What a VPN is and how it works in Colombia
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, routing your connection through secure servers around the world. This protects your data from hackers on public WiFi, shields your activity from surveillance, and allows you to access content from different countries.
In Colombia, where public WiFi is widely available but often unsecured in cafés, coworking spaces, and malls, a VPN is essential for protecting sensitive information like passwords, banking details, and work files.
Here's how it works:
- Install a VPN app on your device
- Connect to a server (Colombia for local content, your home country for familiar content, or anywhere else)
- Browse, stream, and work with complete privacy and security
- Your real IP address and location are hidden from hackers and trackers
Why you need a VPN in Colombia
Colombia offers improving internet infrastructure and is generally welcoming to digital nomads, but there are important security reasons to use a VPN.
Using a VPN in Colombia helps you:
- Secure your connection on public WiFi in cafés, coworking spaces, and hotels
- Protect sensitive work data when working remotely
- Secure online banking and financial transactions (especially important in Colombia)
- Access streaming services from your home country (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.)
- Bypass geographic restrictions on certain services
- Access Colombian content when traveling outside Colombia
- Prevent ISP tracking and maintain privacy online
- Protect against cyber threats common in tourist areas
- Maintain stable connections despite internet fluctuations
For digital nomads and expats in Colombia, a VPN provides essential security, especially given Colombia's developing cybersecurity infrastructure.
VPNs that work reliably in Colombia
NordVPN: robust security for public WiFi
NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for use in Colombia, offering robust security features that work well even on inconsistent internet connections and strong protection for public WiFi.
Highlights of NordVPN:
- Reliable performance on variable internet speeds
- Strong encryption for unsecured public WiFi
- 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries for global access
- CyberSec feature blocks malware and ads
- Military-grade encryption
- No-log policy independently audited
- Works well even on slower connections
- 24-hour live chat support
- 30-day money back guarantee
Best for: Digital nomads, remote workers, and expats in Colombia who need reliable security on public WiFi and consistent performance despite variable internet quality.
Surfshark: unlimited devices, excellent value
Surfshark provides reliable performance in Colombia with unlimited simultaneous connections and extremely affordable pricing that aligns with Colombia's low cost of living.
Highlights of Surfshark:
- Unlimited device connections on one account
- Good performance on slower connections
- 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
- CleanWeb blocks ads and malware
- Very affordable long-term pricing
- Works on all devices
- Camouflage Mode for extra privacy
- 30-day money back guarantee
Best for: Budget-conscious digital nomads, families, or users with multiple devices who want reliable VPN protection throughout Colombia.
VPN comparison for Colombia
Both NordVPN and Surfshark work effectively in Colombia despite variable internet infrastructure. See the quick comparison below to choose the best fit for your needs.
NordVPN
- Works on variable connectionsExcellent
- Public WiFi securityMilitary-grade encryption
- Works with Colombian ISPsAll providers
- Auto-reconnect featureYes
- Kill switchYes
- Device limit6 devices
- PriceMid range
- Support24 hour live chat
- Money back guarantee30 days
Surfshark
- Works on variable connectionsVery good
- Public WiFi securityAES-256 encryption
- Works with Colombian ISPsAll providers
- Auto-reconnect featureYes
- Kill switchYes
- Device limitUnlimited
- PriceBudget friendly
- Support24 hour live chat
- Money back guarantee30 days
| Feature |
NordVPN |
Surfshark |
| Works on variable connections | Excellent | Very good |
| Public WiFi security | Military-grade encryption | AES-256 encryption |
| Works with Colombian ISPs | All providers | All providers |
| Auto-reconnect feature | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Device limit | 6 devices | Unlimited |
| Price | Mid range | Budget friendly |
| Support | 24 hour live chat | 24 hour live chat |
| Money back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
NordVPN is ideal if you want the most robust security features and reliable performance even on slower connections common outside major cities.
Surfshark is better if you have multiple devices, want unlimited simultaneous connections, and prefer excellent value pricing.
