Country guide · South AmericaLocal SIM Cards in Ecuador: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Ecuador start at $1.5 from Claro Ecuador (América Móvil). Buy at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. Claro, Movistar, and CNT all have counters in arrivals. The Claro store in Quito's La Mariscal neighborhood (Juan Leon Mera near Calama) is well-stocked for plan upgrades.. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $4.06 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $4.06, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $1.5 USDClaro Ecuador (América Móvil)
- Network
- 4G LTEClaro Ecuador (América Móvil)
Ecuador uses the US dollar, which makes SIM card pricing straightforward. Claro dominates tourist areas with 4G LTE in Quito, Guayaquil, the Galapagos main towns, and Amazon river towns like Tena. Three carriers compete at the airport counters in both Quito and Guayaquil, and prices are among the most reasonable in South America. The one thing to know: the Galapagos uninhabited islands and Amazon jungle trails are genuinely offline. Download maps, lodge contacts, and any essential content before leaving the main towns.
Ecuador's telecom market is regulated by ARCOTEL. Three MNOs compete: Claro (América Móvil), Movistar (Telefonica), and CNT (state carrier). Claro leads market share and network quality. 4G covers major cities and tourist towns. Rural Andes and jungle areas are 3G with gaps.
eSIM for Ecuador: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
Ecuador uses USD so the local SIM ($6) vs eSIM ($9) gap is clear. For Galapagos-only visits, eSIM is convenient. For mainland Ecuador travel including the Amazon, local Claro is more cost-effective.
HelloRoam Ecuador eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam offers Ecuador coverage via Claro roaming at rates close to local plans, with eSIM convenience for Galapagos and Amazon visitors.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $4.06 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 30 days | $10 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $4.06 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
| Airalo | $10 | 3 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.8/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Ecuador →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Ecuador
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Ecuador across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | No |
| Price from | $4.06 USD | $1.5 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in Ecuador
Ecuador has 3 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claro Ecuador (América Móvil)Top pick | major | 4G LTE | $6 USD / $6 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Movistar Ecuador (Telefonica) | major | 4G LTE | $1.50 USD / $1.5 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| CNT Ecuador (state telecom) | major | 4G LTE | $5 USD / $5 | 3 | Airport, Carrier Store |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Ecuador, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
Claro Ecuador (América Móvil)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepago 3GBBest value | 3 GB | $6 USD | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Prepago 6GB | 6 GB | $11 USD | 30 days | 120 min local | Unlimited |
| Prepago 12GB | 12 GB | $18 USD | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Claro Ilimitado | Unlimited | $27 USD | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
APN settings: APN: internet.claro.com.ec
Movistar Ecuador (Telefonica)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movistar Prepago 3GBBest value | 3 GB | $6 USD | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Movistar Prepago 7GB | 7 GB | $12 USD | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Movistar Ilimitado | Unlimited | $25 USD | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Movistar Diario 1GB | 1 GB | $1.50 USD | 24 hours | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
APN settings: APN: internet.movistar.com.ec
CNT Ecuador (state telecom)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNT Prepago 3GBBest value | 3 GB | $5 USD | 30 days | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
| CNT Prepago 5GB | 5 GB | $8 USD | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| CNT Prepago 10GB | 10 GB | $14 USD | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
Where to buy a SIM card in Ecuador
The best place to buy is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. Claro, Movistar, and CNT all have counters in arrivals. The Claro store in Quito's La Mariscal neighborhood (Juan Leon Mera near Calama) is well-stocked for plan upgrades.. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Supermarket
Large supermarkets carry prepaid SIM starter packs in the electronics aisle. No-frills packaging, but prices are fair and no registration delay if no ID is required.
Convenience Store
Convenience stores stock prepaid SIM cards near the checkout. Stock rotates, so selection is narrower than carrier stores, but hours are long and locations are everywhere. Bring your passport.
Buying experience
Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito has Claro, Movistar, and CNT counters in the international arrivals area, past customs. Payment is in US dollars. The process takes under 5 minutes. In Quito's La Mariscal tourist district, the Claro store on Juan Leon Mera near Calama is a reliable option for plan upgrades and SIM troubleshooting. Supermaxi supermarkets throughout Ecuador sell recharge cards at the checkout counter.
