Ecuador SIM card: Find the best one for your trip

When looking for a SIM card for your trip to Ecuador, consider your data needs, call and text options, and the pricing from each provider.

You’ll also want a secure connection and quality customer service to keep things smooth and simple. 

Finding the perfect Ecuador SIM sounds like a lot of research. But don’t worry – we did it for you.

In this article, we go over the prices of an Ecuador SIM card, the most popular local providers, their data packages, and convenient alternatives for staying connected.

Let’s go through the Ecuador SIM card options to keep you on a budget without running out of data while abroad.

Where can I buy a SIM card for Ecuador?

To get a SIM card for Ecuador, you can choose between these two buying options:

• Purchase prepaid SIM cards in advance online 
• Get local SIM cards in Ecuador at the airport or from retail stores

Both options have benefits and drawbacks, which you can read about below.

Buy your SIM card before you travel

You have several solutions to ensure your phone will be connected to a network the moment you land in Ecuador, including:

• Purchase through your current carrier: Many major mobile carriers offer international roaming packages like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T that you can order online and activate before departure.

• CellularAbroad offers a data-only SIM with 5GB of data, valid for 14 days, priced at $69.95. Free standard shipping is available within Canada and the United States.
• Go-SIM provides an Ecuador SIM card for $19, which includes $10 of credit for calls, data, or SMS. Top-up options range from $10 to $100, and data packages start at $25 for 250MB up to $175 for 5GB. Shipping is free.
• TravelSIM charges $10 for the SIM card, with credit options from $10 to $100. Data plans range from 500MB for $13 to 5GB for $87. Shipping starts at $9.

Buying a SIM card online offers the following pros and cons:

Plus, buying your SIM card before you travel helps you avoid high roaming charges — or at least anticipate them if you’re going for an international roaming package instead of a prepaid SIM.  

With a prepaid SIM, you’ll have data, calls, and texts ready to go the moment you land.

This means you can easily book an Uber, use Maps to navigate to your accommodation, or message your family to let them know you’ve arrived safely.

Buy your SIM card in Ecuador

Here’s what you need to do to buy your SIM card in Ecuador:

• Bring a valid passport, as Ecuadorian law requires identification.
• Unlock your phone (if necessary) so that it will accept the foreign SIM card.
• Activate your SIM once purchased. Some SIMs will work automatically, while others may require an activation call or online code. 

The pros and cons of waiting to get to Ecuador before buying your SIM include:

If buying a local SIM from the locals sounds like a better option to you, here’s how much you can expect to spend. 

Think global, act local with international coverage.

How much does a SIM card in Ecuador cost?

The cost of a prepaid SIM card in Ecuador typically ranges from $1.05 for 500 MB (1-day plan) to $25 for 25 GB (30-day plan).

These prices vary depending on the network provider and the specific plan you choose.

In the following sections, we will explore the prices and options of local networks in Ecuador. 

Which SIM card is best in Ecuador?

The best SIM card in Ecuador can depend on your specific needs. In general, Claro and Movistar are known for the best coverage and speed.

Let’s go over four of Ecuador’s most popular network providers and what they offer.

Movistar SIM card for Ecuador

Movistar is one of the most popular network providers in Ecuador. Whether you’re an Ecuadorian citizen or a visitor on international travel using your tourist SIM card, the Movistar network is a solid choice. 

Movistar’s Combo Packages are your standard prepaid plans offering data along with additional perks like free WhatsApp or access to social media apps.

These plans have different validity periods ranging from 1 to 30 days.

Movistar also offers Bonds Packages. These are add-ons for specific needs like extra data or voice minutes, offering flexibility for short-term usage.

Whether you’re exploring the lively streets of Quito, relaxing in Cuenca’s charming plazas, or trekking through the breathtaking Andes, Movistar ensures you stay connected.

Its 4G LTE network delivers fast internet speeds and excellent call quality, making it ideal for both urban and remote adventures.

Movistar offers an interactive coverage map on their website, so you can see for yourself just how comprehensive their service is.

This is why Holafly has partnered with Movistar to bring you the ultimate travel connectivity. With Holafly’s eSIM for Quito, you’ll tap into Movistar’s extensive network, giving you instant access to reliable data and coverage the moment you land in Ecuador (We’ll cover more on eSIMs in a bit).

So where can you buy Movistar SIM cards in Ecuador? 

• Supermarkets displaying Movistar branding
• Convenience Stores, look for “Recarga aquí” signs
• José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayaquil)
• Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito), arrival area, after customs
• Portal Shopping (Quito), Galo Plaza Lasso y Simón Bolívar, third floor (#P3-50)

Claro SIM card for Ecuador

Claro is known for offering extensive coverage across the country, including urban and remote areas. They are reported to provide reliable service, fast internet speeds, and tourist packages. 

Here’s how it works:

• You can grab a Claro SIM for just $4 (tax included). 
• Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone (make sure it’s compatible with ARCOTEL’s requirements).
  • For 3G, your phone needs to support the 850/1900 MHz bands
  • For 4G LTE, it must work with Band 4 (AWS 1700/2100)
• Dial any number, and Claro will prompt you to register your SIM. As a tourist, just use your passport details.
• After registration, wait for a confirmation message. Once it arrives, you’re all set to enjoy Claro’s network!

