pay in NZD. Jose Maria Cordova airport SIM options can be limited and NZ roaming over a Colombia trip adds significant cost. A Medellin e SIM from HelloRoam starts at NZ$5.80 on movistar 5G networks covering El Poblado, Laureles, the Metrocable, and JMC airport.
Medellin eSIM with fast 4G coverage
HelloRoam eSIM for Medellin: instant 4G and 5G data for Kiwi travellers in Colombia. Activate before your flight.
- Plans start at NZ$5.80 with 4G speeds
- Coverage from Claro
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Medellin coverage across major cities
- Network
- 4G
- Plans From
- NZ$5.80
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in Medellin
Pick a mobile data plan for your destination and pay securely in NZD.
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
Your eSIM activates when you arrive at your destination. No SIM swap, no queues, no airport kiosk.
Track usage, top up data, and manage your eSIMs in one spot.
Pick a mobile data plan for your destination and pay securely in NZD.
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
Your eSIM activates when you arrive at your destination. No SIM swap, no queues, no airport kiosk.
Track usage, top up data, and manage your eSIMs in one spot.
Plans changed? No dramas. You're covered.
Travel plans change, and that's okay. With HelloRoam, unactivated and unscanned eSIMs qualify for a full refund within 180 days of purchase. No dramas.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Medellin eSIM vs Spark, Vodafone NZ and 2degrees
Comparing an e SIM vs Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ roaming for Medellin? Spark charges NZ$6/day, 2degrees NZ$5/day, and One NZ around NZ$5/day. HelloRoam eSIM starts from NZ$5.80 with local network speeds and a full money-back guarantee on unused plans. You pay less than a single day of carrier roaming and get no surprise bills.
| Feature |  | Local provider | Limited data eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund guarantee (unactivated eSIMs) |  |  | |
| Live chat support | |  | |
| NZ$0 activation fees | | | |
| Hotspot and data sharing included | | | |
| No data overage fees | | | |
| QR code delivered instantly | | | |
| Premium Medellin carrier networks | | | |
Why Kiwi Travellers Pick HelloRoam for Their Medellin Trip
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Medellin
Kiwi travellers who've used HelloRoam rate the refund guarantee, zero activation fees, and 24/7 live support as the top reasons they choose it again. See how HelloRoam stacks up against Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and other eSIM providers for your Medellin trip.
| Feature comparison | | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy | | | | | | |
| 24/7 live chat support | | | | | | |
| NZ$0 activation fees | | | | | | |
| Hotspot and data sharing included | | | | | | |
| No data overage charges | | | | | | |
| Instant QR code delivery | | | | | | |
| Premium Medellin carrier networks | | | | | | |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | | | | | | |
What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work in Medellin?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your mobile. No plastic chip, no SIM tray to fiddle with. Scan a QR code to install it on any eSIM compatible phone and you're connected in under 2 minutes. It works as a prepaid mobile data plan for Medellin travel with no airport SIM counter queue, no replacement SIM, and no carrier contract. Follow the step-by-step setup guide and you'll be sorted well before your flight from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. guide
Mobile Coverage in Medellin
Medellin has solid 4G coverage across El Poblado, Laureles, Envigado, and the historic El Centro. Claro Colombia and Tigo provide the widest coverage. Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) has 4G in its terminals. The Medellin Metro and Metrocable gondola system have 4G at all stations.
Signal weakens on the forested hillsides above the gondola upper stations.
- HelloRoam connects to Claro 4G in Medellin
eSIM Travel Tips for Medellin
El Poblado Is the Best Tourist Base
El Poblado and the Parque Lleras area have strong outdoor 4G and are Medellin's safest and most tourist-friendly neighbourhoods. Restaurants, bars, and hostels are all well covered.
The Metrocable Offers Views and Good Signal Below the Summit
The Metrocable gondola from Santo Domingo station into the hillside comunas has 4G at the lower and mid stations. Upper hillside areas and the Parque Arvi forest have weaker signal. Download offline maps before taking the gondola into the hills.
Download Offline Maps for the Historic Centre
El Centro's Plaza Botero and the surrounding streets have outdoor 4G. Some older urban blocks can have variable signal. Download offline maps for the centre before exploring.
Coffee Region Day Trips: Download Maps First
Day trips to the Coffee Triangle (Salento, Quindio) from Medellin, about 3 hours by bus, pass through mountain roads that can have weak signal. Download offline maps and your accommodation's contact before leaving.
