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 buy an Ecuadorian SIM card for as low as 4.48 USD (Claro). Movistar will sell them for 5 USD, and CNT will do so for 5.60 USD. Tuenti hands out SIM cards for free, but you will have to buy a plan (at least 5 USD) to get your SIM. Quito-Mariscal & Guayaquil-José airports sell SIM cards too.
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: 6th of May 2022.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Ecuador?
Anyone living in or visiting Ecuador can buy an Ecuadorian SIM card from the mobile network operators (Claro, Movistar, CNT & Tuenti) in their stores or from resellers without any restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have a 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 (affiliated) stores. It is also possible to buy SIM cards at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.
You can expect to pay the following for Ecuadorian SIM cards:
- Claro Ecuador: 4.48 USD
- Movistar Ecuador: 5 USD
- CNT: 5.60 USD
- Tuenti Ecuador: free, but has to be purchased with a plan (min. 5 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 for its cellular communications, meaning that you need a GSM-capable phone to use your phone in the country. CMDA-phones will not work in Ecuador, but there is about a 99% chance you have a GSM phone 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 (Main Operators) and one Virtual Network Operator:
- Claro Ecuador (Conecel)
- Movistar Ecuador (Otecel)
- CNT (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)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Ecuador, check out this page by Will My Phone Work (may be outdated or inaccurate at times).
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.
5G NR in Ecuador
However, both Claro Ecuador and CNT have held 5G NR trials.
Best SIM Card in Ecuador
- Find out about the best local SIM cards in every country (lookup tool)
Best eSIM in Ecuador
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Ecuador (yet).
However, you can get the Ecuador (Bacanet) from Airalo with 1 GB of data valid for 7 days.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
If you need more data or a longer validity, you can get Ecuador eSIMs from Nomad.
- Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews
With this eSIM, you can skip Ecuador's SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in Ecuador!
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
If you plan on visiting other neighboring countries, or any nation globally, consider the Discover Global with 1 GB of data (7 days) in Ecuador and these other countries:
TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in Ecuador and eSIMs worldwide).
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 a SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Ecuador Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
South America is a relatively affordable travel destination.
At least, that is if you are coming from a region where the cost of living is much higher, of course.
But the cost of mobile data in this region is one of the lowest in the world (behind Asia).
And the same can be said about Ecuador specifically. Mobile data rates are low here.
But how low?
The average price for 1 GB of data in Ecuador is 1.06 USD, around the South American average of 1.97 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
When looking at 2019's figures, the average cost of mobile data has decreased by 84.7%.
Oh, and what is going on in the Falkland Islands?
Long story for now (but you can learn more about it in the Falkland Islands SIM card buying guide), but anyone living there is being scammed by the local mobile operator.
If I included the Falkland Islands‘ figures in the South American average, the average cost of data would be 5.25 USD instead of 1.97 USD. So you can see why I like to exclude it.
Okay, so what about speeds? Is mobile internet fast in Ecuador?
Ecuador's average mobile download speed is around 25 Mbps, about half the global average.
Right now, Uruguay is the South American country with the fastest mobile download speeds (34 Mbps).
So yes, Ecuador is still slow, but you will not get much better in South America (looking at you, the Falkland Islands and Venezuela).
Which mobile operator is the fastest in Ecuador? That would be CNT, with a Speed Score of 38.11. Followed by Movistar Ecuador (27.57) and Claro Ecuador (22.43).
With good nationwide coverage, reasonably priced SIM card prices, low mobile data costs, and fair speeds, you should have a good network experience.
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 Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!
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)
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 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 2G coverage map:
Then we have the 3G map:
Finally, the 4G/LTE coverage map:
I always like to compare official coverage maps with one made independently because some mobile operators are overly optimistic with their maps.
SIM Card Price – Claro Ecuador
You can buy a Claro SIM card for 4.48 USD in Claro stores. It features 1.5 GB of data, unlimited Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp data, unlimited on-net minutes & 30 off-net minutes – all for 3 days if you text CLARO to 5000). Claro SIM cards are also available at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Claro SIM cards get deactivated if there has been no activity for 90 days (no top-up for 90 days or no activity for 90 days).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Ecuador
Claro top-up vouchers are sold in denominations between 1 USD to 30 USD in Claro stores, grocery stores, corner shops, and 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 (My Claro) app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Claro Ecuador
Claro has one type of data-featured plan, which is the Plan Ideal. It is a combo bundle with data, minutes & SMS.
