Best VPNs in Colombia: our comparison

Today, traveling without an Internet connection is almost unthinkable. Book a flight at the last minute, pay for a hotel, check your bank account, send your location on WhatsApp, watch Netflix or Amazon Prime in the evening in Medellín, work remotely from a café in Bogotá… everything goes online. Being connected is no longer a luxury: it’s become a necessity.

But here’s the problem: in Colombia, as elsewhere, we often connect to public Wi-Fi networks – cafés, hostels, coworking spaces, airports, hotels… These networks are practical, sometimes essential, but rarely the most secure. Bank details, passwords, business information: is it really safe to send it all over a network shared with dozens of strangers?

So the real question is simple: is a VPN really useful when traveling in Colombia? Is it an essential precaution or just a marketing gimmick?

In this article, we compare three of the most popular services on the market – Proton VPN, NordVPN and Surfshark – to help you understand which (if any) best suits your travel profile.

What exactly is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that creates a secure connection between your device and the Internet. Instead of sending your data directly to the sites you visit, it first passes through the VPN provider’s secure server. This encrypts your information, masks your IP address and makes your online activity much harder to intercept.

Data encryption is at the heart of VPN operation. Your passwords, bank details, e-mails or business files are encrypted before being transmitted. On a public Wi-Fi network – whether in a café in Cartagena, a hostel in Medellín or a coworking space in Bogotá – any attempt at spying will reveal only an unreadable stream, protecting your sensitive information.

VPN also lets you hide your real IP address. Normally, every Internet connection reveals an IP that indicates your approximate location. With a VPN, it’s the VPN server address that appears, and you can choose the country from which you appear to be connecting. For example, even in Colombia, you can browse as if you were in France, which is handy for accessing your usual services.

Finally, we often speak of a “secure tunnel”: a private, encrypted channel between your device and the VPN server. Nobody on the outside can see what’s going on in the tunnel, which considerably enhances safety on public networks.

But a VPN isn ‘t everything. It doesn’t make you totally anonymous, as sites can still track you via cookies, logged-in accounts or other tracers. Nor does it protect you against all scams: phishing, fake links or malware remain real risks. In short, a VPN is a powerful tool for security and privacy, but it needs to be used intelligently, especially when traveling, to become a real asset.

Why use a VPN when traveling in Colombia?

Security on public Wi-Fi
Public networks are everywhere in Colombia – hotels in Cartagena, cafés in Medellín, coworking spaces in Bogotá or airport hotspots – and they are often poorly protected. On the same network, an attacker can try to intercept exchanges (passwords, banking information, files). By activating a VPN, you’ll encrypt all traffic between your device and the VPN server: even if someone “eavesdrops”, they’ll only see an unreadable stream. Practical tip: activate your VPN before connecting to public Wi-Fi and check that the kill-switch is activated to avoid leaks if the connection drops.

Access services in your country of residence
When you’re abroad, some sites and services (Netflix, Amazon Prime, your banking space, or administrative applications) may restrict access based on location. Connecting via a VPN server in your country of residence allows you to use these services as if you were at home – handy for watching your usual TV series or accessing banking/administrative services. Beware, however, of authentication systems: some establishments also require verification by SMS or an authentication application – assumptions to be made before departure.

Telecommuting from Colombia
If you’re working remotely from Colombia, VPN protects access to your company’s intranet and resources by encrypting your exchanges and ensuring a secure, identified connection. This considerably reduces the risk of exposure of sensitive business data (customer documents, internal databases, admin access). For missions handling confidential information, always opt for corporate VPN connections or a reliable provider with solid guarantees (no-logs, modern encryption).

Privacy policy
A VPN limits advertising tracking and makes it harder for websites and advertising agencies to automatically collect your IP address. Less visible, you’re less targeted by local advertising or services that profile users. However, bear in mind that a VPN doesn’ t eliminate all traces: cookies, connected accounts (Google, Facebook) and fingerprinting can still identify your activities. Combine VPN + private browsing + cookie management to protect your privacy.

Is it legal to use a VPN in Colombia?

Yes, using a VPN in Colombia is totally legal. The country does not restrict the use of these services, and many locals and travelers alike use them on a daily basis to secure their connections and protect their privacy. The use of a VPN is therefore widespread, whether for telecommuting, accessing international services or simply browsing public networks in complete security.

Interestingly, this is not the case everywhere in the world. In many Middle Eastern and Asian countries, the use of VPNs is severely restricted, if not completely forbidden, which can pose legal risks for users. In Colombia, as in most Latin American countries, you can use your VPN with complete peace of mind, without fear of legal sanctions or blockages, while taking full advantage of online security and freedom.

Criteria for choosing a good VPN

Choosing the right VPN for your stay in Colombia isn’t a matter of chance: you need to take into account a number of technical and practical aspects to ensure that the service is really useful on a day-to-day basis. Here are the key points to consider.

Speed
Connection speed is a key criterion, especially in a country where Internet quality can vary depending on the city or local operator. A VPN that’s too slow can make browsing frustrating, slow down streaming or complicate teleworking. Services that use modern protocols such as WireGuard or optimized technologies (e.g. NordVPN’s NordLynx) generally offer better performance.