Know the Emergency Number in Colombia
Colombia's emergency number is 123. Save it before taking the gondola into the comunas, hiking in the hills, or attending large outdoor events. Emergency calls work on any active eSIM in Colombia.
Network Coverage in Medellín
Medellín sits in the Aburrá Valley at around 1,500 meters elevation, and coverage follows the valley floor and lower slopes where most of the city is built. The el Poblado neighbourhood, the main expat and tourist hub, has solid 4G along Avenida El Poblado, Parque El Poblado, and the Zona Rosa nightlife strip. Laureles-Estadio, Envigado, and the Centro Comercial El Tesoro area have reliable 4G from Claro and Movistar.
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro has 4G in the terminals. The airport is 45 minutes from Medellín in the mountains, and the road between them has 4G along most of the Autopista Medellín-Bogotá descent. The Metro de Medellín, Colombia's only urban metro system, has 4G at all stations on Line A (east-west) and Line B (north-south). The Metrocable gondola lines that connect hillside comunas to the metro also have 4G at the stations.
The hillside comunas including Comuna 13, which has become a major tourist destination for its urban art, have 4G along the escaleras eléctricas (electric escalators) route. Signal is reliable in the lower and middle sections of the comunas but can weaken on steep upper hillside paths away from the main infrastructure.
Sabaneta and Itagüí to the south of the city have solid 4G in their commercial centers. El Centro (downtown) around Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia has 4G. The botanical garden (Jardín Botánico) in Aranjuez has 4G in the main visitor areas. 5G deployment in Medellín began in 2024 and remains limited to select central areas. New Zealand travellers should confirm their handset is unlocked and supports local network bands.
- Claro
- 4G
eSIM vs Local SIM in Medellín
For Kiwi travellers, a HelloRoam eSIM is generally cheaper than buying a local SIM on arrival or using an international add-on from a New Zealand carrier.
RecommendedFrom NZ$5.80 total
Buy before your flight. QR code activation at home. Data active on landing at MDE Airport. Fixed NZD pricing. Covers all of Colombia, so trips to Cartagena or Bogotá use the same plan.
NZ$8.58–NZ$42.92 total
Local SIMs from Claro, Movistar, and Tigo are available at MDE Airport and in city phone shops. Prices start at COP 30,000 to 60,000 ($7 to $15 NZD). Passport registration is required. Spanish-language setup adds friction for non-speakers.
NZ$8.58–NZ$25.75/day
US carrier day passes for Colombia cost NZD 10 to 15 per day. A two-week Medellín stay costs NZD 140 to 210. Many plans throttle after a small daily cap that breaks streaming and map navigation.
| Category | Recommended | Colombian local SIM (Claro/Movistar/Tigo) | Carrier roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From NZ$5.80 total | NZ$8.58–NZ$42.92 total | NZ$8.58–NZ$25.75/day |
| Details | Buy before your flight. QR code activation at home. Data active on landing at MDE Airport. Fixed NZD pricing. Covers all of Colombia, so trips to Cartagena or Bogotá use the same plan. | Local SIMs from Claro, Movistar, and Tigo are available at MDE Airport and in city phone shops. Prices start at COP 30,000 to 60,000 ($7 to $15 NZD). Passport registration is required. Spanish-language setup adds friction for non-speakers. | US carrier day passes for Colombia cost NZD 10 to 15 per day. A two-week Medellín stay costs NZD 140 to 210. Many plans throttle after a small daily cap that breaks streaming and map navigation. |
Best Time to Visit Medellín
New Zealand travellers planning a trip to Medellín should consider December–March and July–August as the most rewarding time to visit. Temperatures around 14°C to 28°C make exploring comfortable. January is the busiest month with highest fares from New Zealand. wetter April–May and October–November is quieter. Feria de las Flores (August) is a local highlight. Avoid October–November if possible. Your HelloRoam eSIM keeps you online all year.
Top Attractions in Medellin
Palacio De La Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe
Palacio de la Cultura in Medellin is a striking black and white Gothic Revival building. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Visit the rooftop for free panoramic views of the Aburra Valley.
Palacio De La Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe
Palacio de la Cultura in Medellin is a striking black and white Gothic Revival building. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Visit the rooftop for free panoramic views of the Aburra Valley.
