Ecuador – the orchid capital of the world. It is also one of the oldest civilizations in South America.
It has plenty of ancient pyramids, the Gálapagos Islands, and snow-capped tips on top of the Andres Mountains.
In the East of the country, you have dense rainforests with barely any roads going through them.
But, what can you do in Ecuador?
You can look at the tortoises and iguanas on the Gálapagos Islands.
Perhaps you fancy seeing colonial churches in Cuenca.
Or enjoy crystal-clear waters at beaches on the East Coast.
Overall, there is plenty to see and do in Ecuador.
Before posting your beach-life pictures online, be aware that international roaming can be expensive.
In most cases, you are better off buying local SIM cards to enjoy local rates like an Ecuadorian one.
And SIM cards are pretty affordable in Ecuador.
You can get an Ecuadorian SIM card for 3 USD from CNT, 4.48 USD from Claro, 5 USD from Movistar & between 7 USD & 25 USD from Tuenti in their stores. SIM cards are also sold at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).
See, those prices are not too bad, right?
Yes, I know there are South American nations out there where SIM card costs are much lower.
But they do have higher mobile data rates – Ecuador has one of the lowest mobile data prices in South America!
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Ecuador. Let's go.
Original publication: 9th of January 2020. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Ecuador?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Ecuador, I recommend going with Claro or CNT. Claro has the best (4G/LTE) nationwide coverage. CNT is the fastest mobile operator in the country.
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
Ecuador has three mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Claro Ecuador
- Movistar Ecuador
- CNT Ecuador (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)
- Tuenti Ecuador (Movistar Ecuador MVNO)
In this guide, I will stick to the mobile operators, all in bold above, to limit the length of this guide (but also not to overwhelm you with all the options available).
But if you are interested in getting a SIM card from one of the unbolded MVNOs, you would have to do the research yourself for the time being. I stopped actively testing and reviewing MVNOs to spend time reviewing travel eSIMs instead, like the ones for Ecuador.
Anyone living in or visiting Ecuador can buy a Ecuadorian SIM card without restrictions.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Ecuadorian SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can get an Ecuadorian SIM card in Claro, Movistar & CNT stores. Some Ecuadorian airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Ecuadorian SIM cards:
- Claro Ecuador: 4.48 USD
- Movistar Ecuador: 5 USD
- CNT (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones): 3 USD
Note that Ecuadorian SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
(Travel) eSIMs for Ecuador
In recent years, (travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
As a result, the adoption of eSIM technology by mobile operators worldwide rose impressively quickly.
Currently, no Ecuadorian mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
In my Ecuador eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than a Ecuadorian SIM card or eSIM in specific scenarios.
Moreover, Latin (Central- and South) America-wide and global eSIM options are also available at competitive prices (without having to deal with expensive international roaming rates).
In this Ecuador SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my Ecuador eSIM buying guide for more information about travel eSIMs covering the country.
But here is a quick overview already + applicable discount codes if you are interested in purchasing a travel eSIM for Ecuador:
- Airalo: Bacanet (Ecuador only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin (Central- and South) America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Ecuador
- Holafly: Ecuador & South America (14 countries in Central- and South America) – options include unlimited data
- Nomad: Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
Once again, check out my Ecuador eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
The eSIM guide is as comprehensive as this SIM card buying guide, but it solely focuses on travel eSIMs (while the guide you are reading focuses on local SIM cards and eSIMs for prepaid users (where applicable).
Ecuadorian Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Claro Ecuador, Movistar Ecuador & CNT Ecuador and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that said, let's see what Ecuador offers us.
Claro Ecuador
Claro Ecuador, just Claro, is the largest mobile operator in Ecuador.
Claro, as a company, is active in Central America and South America.
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1700 MHz (Band 4)
- 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Claro:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Claro SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Claro Ecuador
Claro has the best (4G/LTE) coverage in Ecuador.
Coverage can be found almost everywhere, except for in the rainforests in the East of the country.
4G/LTE is mostly concentrated around urban areas.
Below is Claro's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Claro's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Claro Ecuador
You can get a Claro SIM card for 4.48 USD with 3 GB of data, unlimited Facebook Messenger data, unlimited WhatsApp data, unlimited on-net minutes, 30 off-net minutes & 30 local SMS – all for 3 days (if you text CLARO to 5000) in Claro stores. Claro SIM cards are also sold at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Claro has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Ecuador, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Claro.
