National Anthem
Basics[]
Ecuador has three network operators:
- Claro
- Movistar
- CNT
The first existing MVNO is called Tuenti on Movistar. Virgin Mobile was announced to launch in 2017, but they have still not begun operations.
Claro and Movistar have 2G/3G on 850 MHz and CNT on 1900 MHz. CNT has started 4G/LTE on 700 MHz (Band 28) and 1700/2100 MHz (AWS Band 4), Movistar on 1900 MHz (Band 2) in Quito only and Claro on 1700 MHz (AWS Band 4).
By law you have to be an Ecuadorian citizen to buy a SIM card. In practice it's easy to find a store that will activate it in someone else’s name, and then transfer it to you a few days later. The store will still want identification, however, so bring your passport.
Prices in Ecuador are quoted in US$ and a 12% VAT applies, however it's already included in the main plans for all carriers.
The countries of the Comunidad Andina (CAN) Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru have agreed to implement a "roam like at home" scheme similar to the EU. From January 2022 operators must not charge additional fees for roaming between the bloc’s member states, and must apply the same tariff conditions that apply in the user’s home state for local outgoing calls, SMS and data. This is not applicable for prepaid users. Only for postapaid.
Claro (aka Conecel)[]
Claro (Conecel) by América Móvil is the market leader in Ecuador with 2/3 of all mobile customers. It has the best coverage especially in remote areas. 4G/LTE has started in 2015 in Guayaquil, Quito, Cumbayá and Sangoloquí and is rolled out in other regions available for prepaid: coverage checker.
Availablility[]
Their prepaid SIM card is available in their stores (store locator) in triple size. Starter packs come as for $ 4.48. When you text 'CLARO' to 5000, you will get 30 all-net mins, 30 all-net SMS, 3 GB and free WhatsApp.
If your chip isn't activated (e.g. you try to register on http://www.miclaro.com.ec and if it tells you the number isn't activated), you should call another person on the claro network from your phone. This will activate the chip.
Top-up there or at many supermarkets and pharmacies for $3, 5, 6, 10, 20, 30. To check balance dial *102#. Also, the site https://claro.mobilerecharge.com can be used. Top-up $1 you will get free WhatsApp and on-net SMS for 1 day, $2 free for 4 days and $3+ free for 6 days.
Data feature packs[]
These packages can be loaded on all SIM cards, additionally all of these packages include free GB for WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
| Price | Time | Data | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1 | 1 day | 200 MB | Unlimited on-net mins and SMS. |
| $2 | 2 days | 1 GB | Unlimited on-net mins and SMS. |
| $3 | 3 days | 3 GB | 30 all-net mins. Unlimited on-net mins. |
| $4 | 10 days | 2 GB | 40 all-net mins. Unlimited on-net mins.
Additional 2 GB can be used from 23:00 to 06:59. Free GBs for Free Fire game. |
| $5 | 15 days | 2 GB | 100 all-net mins. Unlimited on-net mins to 5 numbers. |
| $6 | 15 days | 3 GB | 60 all-net mins. Unlimited on-net mins.
Additional 3 GB can be used from 23:00 to 06:59. Free GBs for Free Fire game. |
| $7 | 20 days | 3.5 GB | 150 all-net mins. Unlimited on-net mins to 5 numbers.
Additional 3.5 GB can be used from 23:00 to 06:59. |
| $10 | 30 days | 10 GB | 200 all-net mins. Unlimited on-net mins to 5 numbers.
2 GB included for Facebook, Instagram & TikTok (7 days) |
| $12 | 30 days | 10 GB | 240 all-net mins. Unlimited on-net mins to 5 numbers.
Additional 10 GB can be used from 23:00 to 06:59. Free GBs for Free Fire game. |
| $15 | 30 days | 15 GB | 150 all-net mins.
5 GB included for Facebook, Instagram & TikTok (7 days) |
Additional data is $ 0.228 per MB. You can order any of the packs by dialing *123#. You can buy as much packets as you like, one by one, packages will be combined. Extra volumes are for WhatsApp (WA) and Facebook (RB) use.
