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 5 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: 31st of May 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Ecuador?
Everyone living in or visiting Ecuador can buy an Ecuadorian SIM card from the mobile network operators (Claro, Movistar & CNT) or Tuenti without restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Ecuador).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Ecuador?
You can get an Ecuadorian SIM card in Claro, Movistar, CNT & Tuenti (partner) stores. They are also sold at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).
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
- Tuenti Ecuador: 5 USD, 10 USD, 20 USD & 25 USD
For up-to-date USD:your currency (let's say EUR) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- 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)
Can You Use Your Phone in Ecuador?
Ecuador uses GSM technology for mobile communications primarily. CDMA phones will not work in Ecuador. However, almost all phones use GSM anyway.
You also need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.
Although there are three ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American frequencies and European frequencies.
Ecuador uses American frequencies, which are used in the Americas (North-, Central & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2).
Phones sold in the Americas typically have no issues when using their phone in other ITU Region 2 countries.
In Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3), they typically use European frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European frequencies without issues.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Ecuador.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device without Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Ecuador or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Ecuador (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Ecuador
Ecuador has three mobile network operators and one Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Claro Ecuador
- Movistar Ecuador
- CNT Ecuador (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)
- Tuenti Ecuador (Movistar Ecuador MVNO)
The following frequencies are used in Ecuador:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
- 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Ecuador, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Ecuador
VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) is available in Ecuador, and it is offered by all mobile operators. However, VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling) is not available.
This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Ecuador (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE).
The following mobile operators offer VoLTE only in Ecuador:
- Claro Ecuador
- Movistar Ecuador
- CNT Ecuador
- Tuenti Ecuador (to be confirmed)
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
5G NR in Ecuador
5G NR is not available in Ecuador as of 2022, and the Ecuadorian government has not made any indications of when they will auction 5G licenses.
Best SIM Card in Ecuador
Best eSIM in Ecuador
Movistar Ecuador offers eSIMs, but they are not available to prepaid customers.
Claro Ecuador, CNT Ecuador & Tuenti Ecuador do not offer eSIMs – not even to postpaid customers.
Note that the Ecuadorian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Ecuador.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the four best eSIMs for Ecuador:
- Airalo's Ecuador Bacanet eSIM with four choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (cheapest)
- Holafly Ecuador eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 60 days (most generous data plan)
- Nomad Ecuador eSIM with 13 choices between 1 GB and 40 GB (most eSIM options)
- Holafly's South America eSIM with one 6 GB option (best value for money when also visiting other Central- and South American countries)
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Ecuador, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Ecuador, you better check out my Ecuador eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
SIM Card Registration in Ecuador
SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Ecuador. This will be done at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Ecuador Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Being redone.
Currency in Ecuador
Ecuador uses the US Dollar with the symbol USD (which will be used throughout this guide).
Prices in Ecuador are listed in just $.
For up-to-date USD:your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Ecuadorian Prepaid SIM Cards
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.
Note that the Ecuadoran mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Ecuador (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Ecuador (Bacanet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
Or you can get Ecuador eSIMs from Holafly.
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Finally, you can also get Ecuador eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 5 GB/30 days).
The 5 GB Nomad Ecuador eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off (even on top of (some) ongoing promotions)!
But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those code instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.
- Check out my Nomad reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Ecuador and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Ecuador eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Ecuador, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
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 | 200 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 | 2 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 |
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.
Note that the Ecuadoran mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Ecuador (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Ecuador (Bacanet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
Or you can get Ecuador eSIMs from Holafly.
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Finally, you can also get Ecuador eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 5 GB/30 days).
The 5 GB Nomad Ecuador eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD CAD off (even on top of (some) ongoing promotions)!
But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those code instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.
- Check out my Nomad reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Ecuador and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Ecuador eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Ecuador, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
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 Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Combo $1 | 250 MB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 10 minutes | 1 day |
| 2 USD | Combo $2 | 1 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 20 minutes | 3 days |
| 3 USD | Combo $3 | 1 GB | 1 GB 2 | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 7 days |
| 4 USD | Combo $4 | 2 GB | 1 GB 2 | Unlimited | 40 minutes | 10 days |
| 5 USD | Combo $5 | 2 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 15 days |
| 6 USD | Combo $6 | 3 GB | 1 GB 2 | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 15 days |
| 8 USD | Combo $8 | 4 GB | 2 GB 2 | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 30 days |
| 10 USD | Combo $10 | 8 GB | 2 GB 2 | Unlimited | 120 minutes | 30 days |
| 15 USD | Combo $15 | 12 GB | 3 GB 2 | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 30 days |
1 for WhatsApp
2 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger & Instagram + unlimited WhatsApp
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 | 1 day |
| 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 network 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.
