Best VPN for Columbia

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an excellent choice for anyone interested in enjoying an unencumbered internet experience. Citizens of Colombia or those visiting the country for a short period can use a VPN to keep internet activity secure, safely torrent files, or access geo-restricted streaming media sites such as US Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, and more.

Some of the VPN providers we recommend in this article offer a wide variety of server locations, including those in Colombia. This means you can get an IP address from Colombia, even if you’re currently in the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, Canada, India, Sweden, Japan, or anywhere else in the world.

We’ll cover each VPN that works in Colombia in detail. But if you don’t have time to read the whole article, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for Colombia:

  1. NordVPN: Our top choice VPN for Colombia. Fast and reliable with best-in-class security, excellent speeds, 10+ Colombian servers, and strong unblocking ability, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Colombia.
  2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN option for Colombia. Reliable, security-conscious provider with decent speeds and a no-logs policy. Allows unlimited connections.
  3. ExpressVPN: Offers good speeds and unblocking ability. Very strong security. Wide range of servers in 100+ countries. Knowledgeable 24/7 customer support.
  4. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN with fast speeds and a vast network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including over 50 in Colombia. 
  5. IPVanish: Very fast speeds, keeps no logs, allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Popular with Kodi users and torrenters. 
  6. PrivateVPN: Great for fast, lag-free streaming. Excellent unblocking abilities. Works with US Netflix and other popular streaming platforms.
  7. Private Internet Access: Excellent privacy and security offering, 24/7 support, and intuitive apps. Servers in Colombia.

TRY THE TOP RATED VPN RISK FREE

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up on this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Colombia with no restrictions for a month – great if you're going on a short trip. 

There are no hidden terms – just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you, and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

How we found the top Colombia VPNs

There are a huge number of VPNs on the market, but not all of them offer the same features or quality of service. To make it onto our list, providers have to meet the following criteria:

  • Operates a wide network of servers across the world. Bonus points for servers in Colombia
  • Unblocks geo-restricted streaming services with ease
  • Offers a fast and reliable product
  • Maintains stringent encryption parameters so your location remains hidden at all times
  • Allows multiple simultaneous connections
  • Provides top-notch customer support

This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below. For now let’s take a closer look at the ones that met our criteria.

Best VPNs for Colombia: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Colombia.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comIPVanish.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for Colombia:123456
Streaming ServicesNetflix
Amazon Prime
HBO
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Sky
Netflix
Amazon Prime
HBO
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Sky
Netflix
Amazon Prime
HBO
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Sky
Netflix
Amazon Prime
HBO
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Netflix
HBO
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%86%85%70%85%
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps39 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE
$2.29
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.03
SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan
$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Best VPNs for Colombia

At Comparitech, we would never recommend a VPN we haven’t personally tested ourselves. The reviews below are based on our first-hand experiences and rigorous real-world testing.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Colombia:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for Colombia. It’s headquartered in Panama and, therefore, does not have to comply with any mandatory data retention laws. It runs a network of more than 6,000 servers spanning 110+ countries, and this expanding network now includes 10+ servers in Colombia. NordVPN reliably works with sites such as US Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, Sky, Sling TV, and more. This provider thrives on a privacy-focused reputation and is an example of a completely logless service.

Users are given the option to select a server that’s optimized for certain tasks such as torrenting, double VPN, and Tor over VPN. This means NordVPN is highly customizable and will appeal to power users. The desktop version has handy guides that assist in finding the best servers to use for a specific need, such as accessing Netflix.

NordVPN does not store any user data, and all traffic is protected via 256-bit encryption, the OpenVPN protocol, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It recently increased its device limit from six to ten simultaneous connections and also added a couple of new features, including Meshnet and Threat Protection. These new features allow you to connect safely to other devices and give you added protection against viruses, malware, malicious websites, and third-party tracking.

Apps are available for Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, and macOS, and 24/7 live chat customer service is available if you need it.

NordVPN speed test data

No valueNordVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)354 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)262 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)284 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE

Pros:

  • Reliable, fast servers in over 110 countries.
  • Suitable for Netflix US, UK, Hulu, BBC iPlayer
  • Exceptional speeds
  • Powerful security and privacy features
  • Accepts Bitcoin
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Desktop app takes a little getting used to 

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR COLOMBIA:NordVPN is our #1 pick. Ideal for bypassing online censorship. Highly secure, with servers optimized for specific tasks like streaming and torrenting. Provides a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of NordVPN here or check out our video review below.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is a great value provider that offers a high-quality service. It has more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, including Colombia. This VPN can securely access notoriously stubborn services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video from abroad, and its speeds are exceptional, so you shouldn’t have any issues with day-to-day browsing or streaming. Surfshark is different from most of its rivals as it has no connection limit, allowing you to protect the whole household on one account.