For social media, they have issued two packages:
| Price | Time | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| $1 | 1 day | Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp & Facebook Messenger |
| $2 | 2 days | 4.5 GB for Instagram and YouTube.
Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp & Facebook Messenger. |
To check data balance dial *123# -> Consulta Saldos -> Saldo Internet Móvil.
More information[]
- APN: internet.claro.com.ec
- Website in Spanish: http://www.claro.com.ec
Movistar[]
Movistar is the 2nd network in the country, giving even better speeds in the cities, but a lower coverage: coverage checker outside. 4G/LTE is open for prepaid and available in Guayaquil, Salinas Quito, Cuenca, Azogues, Ambato and Tonsupa in 2016.
Availability[]
Their prepaid SIM card called SuperChip Prepago is available in their stores (store finder) . Top-up there or at many supermarkets for $2, 3, 6, 10, 15, 30. Starter packs comes as regular voice and data SIM for $5 free WhatsApp and
Data feature packs[]
Data outside of packages are $0.10 per MB. Movistar markets its combo packages as base plans.
All plans include WhatsApp free, and unlimited on-net mins. Data for the "Social" category below can be used on Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram.
| Price | Time | Data | Social | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1 | 1 day | 250 MB | 10 all-net mins. | |
| $2 | 3 days | 1 GB | 20 all-net mins. | |
| $3 | 7 days | 1 GB | 1 GB | 30 all-net mins. |
| $4 | 10 days | 2 GB | 1 GB | 40 all-net mins. |
| $5 | 15 days | 2 GB | 100 all-net mins. | |
| $6 | 15 days | 3 GB | 1 GB | 100 all-net mins. |
| $8 | 30 days | 4 GB | 2 GB | 100 all-net mins. |
| $10 | 30 days | 8 GB | 2 GB | 120 all-net mins. |
| $15 | 30 days | 12 GB | 3 GB | 150 all-net mins. |
You can also add the following Bonos, as well as additional GB separately:
| Name | Price | Time | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bono YouTube | $1 | 24 h | "3 hours for YouTube" |
| Bono Redes Sociales | $1 | 1 day | 1 GB for Facebook, Messenger, Instagram & Twitter |
| Bono Música | $2 | 3 days | 1 GB for Spotify & Deezer |
| Bono Video | $2 | 3 days | "3 hours for Netflix & YouTube" |
| Bono GPS | $2 | 3 days | 1 GB for Google Maps, Waze, Uber, Cabify,
UberEats, Glovo & Rappi |
| GIGAS $3 | $3 | 7 days | 2 GB |
| GIGAS $5 | $5 | 15 days | 4 GB |
| GIGAS $10 | $10 | 30 days | 10 GB |
Activation is by *100#. You can also check balance there.
Tourist SIM[]
| Price | Time | Data | Airtime | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60 | 30 days | 17G | ?? | Free WhatsApp |
| ?? | 30 days | 7G | ?? | Free WhatsApp |
It's available at Quito and Guayaquil airports only.
More information[]
- APN: internet.movistar.com.ec
- Username and password: movistar
- Website in Spanish: http://www.movistar.com.ec
CNT[]
CNT for Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones is the public provider in Ecuador. They focus mainly on ADSL and landline phone connections. It has a mobile network too, but this is rather limited in coverage. So check before: coverage map. 4G/LTE is open for prepaid and gives the best speeds in cities of all operators in the country.
Availablility[]
Their prepaid SIM card called Chip Prepago Plus is available at their stores (store locator) for $3 (tax included.) It includes the following for 3 days:
- 3 GB data
- After this data is used, 4 GB is available for WhatsApp, and 1 GB each for Facebook, Instagram & TikTok
- 30 all-net mins
- Unlimited on-net mins
- 50 all-net SMS
Top-ups can be made online, or at many stores, pharmacies, and banks.
Data feature package[]
Data outside of packages is $ 0.0214 per MB + tax.
