Do any US cell phones work in Bogotá, Colombia?

Question

I am planning a trip to Bogotá, Colombia, and I am curious if my cell phone will work there. I am in the US and have Verizon Wireless, but I could change to another provider if necessary.

Answer 1

It isn't the carrier.  It is the phone.  Almost all the world uses GSM and the US and one or two other countries don't. The phones are not compatible.  There are phones in the US that can work but it is because they have the different communication protocol built in. Regading the earlier answers - if Colombia is GSM - the answers are wrong.  And it almost certainly is. (I just checked and Colombia is GSM.)

Answer 2

yeah if they have power lines

Answer 3

yup. it'll work, as long as u have it on ur plan. call the company, go online, or visit customer service.

Answer 4

I'm from colombia!!! hope your trip goes well!. Your phone will work in Bogota all you have to do is call  your company and put international on your plan. They will then give you rates and any other information that you might need! best of luck!

Answer 5

I have a t-mobile blackberry, it didn't work in Medellin.

Answer 6

It would work, but it would be cheaper buy another one here, trust me, you can find here from 25 dollars

Answer 7

I went to Barranquilla with my T-mobile Dash, and it worked, the only thing is that it changed to a Colombian cellphone company called Comcel. It woked really good, but the bill was really high too...i bet it works....but anyways...call the Verizon in case that you have to add a plan for your cellphone...maybe like worldwide calls..something like that...good luck and enjoy your trip in my beautiful bogota

Answer 8

just buy a new chip to your phone we you arrive in Colombia it is very cheap.

Answer 9

if you have an international SIM, yes, if not, NO

but you could get a Colombian SIM card

Answer 10

Moondog is correct on this - Verizon is a CDMA carrier and Comcel in Columbia is GSM so your current Verizon phone won't work.

Simply changing to a new US GSM carrier like ATT/Cingular will get you a phone that works on GSM, but the cost of roaming onto the Comcel network will most likely cost you and arm and a leg! Check with your travel agent as they may have information for you regarding the possibility of renting a phone/SIM specific for Comcel. These companies exist and while it may seem expensive up-front, do your homework and I think you will see that it will cost less to go that route as compared to paying your roaming bill a month after you get back from vacation.

There is one caveat with this - some networks charge you for roaming onto them even if you don't make a call! If Comcel does not do this and you will be using your phone on a very limited basis, it may be cheaper to bring your US GSM phone.

Ask your carrier about roaming charges - they may even be partnered with Comcel and provide you with discounted rates.

Good luck!