This service places major emphasis on user security. Traffic is kept hidden using 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. A hybrid ad-blocker/malware scanner is also included, as is a NoBorders function that unblocks the internet in countries with strict online censorship. Surfshark doesn’t store any data that could identify you, although you can pay in cryptocurrency if you’re concerned. Need help? Live chat-based customer support is available 24/7.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. This service can also be manually configured to work with select internet routers.

Surfshark speed test data

No valueSurfshark
WebsiteSurfshark.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)521 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)702 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)561 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.29
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan

Pros:

  • Great unblocking ability
  • Strong security and privacy credentials
  • Generally fast connections
  • Connect as many devices as you like
  • Accepts various cryptocurrencies

Cons:

  • Some features only available with extra payment

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark makes it easy to browse the web anonymously in Colombia. What’s more, it’s reasonably priced, offers reasonable speeds, and unblocks various geo-blocked platforms abroad. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN ships with first-class encryption protocols, blazing-fast speeds, and a server network that’s truly global in nature. This provider offers more than 3,000 servers to choose from in 100+ countries worldwide, including an option in Colombia.

ExpressVPN works well with a number of streaming media services, including US Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, and others. Additional perks include round-the-clock support via a live chat option.

Its choices of security protocols are top-tier. These include 256-bit AES encryption, which is currently considered uncrackable. Other security features are an internet kill switch and DNS leak protection, so your information always remains secure within the encrypted tunnel.

ExpressVPN does not store any user logs, including IP addresses. There’s some metadata retention, but it’s used to improve service quality levels and can’t be traced back to individual users. It offers apps for Android and iOS, as well as desktop versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux. A monthly subscription allows for five simultaneous connections, rising to eight on longer-term plans.

ExpressVPN speed test data

No valueExpressVPN
WebsiteExpressVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)319 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)303 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)278 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free

Pros:

  • Wide global network of servers
  • Works with Netflix US, UK, and other streaming services
  • Fast, reliable speeds
  • Provides a secure, encrypted connection
  • 24/7 support

Cons:

  • More expensive than some rivals
  • It may not be flexible enough for power users

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

STAY ANONYMOUS ONLINE:ExpressVPN is a solid choice. Offers fast, stable speeds and top-notch security. Works well with almost all streaming services, including US Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, and more. Includes a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee.

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is a popular, beginner-friendly provider. It delivers a robust product that offers hardy encryption and fast speeds at a price that won’t break the bank. At the moment, this provider has more than 10,000 servers online across 100+ countries, including Colombia, where there are over 50 servers.

CyberGhost’s app takes you through the process of streaming services, including US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Just select “For Streaming” on the main screen, and you’ll see a list of servers optimized for specific channels.

For security features, this provider offers 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection. This means your connection will remain safe at all times. CyberGhost does not store user data of any nature, including IP addresses. Additional measures include an ad blocker, anti-malware defence, and anti-tracking.

You can access the service on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. A single subscription allows for seven devices to connect at the same time.

CyberGhost speed test data

No valueCyberGhost
WebsiteCyberghost.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)449 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)269 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)167 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.03
SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan

Pros:

  • Keeps no logs
  • Decent, reliable speeds
  • Comprehensive security
  • Large network of servers
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work in China
  • Doesn’t provide much control over advanced features

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost provides a fast connection. Scored highly in our speed tests. Works with Netflix and some other streaming services. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full user review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish ranks highly on both privacy and speed. It boosts this core offering with efficient customer support, thereby ensconcing itself in the top tier of VPN companies. At the time of writing, it offers more than 2,000 servers spread across 60+ countries.

This provider is headquartered in the US, but all user data is protected with its strict internal no-logging protocol that eliminates all aspects of the digital footprint. The ‘no-logs’ policy is similar to the one deployed by NordVPN.

IPVanish is a known favorite with torrenters and Kodi users for a few reasons. Firstly, it enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device. Secondly, its interface is remote control-friendly for Kodi devices that typically lack a keyboard and mouse. It can unblock several geo-restricted streaming media sites, including BBC iPlayer.