Especially if you get a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Latin American countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Ecuador eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Bacanet (Ecuador only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Ecuador – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Ecuador & South America (14 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Ecuador & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Ecuador eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Claro.
Note that Claro offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Ecuador
Claro top-up vouchers are sold in Claro stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Ecuador.
To top up your Claro SIM card, you would dial *100*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *100*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *102# to check your Claro balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Claro Ecuador (My Claro Ecuador) app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Claro Ecuador
Claro has only one type of data-featured prepaid plan: Plan Ideal. It is a combo bundle with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollar).
To convert USD to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Plan Ideal can be activated by dialing *123#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 2 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Paquete de Redes por 1 Día | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 1 USD | 250 Megas + Llamadas Ilimitadas Por 1 Día | 250 MB | 250 MB | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 2 USD | 1 Giga + Llamadas Ilimitadas Por 2 Días | 1 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 2 days |
| 2 USD | Paquetes de Redes por 2 Días | 4.5 GB 3 | Unlimited 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2 days |
| 3 USD | 3 Gigas + Llamadas Ilimitadas Por 3 Días | 3 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 4 USD | 2 Gigas + 2 Gigas Para la Noche por 10 Días | 2 GB + 2 GB 5 | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited | 40 minutes | N/A | 10 days |
| 5 USD | 1 Gigas + Llamadas Ilimitadas Por 15 Días | 3 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited 6 | 100 minutes | N/A | 15 days |
| 6 USD | 3 Gigas + 3 Gigas Para la Noche por 15 Días | 3 GB + 3 GB 5 | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited | 60 minutes | N/A | 15 days |
| 7 USD | 3.5 Gigas + 3.5 Gigas Para la Noche por 15 Días | 3.5 GB + 3.5 GB 5 | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited 6 | 150 minutes | N/A | 20 days |
| 10 USD | 10 Gigas por 30 Días + 2 Gigas Redes por 7 Días | 10 GB | 2 GB 7 (7 days) | Unlimited 6 | 200 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 12 USD | 12 Gigas por 30 Días + 2 Gigas Redes por 7 Días | 12 GB | 2 GB 7 (7 days) | Unlimited 6 | 240 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 15 USD | 15 Gigas por 30 Días + 5 Gigas Redes por 7 Días | 15 GB | 5 GB 7 (7 days) | Unlimited | 250 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 20 USD | Paquete 45 Gigas por 30 días | 2 GB | 5 GB 7 (30 days) | Unlimited | 100 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
1 for Facebook & Twitter
2 for Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp
3 for Facebook & Twitter + 4608 MB for Instagram & YouTube
4 for Facebook, Free Fire & Twitter
5 2/3/3.5 GB for anytime use and 2/3/3.5 GB for between 23:00 and 6:59
6 to 5 Claro numbers
7 for Facebook, Instagram & TikTok for 7 days + unlimited Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp for 30 days
APN/Internet Settings – Claro Ecuador
- Name: Internet Claro
- APN: internet.claro.com.ec
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Movistar Ecuador
Movistar Ecuador, just Movistar, is the second-largest mobile operator in Ecuador.
Movistar, as a brand, is active in Central America, South America & Spain.
Movistar uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1900 MHz (Band 2)
- 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Movistar:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Movistar SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Movistar Ecuador
Movistar has extensive coverage throughout Ecuador.
The mobile operator has nationwide coverage, excluding the rainforests in the East of the country.
But, 4G/LTE is mostly concentrated around urban areas.
Below is Movistar's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Movistar Ecuador
You can get a Movistar SIM card for 5 USD in Movistar stores. Movistar SIM cards are also sold at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.
Dial *100#, select Mi Linea, and select Mi Número Celular to see your Movistar phone number.
Dial *100# to access the Movistar menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
While Movistar does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Ecuador, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Movistar (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Ecuador or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Ecuador eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Bacanet (Ecuador only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Ecuador – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Ecuador & South America (14 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Ecuador & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Ecuador eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Movistar for now.
Note that Movistar offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Movistar Ecuador
Movistar top-up vouchers are sold in Movistar stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Ecuador.
To top up your Movistar SIM card, dial *100# and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *100# to check your Movistar balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Movistar Ecuador (My Movistar Ecuador) app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Movistar Ecuador
Movistar has three data-featured plans:
All Movistar plans can be activated by dialing *100#.
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollar).