Coverage & network in Ecuador
Ecuador operates on 4G LTE networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Ecuador
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
Claro Ecuador (América Móvil)
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Movistar Ecuador (Telefonica)
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
CNT Ecuador (state telecom)
major carrier
Urban
Good
Rural
Patchy
Claro Ecuador (América Móvil) leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 4/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Real-world connectivity
Quito's city center and La Mariscal neighborhood have strong 4G from Claro and Movistar. The Pan-American Highway south through Latacunga and Ambato to Cuenca maintains 4G coverage. Puerto Ayora on Galapagos Santa Cruz has Claro 4G in the main town and harbor area. Tena in the Amazon has 4G in town; lodges on the Napo River are 3G or offline. Andean mountain valleys between cities can create signal gaps even on Claro.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Ecuador
Best for: Galapagos Islands visitors, Amazon jungle travelers, Quito city stays, Andean trekkers.
Ecuador is comparable in price and coverage to Colombia, but USD pricing removes the exchange rate complication. Galapagos coverage is better than most expect. Claro 4G in the main towns is solid for most travel needs.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Ecuador SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Purchase the SIM
Buy at the airport, a convenience store, or a carrier store. Ask staff to insert and test the SIM before you leave the counter.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in Ecuador
Ecuador uses USD. Plan prices are in dollars with no conversion needed.
Claro has the strongest 4G in the Galapagos Islands, Quito, Guayaquil, and the Amazon lowlands (Tena, Misahualli).
The Galapagos Islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal) have Claro 4G in the main towns. Remote parts of Isabela and Fernandina have no signal.
Cuenca, Ecuador's third city and a popular expat destination, has reliable 4G from Claro and Movistar.
The Amazon jungle lodges outside Tena and Misahualli have limited Claro 3G. Download maps and lodge contacts before departure.
Recharge at any Supermaxi or Tia supermarket nationwide, or via the Claro or Movistar app with a credit card.
Altitude in Quito (2,850m / 9,350ft) does not affect signal, but Andean mountain valleys can create dead zones between cities.
The Quilotoa Loop in the Andes has variable Claro 3G in the towns and dead zones on the walking trails. Download Maps.me offline.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming CNT (state carrier) is the best option because it is cheaper. Claro and Movistar have significantly better 4G networks.
Not downloading offline maps before Galapagos or Amazon travel. Data is unavailable on uninhabited islands and jungle trails.
Buying a SIM at a hotel lobby at marked-up prices. Carrier counters at both Quito and Guayaquil airports are competitive and efficient.
Expecting Galapagos Island connectivity outside the main towns. Only Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal) have usable 4G.
Frequently asked questions
Which carrier has the best coverage in the Galapagos?
Claro has the best Galapagos coverage. Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal have Claro 4G. Isabela island's Puerto Villamil has 3G. Remote uninhabited islands have no signal.
How much does a SIM card cost in Ecuador?
SIM cards are free with plan purchase at carrier counters. Plans start from $5-6 USD for 3 GB over 30 days. Unlimited monthly plans are $25-27 USD. Ecuador uses USD so prices are simple.
Can I buy a SIM card at Quito Airport?
Yes. Mariscal Sucre Airport has Claro, Movistar, and CNT counters in the international arrivals area. All three are open during major flight arrivals. Bring your passport.
Is there coverage in the Amazon (Tena, Misahualli area)?
Claro has 4G in Tena and Misahualli town. Jungle lodges and river camps outside town have limited 3G or no signal. Download offline maps and key contacts before leaving Tena.
Is 5G available in Ecuador?
5G is not commercially available in Ecuador as of mid-2026. The network runs on 4G LTE in cities and 3G in rural areas.
Does Cuenca have good mobile coverage?
Yes. Cuenca has strong Claro and Movistar 4G throughout the historic center and residential areas. All carriers provide reliable coverage in Ecuador's third-largest city.
Where can I top up my SIM in Ecuador?
Supermaxi and Tia supermarkets sell recharge cards for all carriers at checkout. You can also top up via the Claro or Movistar apps with a credit card. Gas stations on major highways often sell recharge vouchers.
Is eSIM available from Ecuadorian carriers?
Ecuadorian carriers do not offer eSIM for prepaid plans as of mid-2026. HelloRoam and Airalo offer Ecuador via Claro roaming.
Which eSIM is best for Ecuador?
HelloRoam connects to Ecuador's 4G LTE network and plans start at $4.06 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for Ecuador?
Ecuador uses USD so the local SIM ($6) vs eSIM ($9) gap is clear. For Galapagos-only visits, eSIM is convenient. For mainland Ecuador travel including the Amazon, local Claro is more cost-effective. A local SIM from Claro Ecuador (América Móvil) starts at $1.5. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
SIM card guides for nearby countries
Traveling beyond Ecuador? These guides cover nearby destinations.