Medell N City Skyline And Aburr Valley
Medellin sits in the Aburra Valley surrounded by green mountains and cable car lines. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Ride the Metrocable to Santo Domingo for the best valley panorama.
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Medellin eSIM Questions
Medellin eSIM plans run on movistar 5G networks covering El Poblado, Laureles, the Metrocable, and Jose Maria Cordova Airport from NZ$5.80. HelloRoam delivers the e-sim QR to your inbox before your flight from Auckland. No contract, no NZ roaming fees on arrival.
Kiwis exploring Colombia get a Medellin e-sim from HelloRoam from NZ$5.80 on movistar 5G networks. Activate by QR code before boarding in Auckland and skip every airport SIM counter. No NZ carrier roaming fees, no physical SIM swap, and no contract on any plan.
For Kiwi travellers, HelloRoam is the top pick for Medellin. Plans start from NZ$5.80 across carrier networks in 185+ countries. Buy online, scan the QR code at home on Wi-Fi, and connect the moment you land. It's cheaper than Spark roaming at NZ$6/day, 2degrees at NZ$5/day, and One NZ travel passes. You get local 4G/5G speeds, a full refund guarantee on unused plans, and 24/7 live chat support.
eSIM plans for Medellin start from NZ$5.80. That's well under what Spark charges for roaming ($6/day) or 2degrees ($5/day for selected countries). Fixed data plans run from 1GB to 20GB. Unlimited daily plans suit longer stays, OE trips, and remote work. All plans include local 4G LTE and 5G with no overage charges and no carrier contract.
HelloRoam connects to local carrier networks in Medellin and your phone picks the strongest 4G LTE or 5G signal on arrival. Coverage spans major cities, airports, highways, and popular tourist areas. For Kiwis heading out of Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), Christchurch (CHC), or Queenstown (ZQN), data is ready the moment you land.
Buy your Medellin eSIM on helloroam.com or the HelloRoam app before you fly from AKL, WLG, CHC, or ZQN. Scan the QR code in your phone Settings to install at home on Wi-Fi. Your eSIM activates automatically when you land in Medellin. The whole process takes under two minutes. No airport kiosk, no SIM swap.
iPhone XS and all newer models support eSIM for Medellin. Open Settings, tap Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the HelloRoam QR code. Your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees number stays active on the physical SIM line while HelloRoam handles data in Medellin. That includes iPhone 15, 16, and SE models from 2020 onward.
HelloRoam eSIM works in Medellin on Colombian 4G and 5G networks. Coverage is solid across El Poblado, Laureles, and MDE Airport. Activate before your flight. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Medellin eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$5.80. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Jose Maria Cordova Airport (MDE) has 4G in its terminal. Your HelloRoam eSIM connects on landing. The airport has full 5G coverage across all terminals. Activate your data in Settings when you land and HelloRoam connects automatically to local network. No queue, no SIM counter: you are online within seconds of landing.
El Poblado and Parque Lleras have strong outdoor 4G. These are Medellin's best-covered tourist areas. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Medellin eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$5.80. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
The Medellin Metro has 4G at all stations and along most above-ground sections. Brief drops can occur in short tunnel sections. Major stations have 4G coverage for navigation and messaging. In deep tunnel sections between stations the signal may drop briefly. Download offline maps before entering the metro as a backup so you have navigation even without a connection.
The Metrocable gondola has 4G at lower and mid stations. Upper hillside stations and Parque Arvi can have weaker signal. Download offline maps before boarding. Major stations have 4G coverage for navigation and messaging. In deep tunnel sections between stations the signal may drop briefly. Download offline maps before entering the metro as a backup so you have navigation even without a connection.
Plaza Botero and the surrounding El Centro streets have outdoor 4G. The area around the Botero sculptures and the Museum of Antioquia is well covered. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Medellin eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$5.80. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Two weeks in Medellin typically uses 3GB to 6GB for maps, navigation, and social media. A 5GB plan covers most Medellin trips. For a week of typical travel (Google Maps navigation, WhatsApp messages, and social media) you need 3 to 5 GB. If you stream video or make video calls daily, choose a 8 to 10 GB plan. The HelloRoam app shows your remaining data balance in real time.
A HelloRoam Colombia eSIM covers Medellin, Bogota, Cartagena, and all of Colombia on the same plan. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Medellin eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$5.80. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