Plan Ideal can be activated by dialing *123# ot texting the Activation Code to 5000:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Facebook y Twitter | Unlimited 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 day | REDES |
| 1 USD | Llamadas Ilimitadas Por 1 Día | 200 MB | Unlimited | N/A | 200 SMS | 1 day | PAQUETE |
| 2 USD | Llamadas Ilimitadas Por 2 Días | 600 MB | Unlimited | N/A | 600 SMS | 2 days | PAQUETE |
| 2 USD | 4.5 Gigas Para YouTube & Instagram + Facebook | 4.5 GB 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2 days | REDES |
| 3 USD | 1.5 Gigas + 1.5 Gigas Por 3 Días | 3 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes | N/A | 3 days | PAQUETE |
| 5 USD | 1 Gigas + 1 Gigas Por 15 Días | 2 GB | Unlimited 3 | 100 minutes | N/A | 15 days | PAQUETE |
| 6 USD | 3 Gigas + 3 Gigas Por 7 Días | 6 GB | Unlimited | 60 minutes | N/A | 7 days | PAQUETE |
| 10 USD | 12 Gigas + Llamadas Por 30 Días | “10 GB” 4 | Unlimited 3 | 200 minutes | N/A | 30 days | PAQUETE |
| 15 USD | 20 Gigas + Llamadas Por 30 Días | 15 GB 5 | N/A | 150 minutes | N/A | 30 days | PAQUETE |
1 for Facebook & Twitter only
2 for Facebook & Twitter + 4608 MB for Instagram & YouTube only
3 to 5 Claro numbers
4 10 GB any use data + 1 GB for Facebook & Instagram (7 days) + 1 GB TikTok (7 days)
5 + 2.5 GB for Facebook & Instagram (7 days) + 2.5 GB for TikTok
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)
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 good 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:
SIM Card Price – Movistar Ecuador
You can buy a Movistar SIM card for 5 USD in Movistar stores. SIM cards are also available at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Dial *100#, select Mi Linea, and select Mi Número Celular.
Dial *100# to access the Movistar menu.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Movistar Ecuador
Movistar top-up vouchers are sold in denominations between 2 USD to 30 USD in Movistar stores, grocery stores, corner shops, and 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#.
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 and minutes.
You can activate Combos by dialing *100#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Media Data 1, 2 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Combo $1 | 100 MB | N/A | Unlimited | 10 minutes | 1 day |
| 2 USD | Combo $2 | 1 GB | N/A | Unlimited | 20 minutes | 3 days |
| 3 USD | Combo $3 | 1 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 7 days |
| 5 USD | Combo $5 | 2 GB | N/A | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 15 days |
| 7 USD | Combo $7 | 3 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 30 days |
| 10 USD | Combo $10 | 8 GB | 2 GB | Unlimited | 120 minutes | 30 days |
| 15 USD | Combo $15 | 12 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 30 days |
1 Facebook, Facebook Messenger & Instagram + Movistar Play streaming
2 unlimited WhatsApp (even when it says N/A)
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) – Movistar Ecuador
The Más Gigas (More GB) are data-only plans.
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) – Movistar Ecuador
The Bonos (Bonds) are social media data add-ons.
You can activate Bonos by dialing *100#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Apps | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | Bono Redes Sociales | 1 GB | Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram & Twitter | N/A | N/A | 3 hours within 24 hours |
| 1 USD | Bono YouTube | Unlimited | YouTube | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 2 USD | Bono Voz $2 | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | 40 minutes | 2 days |
| 2 USD | Bono GPS | 1 GB | Cabify, Glovo, Google Maps, Rappi, Uber, Uber Eats & Waze | N/A | N/A | 3 days |
| 2 USD | Bono Música | 1 GB | Deezer & Spotify | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 2 USD | Bono Video | Unlimited | Netflix & YouTube | N/A | N/A | 3 hours within 3 days |
| 3 USD | Bono Voz $3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | 3 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Movistar Ecuador
Most phones will automatically retrieve the correct APN settings when inserting a SIM card – the same counts for Movistar Ecuador SIM cards.
If that does not automatically happen, you can text DATOS to 682 to download the APN settings.