Security comes in the form of 256-bit AES encryption with perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and an internet kill switch.

This provider allows users to connect all of their devices simultaneously under one plan. Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, and there’s 24/7 live chat customer support.

IPVanish speed test data

No valueIPVanish
WebsiteIPVanish.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)277 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)237 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)352 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan

Pros:

  • Keeps no logs
  • Very fast speeds
  • Use any number of devices simultaneously
  • Popular with Kodi users and torrenters

Cons:

  • Doesn’t accept bitcoin
  • Doesn’t work consistently with Netflix

Our score:

4 out of 5

GREAT FOR PRIVACY:IPVanish is a good option for torrenting. With good speeds, and any number of connected devices allowed, this is a popular choice for torrenting and Kodi users who want to share a subscription. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

IPVanish Coupon
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is headquartered in Sweden, which has generous pro-privacy laws. It’s a relative newcomer to the space and hasn’t been around as long as the other recommended providers on this list, but that doesn’t mean its product is subpar. It’s quick, has excellent encryption standards, and easily unblocks geo-restricted content.

At the time of writing, PrivateVPN offers 200 servers in 63 locations across the globe, including an option in Colombia. This provider does not log user data, includes support for torrenting, and offers unlimited bandwidth for HD video streams. Some of the streaming services it manages to access securely are Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video.

PrivateVPN’s choice of security features includes 128 and 256-bit encryption (depending on the protocol), perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection. A basic plan allows for 10 devices to connect at the same time.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

PrivateVPN speed test data

No valuePrivateVPN
WebsitePrivateVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)94 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)57 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)62 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Pros:

  • Excellent unblocking abilities
  • Keeps no logs whatsoever
  • Accepts Bitcoin

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat
  • Small server network

 

GOOD FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN is great for fast streaming. Recommended for Netflix users, PrivateVPN works with US Netflix along with many other countries’ versions. Our only complaint is the small selection of servers. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all packages.

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

PrivateVPN Coupon
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7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access (PIA) earns a spot on our list thanks to its expansive server network, robust security features, and affordable pricing. PIA is an excellent choice for users in Colombia who want to ensure their online privacy while accessing a variety of global content.

With more than 35,000 servers across 90+ countries, including Colombia, PIA offers users a wide range of local and international server choices. This extensive coverage guarantees stable connections and optimal speeds for streaming geo-restricted content from popular platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, and accessing websites with regional restrictions.

Regarding security, PIA provides top-of-the-line protection through military-grade 256-bit AES encryption and support for multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. In addition, Colombian users can browse the internet confidently, thanks to PIA’s strict no-logs policy, automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection features.

PIA’s user-friendly interface is compatible with various devices and platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. In addition, the VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for households with multiple devices or users who want to share VPN access.

While PIA may not provide the fastest speeds compared to other top VPNs on our list, its affordable pricing plans make it a competitive option for Colombian users. Starting at just $2.69/month for a two-year plan, PIA offers excellent value without compromising performance.

Private Internet Access speed test data

No valuePrivate Internet Access
WebsitePrivateInternetAccess.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)93 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)58 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)200 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.03
SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan

Pros:

  • Vast server network
  • Built-in kill switch and strong security protocols
  • No-logs policy

Cons:

  • Easily detected by some streaming providers
  • Based in a Five Eyes country

Our score:

4 out of 5

NO DEVICE LIMIT:PIA has an extensive network spanning 90+ countries, including Colombia. Comes with built-in privacy tools and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Private Internet Access Coupon
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Finding the best VPNs for Colombia: our methodology

Not every VPN is of equal quality, with some proving to be faster or more secure than others. We don’t expect you to have the time to test out multiple VPNs, which is why we’ve done the work for you! Below, we outline the methodology we use to identify the best VPN providers for Colombia. 