Servers in Colombia
The presence of servers physically located in Colombia is a real plus for two reasons: firstly, a local connection is often faster, and secondly, certain Colombian services (applications, video platforms, local banking services) may require a Colombian IP to function properly. It also gives you access to country-specific content.

No-logs policy
The provider’s privacy policy is important: some VPNs don’t keep any activity logs (no-logs), which ensures that your data isn’t stored or resold. This is essential if you really want to protect your privacy and prevent third parties (including the provider itself) from tracking your online activity.

Kill switch
The kill switch is a security feature that automatically cuts your Internet connection if the VPN disconnects. Without a kill switch, your device could revert to an unsecured connection without you noticing, exposing your data on a public network. It’s essential if you want to travel with peace of mind.

Mobile compatibility (Android / iPhone)
When you’re traveling, your smartphone is often your most important connected tool. Check that the VPN offers well-developed apps for Android and iOS, with a clear, easily configurable interface. Good mobile compatibility facilitates daily use, especially at hotspots or on the move.

Number of units
Depending on your profile, you may want to connect several devices simultaneously: smartphone, tablet, laptop, and sometimes even the hotel’s box or streaming console. Some providers limit the number of simultaneous connections, while others (like Surfshark) offer unlimited devices.

Price
Finally, price remains a practical criterion. VPNs are generally offered on a monthly, annual or multi-year subscription basis. A longer subscription is almost always more economical in the medium term, but you need to think about your usage: a VPN just for a few weeks’ travel doesn’t necessarily require a 2 or 3-year plan. Compare also offers with money-back guarantee (~30 days) to test without commitment.

How to use a VPN in Colombia (quick guide)

To make the most of your VPN during your trip to Colombia, it’s important to prepare the installation and configuration before you leave. Here are the essential steps for safe and easy use:

Download before departure
Download your VPN application to all your devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop) before you leave. Some apps may be difficult to install from Colombia, or local networks may restrict access to VPN provider sites.

Install on all devices
Install and connect your VPN on every device you plan to use when traveling. Make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest security features and patches.

Activate kill switch
The kill switch is a function that automatically cuts your Internet connection if the VPN disconnects. Activate it before surfing on a public network to prevent your data from circulating unprotected.

Connecting before public Wi-Fi
Before connecting to Wi-Fi in a café, hotel or coworking space, launch your VPN. This ensures that all traffic passing over the network is immediately encrypted and secure.

Choosing the right server
Depending on your needs, choose a local (Colombia) or remote (France or other country) server. A Colombian server is ideal for accessing local services or improving connection speed. A French or European server is useful for accessing your bank accounts, streaming platforms or services restricted to your home country.

By following these simple steps, you can surf, work and stream in complete safety, without worrying about the risks associated with public networks or geographical restrictions.

Comparison: NordVPN vs Proton VPN vs Surfshark

With so many options available, how do you choose the right service? In this comparison, we put three of the most popular VPNs head-to-head – NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark – to help you find the one that best suits your needs in terms of security, speed, features and value for money.

No. 1: Surfshark – Best value for money

Surfshark tops our ranking thanks to its excellent balance between performance and cost. It stands out for its ability to use an unlimited number of devices, making it an ideal choice for families or travelers with multiple devices. Its speed is constant, even on remote servers, and features such as CleanWeb, IP rotary and GPS spoofing enhance security and confidentiality. By combining these strengths with a very competitive price on long-term subscriptions, Surfshark stands out as the most versatile and economical VPN for the majority of users. Find out more about Surfshark.

We’ve been personally using Surfshark since 2023. From France, it gives us access to the Netflix catalogs of Colombia, Mexico and Argentina. During our stays in Colombia, we use it to watch French content and protect our smartphones every day on public networks. And the best part? We’re delighted!

No.2: Proton VPN – Security and privacy first and foremost

ProtonVPN ranks second thanks to its absolute focus on privacy. Based in Switzerland and featuring multi-hop Secure Core servers, it guarantees enhanced anonymity and top-level security. Although a little more expensive than Surfshark on some options and with a limited number of simultaneous devices, ProtonVPN remains very reliable for users who want to browse in complete privacy, access geo-restricted content and avoid online surveillance. Its reputation for confidentiality makes it a safe choice for those who value security over price. Find out more here.

We used ProtonVPN for a year, which worked very well, but in the end we opted for Surfshark, which was more affordable and whose basic offering met our needs perfectly.

No. 3: NordVPN – High-performance and comprehensive, but more expensive

NordVPN closes our ranking in third place. It remains an extremely high-performance VPN, with very high speeds, a wide choice of servers and advanced features such as Double VPN and Onion over VPN. It’s perfect for streaming and P2P, as well as for users looking for a mature, easy-to-use interface. However, its price is a little higher than Surfshark and ProtonVPN on monthly and even long-term subscriptions, which puts it behind our top two choices for those looking above all for value for money. Find out more here.

We haven’t tested NordVPN ourselves, but its technical features seem to be excellent. Its main drawback: it’s a little more expensive than its competitors.