Note that the Ecuadoran mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Ecuador (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Ecuador (Bacanet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
Or you can get Ecuador eSIMs from Holafly.
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Finally, you can also get Ecuador eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 5 GB/30 days).
The 5 GB Nomad Ecuador eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off (even on top of (some) ongoing promotions)!
But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those code instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.
- Check out my Nomad reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Ecuador and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Ecuador eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Ecuador, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
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
Tuenti Ecuador
Tuenti Ecuador, just Tuenti, is a Movistar Ecuador MVNO.
It is directly owned by Movistar Ecuador.
To learn about Tuenti's frequencies, jump back to Movistar Ecuador's frequencies.
This is what you will learn about Tuenti:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Tuenti SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Tuenti Ecuador
Tuenti is a Movistar Ecuador MVNO, meaning Tuenti uses the Movistar Ecuador and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Tuenti, jump to the Movistar Ecuador's Coverage section.
SIM Card Price – Tuenti Ecuador
You can get a Tuenti SIM card for 5 USD, 10 USD, 20 USD, or 25 USD in Tuenti stores. SIM cards are also available at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).
The following four Tuenti starter packs are available, also referred to as Combos Tuenti:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 USD | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 10 USD | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 20 USD | 15 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 400 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 25 USD | 20 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited 2 | N/A | 30 days |
1 for Spotify & WhatsApp
2 +50 international minutes
Dial *777 to activate your Tuenti SIM card.
Dial *777# to access the Tuenti menu.
Dial *777# and select option 3 to see your Tuenti phone number.
- 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)
Tuenti has no eSIMs.
Note that the Ecuadoran mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Ecuador (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Ecuador (Bacanet) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
Or you can get Ecuador eSIMs from Holafly.
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Finally, you can also get Ecuador eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 5 GB/30 days).
The 5 GB Nomad Ecuador eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers.
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off (even on top of (some) ongoing promotions)!
But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those code instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.
- Check out my Nomad reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Ecuador and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Ecuador eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Ecuador, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tuenti Ecuador
Tuenti top-up vouchers are sold in Tuenti stores and top-up locations, such as grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Ecuador.
To top up your Tuenti SIM card, you would dial *777# and select option 1.
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 *777# and select option 3 to check your Tuenti balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the App Tuenti app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Tuenti Ecuador
Tuenti has two data-featured plans: Combo Tuenti (combo) & Comodines Tuenti/Tuenti Wildcards (add-ons).
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollars).
To convert USD to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Combos Tuenti – Tuenti Ecuador
The Combos Tuenti are, as the name implies, combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Combo Tuenti can be activated by dialing *777# and selecting option 2:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 USD | Combo 3 Gigas | 3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 15 days |
| 7 USD | Combo 5 Gigas | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 10 USD | Combo 10 Gigas | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 20 USD | Combo 15 Gigas | 15 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 400 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 25 USD | Combo 20 Gigas | 20 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited 2 | 50 SMS | 30 days |
1 for Spotify & WhatsApp
2 +50 international minutes
Unused data will roll over to the next billing cycle.
Combo Tuenti auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *777# and select option 2.
Comodines Tuenti (Tuenti Wildcards) Add-Ons – Tuenti Ecuador
The Comodines Tuenti (Tuenti Wildcards) are combo add-ons with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
Combos Tuenti can be activated by dialing *777#, selecting option 2, and selecting option 2 again:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Joker SMS | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 1 USD | Night Joker | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 6 hours (00:00 – 6:00 am) |
| 1 USD | Joker 10 Minutes | N/A | 10 minutes | N/A | 1 day |
| 1 USD | Joker 200 Megas | 200 MB | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 2 USD | Joker 500 Megas | 500 MB | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 15 USD | Comodín Universitario | 30 GB | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Tuenti Ecuador
- Name: Tuenti Internet
- APN: internet.tuenti.ec
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
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.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other American Countries
Visiting other countries in the Americas? Check out my Caribbean SIM card buying guide, covering other American nations, such as:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
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