Internet infrastructure in Colombia
Colombia's internet infrastructure varies significantly by location:
Medellín:
- Best internet for digital nomads
- Fiber available in El Poblado, Laureles
- Speeds 50-200 Mbps in good areas
- Generally reliable in expat neighborhoods
- Some areas have inconsistent service
Bogotá:
- Good internet in business districts
- Fiber expanding
- Speeds 30-100 Mbps common
- Can be unreliable in some zones
- Higher altitude affects some connections
Cartagena:
- Tourist city, variable quality
- Slower speeds (10-50 Mbps)
- More frequent outages
- Beach areas often slower
Cali:
- Decent internet in city center
- Speeds 20-80 Mbps
- Less reliable than Medellín/Bogotá
Remote areas and smaller cities:
- Limited infrastructure
- Slower speeds (5-20 Mbps)
- Frequent disruptions
- Mobile data often more reliable
A VPN works on all connection speeds, though slower connections may see more noticeable impact. Both NordVPN and Surfshark are optimized for variable connections.
VPN performance on Colombian internet providers
Both NordVPN and Surfshark work with all major Colombian ISPs:
Claro
- Largest provider
- Widely available
- VPN works without issues
- Variable quality by area
Movistar
- Good coverage in cities
- Fiber in some areas
- VPN-friendly
- Decent speeds in urban zones
Tigo/UNE
- Strong in Medellín
- Good fiber network
- No VPN restrictions
- Reliable in coverage areas
ETB
- Bogotá-focused
- Expanding coverage
- Works well with VPNs
DirecTV/WOM
- Mobile and fixed
- Growing presence
- VPN compatible
None of Colombian internet providers block or restrict VPN usage. VPNs are commonly used by the digital nomad and expat communities.
Using VPN in Colombian coworking spaces and cafés
Colombia, especially Medellín, has a massive digital nomad scene with excellent coworking spaces and cafés perfect for remote work.
Popular coworking spaces in Colombia:
Medellín:
- Selina Medellín (Multiple locations)
- Atomhouse
- Epicentro
- Nest Coworking (El Poblado)
- Bunker Coworking
Bogotá:
- Selina Candelaria
- WeWork Bogotá
- Impact Hub Bogotá
- Spaces Bogotá
Cartagena:
- Selina Cartagena
- Espacio Cowork
Popular cafés for remote work:
- Pergamino (Medellín chain)
- Juan Valdez (nationwide)
- Velvet (Medellín)
- Independent cafés in El Poblado
Why VPN is crucial:
- Public WiFi networks are often unsecured
- Shared networks in cafés and hostels are vulnerable
- Protect client data and business information
- Secure access to company networks
- Prevent password theft on public networks
Always connect to your VPN before joining any public WiFi in Colombia, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
VPN for banking and financial security
Online security is particularly important in Colombia given increasing cyber crime targeting foreigners.
Benefits for banking security:
- Securely access home country bank accounts
- Protect banking credentials on public WiFi
- Encrypt financial transactions
- Secure money transfers and remittances
- Protect against man-in-the-middle attacks
Important note: Some banks may flag logins from Colombian IP addresses. If this happens, contact your bank to whitelist international access, or use a server in your home country when accessing banking (only on secure networks).
Given Colombia's cybersecurity challenges, never access banking on public WiFi without a VPN active.
Popular digital nomad cities in Colombia
Colombia offers diverse cities for remote work:
Medellín (City of Eternal Spring):
- #1 digital nomad city in Colombia
- Best coworking infrastructure
- Perfect weather year-round
- El Poblado, Laureles neighborhoods
- Large expat community
- Moderate cost of living
Bogotá:
- Capital city, business hub
- More expensive than Medellín
- Good internet in zones
- Cultural attractions
- Higher altitude affects some people
- Growing startup scene
Cartagena:
- Caribbean coast city
- Tourist-focused
- Expensive by Colombian standards
- Beautiful but hot/humid
- Variable internet quality
Cali:
- Salsa capital
- Very affordable
- Hot climate
- Smaller expat community
- Improving infrastructure
Santa Marta:
- Beach city
- More relaxed than Cartagena
- Affordable
- Variable internet
- Growing digital nomad scene
Internet quality varies - Medellín offers the most reliable infrastructure for full-time remote work.
