What You Need Your First Week in Medellín
SIM cards, supermarkets, and the little things that make settling into El Poblado smooth and stress-free. 8,000 COP (~$2 USD) gets you 6 days of data + social media + calls on Claro — the best deal in town for staying connected.
Supermarkets: The Tri-Perfecta
- D1: multiple locations across El Poblado (Manila, Provenza, San Lucas). Open ~8 AM – 9 PM. Cheapest everyday groceries and basic toiletries.
- Ara: outside El Poblado (Laureles, Envigado, Sabaneta). Even cheaper than D1 on staples like rice, eggs, and water. Worth seeking out for bulk basics.
- OXXO: open 24/7 — your reliable fallback at any hour. Also serves decent tinto (Colombian black coffee with sugar) at fair prices, and sells rolling paper + Starlite or LM cigarettes (~5,000 COP for 10 sticks, the cheapest you will find).
- You can top up your Claro SIM at D1 (debit/credit card OK) or OXXO (cash only).
- Outside El Poblado (Laureles, Sabaneta, Envigado), Ara is worth seeking out for bulk basics.
Pro Tip
D1 in Poblado Manila closes earlier than other locations. OXXO never closes, so it is your go-to for late-night tinto, SIM top-ups (cash), tobacco, or emergency snacks at any hour.
Claro SIM Cards: Stay Connected
- Buy at any OXXO, D1, or Claro store. No passport needed, just cash.
- Recommended: 8,000 COP recharge (~6 days of data + social media + calls)
- Top up at D1 (debit/credit card accepted) or OXXO (cash only)
- Coverage in El Poblado is excellent. 4G/5G throughout the neighborhood.
Pro Tip
"Me regalas una recarga de 8 mil, por favor" is your go-to phrase at OXXO for a SIM top-up.
First day in Medellín? Grab a SIM at OXXO, hit D1 for groceries, then plan your routes with our Getting Around guide. And once you're settled, explore which neighborhood fits your vibe.
Ready to Explore?
Now that you know the basics, find your people and explore El Poblado through your traveler type.