Visiting Ecuador soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing an Ecuador SIM card.
In this guide, weâll explain where to buy a SIM card in Ecuador in person and online. Weâll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Ecuador. If you donât mind not having Internet, youâll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Spanish â you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Ecuador.
Best SIM Cards In Ecuador
If youâre traveling in Ecuador, we recommend using a SIM card from Claro, CNT, Movistar, or Airalo. (Iâll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)
That said, if youâre planning on visiting other countries during your trip to South America, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other South American countries.
How To Buy A SIM Card In Ecuador
You can either buy an Ecuador prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we donât recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you wonât necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so itâs essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, Iâd recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you wonât get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a South American prepaid SIM card online.
Now, letâs take a look at the data plans offered by Claro, CNT, and Movistar.
Claro SIM Cards
Claro offers three different types of tourist plans:
- 10 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 10
- 12 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 12
- 15 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 15
CNT SIM Cards
CNT has two different prepaid plans available:
- 1 GB, valid for 1 day for USD 1
- 5 GB, valid for 5 days for USD 5
Movistar SIM Cards
Movistar offers several SIM-only plans:
- 1 GB, valid for 1 day for USD 1
- 3 GB, valid for 7 days for USD 3
- 5 GB, valid for 15 days for USD 5
- 10 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 10
Overall, we think Claro is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you canât find their store!
How To Buy An Ecuador Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
Youâll find different plans on Amazon. For example, OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB, Ecuador is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Ecuador or, if youâre traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for South America.
How To Buy An eSIM Card For Ecuador
eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards â itâs definitely one of the best options to get data in Ecuador.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo.
Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Ecuador.
Airalo Ecuador
If you want to buy an eSIM for Ecuador, you could purchase one on Airalo. This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for South America and Ecuador.
Iâve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.
Here are the options available:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $8
- 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $15
- 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $21
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $32.50
Hereâs an overview of the options available for South America:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $15
- 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $28
- 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $39
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $60
The options mentioned above are part of Latamlink and offer coverage in 19 countries, including Ecuador.
Alternatively, if youâre traveling in other countries that are not mentioned on the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 124 countries, including Ecuador.
Hereâs an overview of the options available on Discover Global:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
- 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $17
- 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $24
- 5 GB, valid for 60 days for $35
- 10 GB, valid for 180 days for $59
- 20 GB, valid for 365 days for $69
Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that youâll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.
Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because youâre connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.
When you purchase the eSIM, youâll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.
Holafly Ecuador
Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly. You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.
Hereâs an overview of their plan for Ecuador:
- Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $27
- Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $34
- Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
- Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
- Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $54
- Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $79
Nomad Ecuador
Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider. Hereâs an overview of the plans available for Ecuador:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $20
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $48
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $54
Nomad also has a global eSIM plan which offers coverage in Ecuador. Hereâs an overview:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $20
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $48
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $54
Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Ecuador
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Ecuador or even an eSIM for your travels in Ecuador is pretty straightforward.
Youâll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in South America without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a South American plan.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Ecuador if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you wonât need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
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