These packages can be activated on the SIM. Prices have tax already included.
| Price | Time | Data | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1 | 1 day | 300 MB | 1 GB WhatsApp
1 GB Facebook 15 all-net min |
| $3 | 7 days | 4 GB | 4 GB WhatsApp
1 GB Facebook 1 GB Instagram 1 GB TikTok 50 SMS 35 all-net min Unltd. on-net min |
| $5 | 30 days | 5 GB | 4 GB WhatsApp
1 GB Facebook 1 GB Instagram 1 GB TikTok 50 SMS 50 all-net min 30 intl. min Unltd. on-net min |
| $10 | 30 days | 15 GB | 4 GB WhatsApp
1 GB Facebook 1 GB Instagram 1 GB TikTok 50 SMS 200 all-net min 30 intl. min Unltd. on-net min |
| $15 | 30 days | 20 GB | 4 GB WhatsApp
1 GB Facebook 1 GB Instagram 1 GB TikTok 50 SMS 300 all-net min 30 intl. min Unltd. on-net min |
| $20 | 30 days | 25 GB | 4 GB WhatsApp
1 GB Facebook 1 GB Instagram 1 GB TikTok 50 SMS Unltd. all-net & on-net min 30 intl. min |
You can also add data exclusively for use with specific apps.
Spotify, Google Apps / YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Waze, and Netflix data can be purchased for $1 for 1 GB which lasts one day. There is also a package for data that can be used with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex, it costs $5 for 5 GB.
Tourist Offer[]
They offer an exclusive "Chip Turista" with preactivated SIM card on 2G/3G and 4G/LTE including $3 airtime valid for 30 days. This plan is only for foreigners and they must present a foreign passport or ID.
- $ 20 ($ 22.40 tax incl.): 500 MB for 30 days plus $ 3 talktime
- $ 25 ($ 28 tax incl.): 1 GB for 30 days plus $ 3 talktime, free Facebook and WhatsApp
More information[]
- APN: internet3gsp.alegro.net.ec
- APN: internet.cnt.net.ec
- Website in Spanish: http://www.cnt.gob.ec
Tuenti[]
Tuenti is the first MVNO in Ecuador and started in 2015 on the Movistar network (for coverage see above). They focus mainly on the urban youth. In 2016 4G/LTE was opened to all their plans. You should combine it with their Tuenti app for free VoIP calls and SIM management.
Availability[]
SIM cards and top-ups are available nationwide on supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations. The starter kit called chip tuenti costs $ 5 (tax included) in supermarkets and service stations. It includes 750 MB, WhatsApp use, 15 min domestic voice and 50 dom. SMS. If you have problems registering on a foreign passport, contact them via Facebook or Twitter. For activation call *777.
Top-ups are sold for $5, $10, and $20 in their outlets, by app or online. Check balance by *777#.
Arriving on Quito you can buy a SIM card just as you exit the airport terminal across the street at Quito Airport Center, the airport's shopping mall. The kiosk is called SIM Store and they sell at the official price, although only the higher-tier combo is available. They will take care of registration and topping up. At land borders, there are also street vendors selling the SIM cards just outside Colombian border control (before entry to Ecuadorian passport control).
Combo Plans[]
Default rate outside packages is $ 0.20 per MB (plus taxes). These combo plans are offered for 30 days.
| Price | Data | Voice | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|
| $7 | 5 GB | 50 all-net mins | 50 |
| $10 | 3 GB | 60 all-net mins | 50 |
| $20 | 7 GB | 200 all-net mins | 50 |
| $25 | 20 GB | Unltd. all-net mins
50 Intl. mins |
50 |
Minutes and SMS can be used to call or text to Ecuador, USA, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Italy, Spain and Venezuela. All combos include unlimited WhatsApp (including voice and video calls) not debited from your data balance, unlimited Spotify and unlimited on-net Tuenti calls. For more data these Comodines are available. They can only be activated through *777# or Tuenti App.
| Name | Price | Data | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comodín Nocturno | $1 | "Free" | 1 day (only 00:00 to 06:00) |
| Comodín 200 Megas | $1 | 200 MB | 1 day |
| Comodín 500 Megas | $2 | 500 MB | 30 days |
| Comodín 1 GIGA | $4 | 1 GB | 30 days |
| Comodín Universitario | $15 | 30 GB | 30 days (active combo required) |
Activation is made online on your account or through the app.
More Information[]
- APN: internet.tuenti.ec
- Website in Spanish: http://www.tuenti.ec