Colombia's digital nomad visa and VPN usage
Colombia offers various visa options for digital nomads and remote workers, including the new digital nomad visa. VPNs are completely legal and widely used by the remote work community.
VPN use cases for digital nomads:
- Securing work connections from Colombian locations
- Accessing company VPNs and systems securely
- Maintaining connections to home country services
- Secure video conferencing from cafés
- Protecting client data and intellectual property
There are no restrictions on VPN usage in Colombia, and it's considered essential security for remote workers.
Streaming services in Colombia
With a VPN, you can access streaming services from your home country while in Colombia:
International streaming in Colombia:
- Netflix (access your home country's library)
- Hulu (US only, requires US server)
- BBC iPlayer (UK content with UK server)
- Disney+ (available in Colombia, access other regions)
- HBO Max (available in Colombia)
- Amazon Prime Video (access different regional libraries)
Colombian streaming platforms:
- Caracol Play - Colombian TV content
- RCN Play - Local TV shows
- Netflix Colombia - Latin American content library
Most digital nomads use VPNs to access content from their home countries.
Can I use a free VPN in Colombia?
Free VPNs are not recommended for use in Colombia:
- Unreliable connections that drop frequently
- Extremely slow speeds on already variable connections
- Data caps that limit usage
- Poor security with questionable privacy policies
- May sell your browsing data
- Limited server options
- No customer support when issues arise
- Often blocked by streaming services
Premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark offer reliable connections, unlimited bandwidth, strong security, and 24/7 support. The affordable monthly cost is essential for dependable protection in Colombia.
Safety and cybersecurity in Colombia
Colombia has improving but developing cybersecurity infrastructure:
Common threats:
- Unsecured public WiFi in tourist areas
- Phishing attempts targeting foreigners
- ATM skimming and card fraud
- Cyber cafés with potential keyloggers
- Scams targeting digital nomads
VPN protection helps prevent:
- Password theft on public networks
- Banking credential interception
- Work file exposure
- Email account compromise
- Financial fraud
Always use your VPN when accessing sensitive information on any network in Colombia, and be particularly cautious with online banking.
VPN on different devices in Colombia
Both NordVPN and Surfshark work on all devices commonly used in Colombia:
Computers: Windows, Mac, LinuxMobile devices: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tabletsSmart TVs: Android TV, Samsung, LG (common in Airbnbs)Streaming devices: Fire TV Stick, ChromecastRouters: Configure VPN for whole-accommodation protectionTablets: Useful for working from cafés
NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connectionsSurfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections
For digital nomads who work from multiple devices, Surfshark's unlimited connections provide excellent value.
Mobile data as backup
In Colombia, mobile data is often more reliable than fixed internet in many areas:
Major mobile networks:
- Claro - Best coverage nationwide
- Movistar - Good urban coverage
- Tigo - Strong in specific regions
- WOM - Budget option, expanding
Both NordVPN and Surfshark work excellently on mobile data connections. Many digital nomads use mobile data as their primary or backup internet in Colombia.
Spanish language support
Both VPNs offer full Spanish language support:
NordVPN:
- Spanish language app interface
- Spanish customer support available
- Accepts Colombian payment methods
Surfshark:
- Spanish language interface
- Customer support in Spanish
- Accepts Colombian payment methods
This makes setup and usage easier for Spanish speakers or those more comfortable with Spanish interfaces.
Final recommendation: best VPN for Colombia 2026
Colombia offers an incredible lifestyle for digital nomads and remote workers at an affordable price. A VPN provides essential protection on public WiFi networks and maintains access to international content.
NordVPN is the top choice for Colombia with robust security features that work reliably on variable connections, strong encryption for public WiFi protection, and consistent performance from Medellín to remote cities.
Surfshark is ideal for budget-conscious digital nomads in Colombia who want unlimited device connections, excellent value pricing that fits Colombia's low cost of living, and reliable performance across Colombian internet providers.
Both work effectively despite Colombia's variable internet infrastructure, offer Spanish language support, 24/7 customer service, and 30-day money-back guarantees. Choose either one and enjoy secure, private internet access throughout your Colombian adventure.