Claro gives you plenty of choices, so you can pick a plan that fits your stay. Here’s a quick breakdown of their prepaid packages:

Ecuador SIM cards through local operators like Claro do not allow you to send texts or make calls to other countries without additional charges.

That’s why Claro offers a plan called “America without borders”  or “América sin Fronteras” that allows usage in multiple Latin American countries without extra roaming charges.

However, This feature seems to be available only for monthly plans, not prepaid options. 

So where do you find Calro SIM cards in Ecuador?

• Claro Centro De Atención Al Cliente in Babahoyo
• Claro • Scala in Quito, located in Centro Comercial Scala shopping center
• Supermarkets like Megamaxi, Supermaxi, Mi Comisariato, Hiper Market, Tía
• Pharmacies like Cruz Azul, Pharmacys, FYBECA, Farmacias Medicity, Farmacias 911. 
• Guayaquil-José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)
• Quito-Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) FYBECA drugstore inside the airport

Tuenti SIM card for Ecuador

Tuenti is another network provider in Ecuador that sells SIM cards for tourists. You can also buy prepaid SIMs with them online. 

One standout feature of these plans is that popular apps like WhatsApp and Spotify don’t consume your data allowance, so you can chat, stream music, or navigate hassle-free without worrying about using up your gigabytes.

Another great benefit is Tuenti’s data rollover policy. If you don’t use all the gigabytes in your current plan, they’re not wasted—you can accumulate them for later use, giving you more value for your money.

Tuenti offers the following prepaid plans: 

Tuenti also offers Wildcards, add-ons that let you increase your data, voice minutes, or SMS allowance without changing your main plan.

They’re perfect for when you need a little extra boost, whether it’s for an unexpected video call, streaming session, or quick browsing.

Tuenti’s referral program rewards you for bringing your friends into the network. For every friend you successfully refer to Tuenti, you earn a 7 GB Combo valid for 30 days.

Your friend must fully switch to Tuenti for the referral to count.  

CNT SIM card for Ecuador

Lastly, there’s CMT for your Ecuador SIM card.  Though CMT is said to offer good coverage in urban and rural areas in Ecuador, it’s not known as providing the same level of consistent, high-speed connectivity found with Claro and Movistar, particularly in less populated areas. 

whether you require data for specific apps, want all-in-one combos, or prefer unlimited plans. Here’s a breakdown of their main plans: 

While physical SIM cards are a reliable way to stay connected in Ecuador, they come with their own challenges.

For starters, you’ll have to wait until you land to buy one. That often means searching for a store at the airport or in the city—possibly after a tiring flight.

Then there’s the hassle of swapping out your current SIM and keeping it safe. You also might need to deal with tiny accessories like a SIM ejector pin.

On top of that, understanding local plans on the spot can be tricky, especially if there’s a language barrier.

But what if you could skip all of that?

Holafly’s eSIM for Ecuador: Unlimited data and peace of mind

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that’s already built into your device. Instead of inserting a physical card, you can simply download an eSIM profile from a provider like Holafly and your phone is ready to connect to a mobile network. 

Holafly offers eSIMs for over 200 destinations, including Ecuador, and even provides regional plans.

For example, the eSIM for Latin America allows you to stay connected across multiple countries without needing a new SIM card or plan every time you cross a border. It’s perfect for road trips or multi-country adventures.

All you have to do is purchase an eSIM from Holafly’s website or app (available for iOS and Android). Choose a plan customized to your duration of stay from 1 to 90 days.

Once your purchase is complete, simply scan the QR code sent to your email,  install the eSIM, and you’re good to go. You can even set it up before your trip and activate it once you land. 

The best part? You keep your original number for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data. This means no disruption to your usual communication, especially if you need to stay reachable for work or personal reasons.

Holafly’s eSIM also helps you do your bit for the environment. By going digital, you save plastic and reduce waste from traditional SIM cards. 

So how much does a Holafly eSIM card for Ecuador cost?

Prices start at $5 for 1 day and reach as low as $3.35 per day for 90 days. Plus, you get a 500 MB daily allowance for data tethering, so you can share your connection with other devices when needed.

The prices below are for some of the most commonly chosen packages – don’t forget, you can choose any number of days between 1 and 90.

Wrapping up: What’s the best SIM for Ecuador?

When it comes to staying connected in Ecuador, you’ve got a few options. You can pick up a local SIM card at the airport or in retail stores once you arrive.

While networks like Movistar and Claro offer solid coverage, getting a physical SIM as a tourist can be tricky. 

But if you want to hit the ground running as soon as you land in Ecuador, Holafly’s eSIM is the way to go.

Designed for travelers, Holafly offers unlimited data and instant setup. Plus, you’ll connect to Movistar’s reliable network as soon as you land.

Whether you’re using maps, booking rides, or sharing your adventures, Holafly keeps you connected effortlessly.

Fly with Holafly

With Holafly’s eSIM, you’re online in minutes. Keep your original number, tether your data, and enjoy unlimited browsing wherever you go.

Grab your Holafly
eSIM for Ecuador here!

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Sam Morrison

Detroit native, foothills and lakes of North Carolina raised, Barcelona-based writer and creator. Sam lives and loves by the phrase: words create worlds. An international lifestyle matched with a background in psychology, business, and creative writing has allowed Sam to create content for a range of artists, entrepreneurs, and fashion and lifestyle brands across the globe. Sam's an avid water sports athlete with a passion for fashion, well-being, and adventure.

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