  • Servers worldwide: Whether you’re browsing from Colombia or traveling abroad, you should have access to servers worldwide. This allows you to find a fast connection and bypass any restrictions you happen to come across. All of the best VPNs for Colombia have servers in dozens of countries.
  • Speed: It may be that you’re currently using a VPN that is too slow or that your ISP is throttling your bandwidth. Whatever the case, the fastest VPNs can certainly help. All of them have passed our speed tests with flying colors. They also include unlimited bandwidth for non-stop streaming and torrenting.
  • Unblocking: Can’t access your streaming service? Geo-blocking is common with such platforms due to copyright restrictions. Fortunately, the VPNs found in this post offer the strongest unblocking ability and consistently work with the likes of Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Caracol TV, and RCN TV. 
  • Security: At the very least, we expect a VPN to offer security in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. However, the best VPNs for Colombia go above and beyond this. Some have specialty Double VPN servers, while others offer an ad blocker or password manager.
  • Privacy: Don’t want your ISP or your government seeing what you’re doing online? Some VPNs (such as those listed) offer no-logs policies. In fact, some even let you pay for your subscription anonymously in Bitcoin. We’ve looked at over 140 VPN logging policies to find out which best protects your data.
  • Devices: For as much flexibility as possible, we like providers to have a range of apps for all the most popular devices and platforms. These include Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Android at a minimum, but the more, the better. We also like them to have browser extensions.
  • Ease of use: The best VPN apps are quick and easy to navigate, even for beginners. Indeed, apps should, at a minimum, be available for desktop and mobile platforms. To make things even easier, the best VPNs for Colombia all offer 24-hour live chat and email support, as well as plenty of guides and tutorials.
  • Value for money: Having tested many different VPNs at varying price points, we’re confident that those you find here offer the best value for money. Indeed, all meet the above criteria and even include money-back guarantees. Better still, you can save even more by making use of one of our VPN discount coupons.

Our VPN testing methodology involves looking for all of the above while testing each VPN extensively ourselves. As such, we can be confident that we’re recommending the very best VPNs for Colombia for the best possible price.

How to use a VPN in Colombia

Whether you currently live in Colombia or are visiting the country for pleasure or business, the use of a VPN will greatly enhance your internet experience. Follow these simple steps to get set up on your devices.

Here’s how to set up a VPN in Colombia:

  1. The first thing you need to settle on is a VPN provider that offers the functionality you want. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  2. After you’ve settled on a provider, sign up with your credit card information and other personal details. Some services also accept PayPal and Bitcoin.
  3. Download the relevant apps for your device. Avoid third-party sites and install directly from the relevant website or app store. Reboot your device when the installation is complete.
  4. Log in and connect to a VPN server of your choice. For example, you would connect to a US server to access US Netflix or a server in Colombia to securely access services within the country.
  5. Now, your internet connection is encrypted and private, and you can access all the geo-restricted content you desire!
  6. If you’re having trouble accessing your desired content, clear your browser’s cookies and cache before trying again. Alternatively, connect to a different server or contact your VPN support team for more help.

Why you should use a VPN in Colombia

Colombia enjoys a healthy rate of internet penetration, sitting at almost 63% of the population. But authorities have taken a skeptical view of the situation to the extent that freedom of expression online isn’t guaranteed, and there are obstacles to accessing certain content. Internet advocacy body Freedom House says Colombia’s internet is only “partly free,” noting that there is a climate of excessive surveillance and a climate of threats and self-censorship.

Lethal attacks have targeted human rights defenders and activists in the South American country, and press freedom groups have decried the situation. But authorities aren’t too keen on stemming the flow of these attacks, leading to a situation where self-censorship is widely exercised.

Freedom House adds that government surveillance and other illegal practices are rampant. Journalists are often targeted for intense scrutiny, particularly those who work on exposing corruption and irregularities. Recently, authorities forcefully accessed the Facebook account of a journalist who swept into the national spotlight after writing several stories about local corruption. The courts refused to overturn the decision.

If you’re an activist, human rights defender, blogger, or journalist in Colombia, you might be interested in reading our guide to blogging safely. The steps outlined in the guide will help you get your message across to the world without exposing your personal identity and other related information.

Foreign gambling sites are also blocked in Colombia and have been since 2017 after the approval of online gambling legislation that requires operators to apply for a license. That’s another reason to use a VPN – the software will trick Colombian ISPs into assuming you’re accessing the internet from a location outside of the country.

Torrenting is illegal in Colombia, although arrests are rare. You might be blocked by your ISP if you consistently engage in this habit. As such, it’s a good idea to use a VPN to be on the safe side. Most VPNs we’ve recommended here allow you to safely access torrents, and you won’t attract the wrath of any regulators if you connect to a VPN before engaging in the activity.