If that does not work, you will have to add the settings manually by filling in these fields:
- Name: Movistar Internet
- APN: internet.movistar.com.ec
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
CNT Móvil
CNT, officially Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones and sometimes known as CNT Móvil, 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)
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 good 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:
SIM Card Price – CNT Móvil
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – CNT Móvil
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – CNT Móvil
Nuevos Paquetes Prepago (New Prepaid Packages) – CNT Móvil
Paquetes Más Megas (More Data Packages) – CNT Móvil
Paquetes de Datos Adicionales (Data Add-Ons) – CNT Móvil
Paquete Whatsapp y Facebook Semanal o Diario (Daily or Weekly WhatsApp & Facebook Packages) – CNT Móvil
Paquete Whatsapp, Facebook y Twitter (WhatsApp, Facebook & Twitter Package) – CNT Móvil
Aplicaciones Prepago (Prepaid Applications) – CNT Móvil
APN/Internet Settings – CNT Móvil
Tuenti Ecuador
Tuenti Ecuador, just Tuenti, is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) directly owned by Telefónica (which owns Movistar).
Tuenti is active in Argentina, Peru & Spain.
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 buy a Tuenti SIM card in Tuenti stores or online. SIM cards are also available at Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport & Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.
When you order a Tuenti SIM card online, you can get it for free and delivered at no cost.
When you buy your SIM card in Tuenti (affiliated) stores, it has to be purchased together with a plan (starting from 5 USD).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Dial *777 to activate your Tuenti SIM card.
If you are a tourist or traveler without an Ecuadorian national ID, which you most likely will not have, you can activate your SIM card in Tuenti (affiliated) stores.
However, that is not always possible. Instead, Tuenti recommends reaching out to them on Facebook or Twitter.
There, they will give you instructions on how to register your SIM card.
Dial *777# and select option 3 to see your Tuenti phone number.
Dial *777# to access the Tuenti menu.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tuenti Ecuador
Tuenti top-up vouchers are sold in denominations 5 USD, 10 USD & 20 USD in Tuenti stores and top-up locations, such as grocery stores, corner shops, and 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).
Combos Tuenti – Tuenti Ecuador
The Combos Tuenti are, as the name implies, combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.
Combo Tuenti can be activated by dialing *777# and selecting option 2.
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 USD | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 minutes | N/A | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 10 USD | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 minutes | N/A | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 20 USD | 15 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 400 minutes | N/A | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 25 USD | 20 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
1 Spotify & WhatsApp
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) – Tuenti Ecuador
The Combos Tuenti (Tuenti Wildcards) are add-ons.
Combos Tuenti can be activated by dialing *777#, selecting option 2, and selecting option 2 again:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | N/A | 10 minutes | 1 day |
| 1 USD | 200 MB | N/A | 1 day |
| 2 USD | 500 MB | N/A | 30 days |
| 4 USD | 1 GB | N/A | 30 days |
| 15 USD | 30 GB | 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.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Ecuador
The cheapest way to get online in Ecuador is to get a SIM card from one of the localmobile operators. However, that is not your only method of staying online.
Below are some other options to consider.
International Roaming
Roaming is the most convenient way to stay connected. You do not have to buy a new SIM card, and people at home can easily reach you on your current phone number.
However, roaming has many downsides as well. It can be insanely expensive.
International/Travel SIM Cards
International SIM cards or travel SIM cards are SIM cards made for travelers.
The rates charged are often lower than international roaming, but they are almost always higher than what local operators will charge you.
Get to know more about international and travel SIM cards.
Mobile Hotspots (Pocket WIFI)
Mobile hotspots, or pocket WIFI, are small devices that connect to the local operators of the country you are visiting.
Mobile hotspots are ideal for families or those traveling in a large group, as they allow you to connect multiple devices to one hotspot without the need of each traveler having to buy a SIM card.
You can either buy a mobile hotspot or rent one.
Free WIFI Networks
Nothing beats free, right? Paying nothing to stay connected may be the best option.
Until you remember that free hotspots are not available everywhere (especially when on the move) and that free connections are often extremely slow.
Just make sure to protect your internet traffic with a VPN when connected to open WIFI connections. It is worth it.
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 South American Countries
Planning on visiting other countries in South America? Check out my South America SIM card buying guide covering other South American destinations, such as:
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
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