To convert USD to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Combos – Movistar Ecuador
The Combos are, as the name implies, combo plans with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
You can activate Combos by dialing *100#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Media Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Combo $1 | 1024 MB | 512 MB | Unlimited | 10 minutes | 1 day |
| 2 USD | Combo $2 | 2 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited | 20 minutes | 3 days |
| 3 USD | Combo $3 | 3 GB | 2 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 7 days |
| 4 USD | Combo $4 | 4 GB | 2 GB | Unlimited | 40 minutes | 10 days |
| 5 USD | Combo $5 | 7 GB | 2 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 15 days |
| 6 USD | Combo $6 | 8 GB | 2 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 15 days |
| 8 USD | Combo $8 | 7 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 30 days |
| 10 USD | Combo $10 | 11 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 30 days |
| 15 USD | Combo $15 | 15 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 30 days |
| 30 USD | Combo $30 | 30 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 30 days |
1 Reserved data for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Youtube
Unused data will roll over to the next billing cycle.
Your data allowance will be doubled when you enable auto-renewal and auto-renew your plan at least once.
Más Gigas (More GB) Plans – Movistar Ecuador
The Más Gigas (More GB) plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
You can activate Más Gigas by dialing *100#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 3 USD | 2 GB | 7 days |
| 5 USD | 4 GB | 15 days |
| 10 USD | 10 GB | 30 days |
Unused data will roll over to the next billing cycle.
Bonos (Bonds) Add-Ons – Movistar Ecuador
The Bonos (Bonds) are social media add-ons with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
You can activate Bonos by dialing *100#:
| Price | Plan | Social Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Bono Redes Sociales | 1 GB 1 | N/A | 3 hours within 24 hours |
| 1 USD | Bono YouTube | Unlimited 2 | N/A | 1 day |
| 2 USD | Bono Voz $2 | N/A | 40 minutes | 2 days |
| 2 USD | Bono GPS | 1 GB 3 | N/A | 3 days |
| 2 USD | Bono Música | 1 GB 4 | N/A | 3 days |
| 2 USD | Bono Video | Unlimited 5 | N/A | 3 hours within 3 days |
| 3 USD | Bono Voz $3 | N/A | Unlimited | 3 days |
1 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram & Twitter
2 for YouTube
3 for Cabify, Glovo, Google Maps, Rappi, Uber, Uber Eats & Waze
4 for Deezer & Spotify
5 for Netflix & YouTube
APN/Internet Settings – Movistar Ecuador
- Name: Movistar Internet
- APN: internet.movistar.com.ec
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
CNT Móvil (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)
CNT Móvil (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones) is the smallest mobile operator in Ecuador.
The company primarily focuses on broadband internet (ADSL & Fiber) and landline phone connections.
However, it has invested a lot in its mobile division over the years, and its coverage has significantly improved.
It was also the first mobile operator to introduce 4G/LTE in Ecuador.
CNT is the fastest mobile operator in the country.
CNT uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1700 MHz (Band 4)
- 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about CNT:
* Coverage
* How to Get a CNT SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – CNT Móvil
CNT has extensive coverage throughout Ecuador.
The mobile operator has nationwide coverage, excluding the rainforests in the East of the country.
However, CNT has the worst 4G/LTE availability.
Below is CNT's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – CNT Móvil
Dial *611# to access the CNT menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
CNT has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Ecuador because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from CNT.
Especially if you get a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Ecuador in my Ecuador eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Bacanet (Ecuador only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Ecuador – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Ecuador & South America (14 countries) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Ecuador & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Ecuador eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with CNT for now.
Note that CNT offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – CNT Móvil
CNT top-up vouchers are sold in CNT stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Ecuador.
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – CNT Móvil
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollar).
To convert USD to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Nuevos Paquetes Prepago (New Prepaid Packages) – CNT Móvil
| Price | Data | Social Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | 300 MB | Various 1 | 15 minutes | Shared with on-net call allowance | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 3 USD | 4 GB | Various 2 | Unlimited | 35 minutes | N/A | 50 SMS | 7 days |
| 5 USD | 5 GB | Various 2 | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 10 USD | 15 GB | Various 2 | Unlimited | 200 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 15 USD | 20 GB | Various 2 | Unlimited | 300 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 20 USD | 25 GB | Various 2 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
Aplicaciones Prepago (Prepaid Applications) Plans – CNT Móvil
APN/Internet Settings – CNT Móvil
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Ecuador
Getting a SIM card from Claro or CNT would do you well when considering an Ecuadorian SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.