DISCLAIMER: Comparitech does not encourage using a VPN to stream or download content illegally. Please consult local laws beforehand if you’re uncertain, and always refer to a local lawyer for expert advice.

Using a VPN in Colombia: FAQs

Should I use a free VPN in Colombia?

It’s always tempting to opt for a free VPN as there’s no upfront cash payment involved, and people think they’re getting an incredible deal. However, that’s usually not the case.

Free VPN providers aren’t interested in shipping a premium product. They have a sordid history of mining your data to sell to third-party advertisers and inundating you with invasive advertisements. At the least, you’ll be exposed to weak encryption standards, bandwidth throttling, non-existent customer support, the choice of only one or two servers, and pitifully slow speeds. Such providers can’t deliver when it comes to many of the core use cases of VPNs, such as unblocking geo-restricted content or unblocking social media apps.

By using a free VPN, you also run the real risk of downloading malware, as studies have shown that VPN apps themselves carry malware. Clearly, it’s in your best interests to go with a reputable paid provider.

How does a VPN work?

VPN software routes all internet traffic to and from your device via an encrypted intermediary server outside your current location. This obfuscates your real IP address and makes it appear that you’re in your chosen locale, which accounts for the ability to unblock geo-restricted content. What’s more, the encryption aspect has the added advantage of preventing would-be hackers from monitoring your online behavior.

Are VPNs legal in Colombia?

Yes, VPNs are legal in Colombia. This is the case for most countries with the exception of a small few with strict censorship (such as China). As such, you can safely use a VPN in Colombia and while traveling abroad in most countries. However, we should emphasize that while VPNs are legal, any illegal activities such as torrenting copyrighted material remain illegal, regardless of the use of a VPN.

How can I make sure my IP address changes to Colombia?

There are a few ways to find your public IP address. If you’re using a computer, you can find it in your Control Panel under “Network and Internet.” The public IP address will be listed next to “IPv4 Address.”

If you’re on a mobile device, you can find your public IP address by going to websites like WhatIsMyIp.com.

Finally, if you have a router, you can check the router’s configuration page to find your public IP address. It will usually be listed under the heading “WAN” or “External.”

How can I access Netflix libraries with a VPN in Colombia?

Netflix is available throughout the world, barring a few countries such as Iran and North Korea. But this doesn’t mean the library of content is exactly the same everywhere. Each country has a specific list of titles that the company chooses to broadcast, and that’s because of licensing agreements in place. Just because the account was originally registered in a country such as the United States or Canada, this doesn’t mean you’ll have access to the same movies and shows regardless of where you are in the world.

However, if you log into your Netflix account with a Colombian IP address, you’ll be automatically redirected to the local library. The only way to change Netflix libraries (the US has the largest roster of content, followed by Canada) is to connect to a VPN first and change your location to North America. It’s prudent to mention here that not all VPNs work with Netflix (especially those of the free variety). We’ve highlighted the ones that do in our mini-reviews, but you can check with customer support in case you run into any problems.

What can I use a Colombian VPN for?

Colombian citizens traveling abroad can use a VPN to keep in touch with television programming from back home, watch their local football league, and access their online bank accounts with ease.

There’s a wide range of television programming in Colombia, including news, entertainment, current affairs, and sports. Some of the popular channels are Caracol TV, RCN TV, Canal Uno, and Canal 13. Most offer live streaming online, but some will require you to have a Colombian IP address to gain access. That’s where you can leverage a VPN to provide access.

Banking and financial institutions don’t necessarily geo-restrict their services, but they do have to abide by strict internal compliance requirements. Repeated login requests from abroad might raise red flags. If that happens, you may be locked out of your account until you prove that you’re the actual owner. That’s a hassle if you’re traveling and need access to an ATM or credit card. If you use a VPN to make it appear that you’re in Colombia, then you should be able to carry on and use your online banking from abroad without any problems.

Can I torrent with a Colombian VPN?

You can absolutely torrent with a Colombian VPN. The best VPNs for Colombia are all highly suitable for torrenting. In fact, most also make our list of the best VPNs for torrenting. These VPNs provide fast and consistent connections as well as all of the security features you need to torrent safely. Some even have P2P-optimized servers. 

While downloading torrents isn’t illegal in most countries, Colombia included, it’s still important to exercise caution. Accidentally downloading copyrighted material has the risk of legal repercussions. That’s why it’s so important to use a quality VPN.