- Basic Information
- Official Websites
- Availability – Where to Buy
- Network Frequencies
- Coverage & Speed
- At a Glance Comparison
- Biometric User Registration
- What to Expect
- Device Registration
- Mobile Apps (with Download Links)
- SIM Card Prices
- eSIM Options
- Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
- Tourist SIM Cards
- Activation
- How to Check Remaining Balance
- Helpline Numbers
- Conclusion
Traveling through Ecuador’s breathtaking Andes, tropical Amazon, or sunny Pacific coast? Staying connected is easy and affordable with a local prepaid SIM card or eSIM. This guide explains everything you need to know about getting a SIM card in Ecuador — including plans, prices, registration, coverage, and where to buy.
Basic Information
Ecuador offers strong mobile connectivity with 4G LTE widely available in urban centers and tourist regions. Three major operators dominate the market:
- Claro Ecuador – best nationwide coverage
- Movistar Ecuador – excellent urban network, flexible prepaid plans
- CNT (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones) – state-owned, affordable options
Prepaid SIMs are suitable for both locals and tourists, providing data, calls, and texts without contracts.
Official Websites
| Operator | Official Website |
|---|---|
| Claro Ecuador | https://www.claro.com.ec |
| Movistar Ecuador | https://www.movistar.com.ec |
| CNT EP | https://www.cnt.gob.ec |
Availability – Where to Buy
You can easily buy prepaid SIM cards at:
- Airports (Quito, Guayaquil) – kiosks or telecom counters
- Official stores – Claro, Movistar, or CNT branches in cities
- Convenience stores and supermarkets (e.g., Mi Comisariato, Tía)
- Electronics shops and shopping malls
- Online or from eSIM providers such as Holafly or Nomad
Bring your passport for SIM registration.
Network Frequencies
| Network Type | Frequency Bands |
|---|---|
| 2G | 850 / 1900 MHz |
| 3G | 850 / 1900 MHz |
| 4G / LTE | 700 / 1700 / 1900 MHz (Bands B28, B4, B2) |
| 5G (trial) | 3500 MHz (n78) |
✅ Make sure your phone supports these bands and is unlocked before traveling.
Coverage & Speed
- Claro: Best nationwide 4G coverage, reliable even in rural and coastal zones.
- Movistar: Strong in cities and tourist areas, good data speeds.
- CNT: Cheaper but slower in rural regions.
Average speeds:
- 4G: 20–50 Mbps
- 5G (limited areas): Up to 250 Mbps
At a Glance Comparison
| Operator | Coverage | 4G/5G | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claro | Excellent nationwide | 4G/5G | Travelers, heavy data users |
| Movistar | Strong in cities | 4G | Urban users, short stays |
| CNT | Moderate | 4G | Budget travelers |
Biometric User Registration
SIM card registration is mandatory in Ecuador. When purchasing a prepaid SIM, you’ll need to show your passport or a valid ID. The store staff will register your SIM to your name — no additional biometric data (like fingerprints) is required.
What to Expect
- SIM activation is fast and easy.
- English-speaking staff are common in urban stores.
- Data packages often include free WhatsApp or social media use.
- Top-ups can be done via mobile apps or local convenience stores.
Device Registration
There’s no mandatory phone registration in Ecuador. However, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with the local frequencies listed above.
Mobile Apps (with Download Links)
| Operator | App Name | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claro Ecuador | Mi Claro | Google Play | App Store |
| Movistar Ecuador | Mi Movistar | Google Play | App Store |
| CNT | CNT Móvil | Google Play | App Store |
SIM Card Prices
| Operator | Starter SIM Price | Included Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claro | $3–5 | 2–5 GB | 7–30 days |
| Movistar | $2–4 | 1–3 GB | 7–30 days |
| CNT | $3 | 3 GB | 7 days |
Airport kiosks may charge slightly higher prices.
eSIM Options
Travelers can skip physical SIM cards and opt for eSIMs from:
These can be activated before arrival and are ideal for iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung devices with eSIM support.
Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
| Operator | Plan Name | Price (USD) | Data | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claro | “Paquete Prepago 10” | $10 | 10 GB | 30 days | Free WhatsApp + Facebook |
| Movistar | “Plan Navega” | $8 | 8 GB | 30 days | Free social apps |
| CNT | “Bono Internet” | $5 | 5 GB | 15 days | Bonus YouTube hours |
Data Add-Ons:
| Operator | Add-On | Price | Extra Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claro | Extra 1 GB | $1.50 | 1 GB | 3 days |
| Movistar | Social Media Pack | $2 | 2 GB (Facebook/Instagram) | 7 days |
| CNT | Data Boost | $3 | 3 GB | 5 days |
Tourist SIM Cards
Claro Ecuador Tourist SIM – ~$12 for 12 GB, valid 30 days.
Movistar Ecuador Tourist Pack – ~$10 for 10 GB + unlimited WhatsApp.
These SIMs are designed for short-term visitors and can be purchased at airports, hotels, or official stores.
Activation
- Insert the SIM or scan your eSIM QR code.
- Register your passport/ID with the store representative.
- Restart your phone.
- Data and calls should activate automatically.
If not, check your APN settings or call the operator helpline.
How to Check Remaining Balance
| Operator | USSD Code | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Claro | *123# | Mi Claro App |
| Movistar | *222# or SMS “SALDO” to 600 | Mi Movistar App |
| CNT | *611# | CNT Móvil App |
Helpline Numbers
| Operator | Customer Support |
|---|---|
| Claro | 500 123 or +593 500 123 123 |
| Movistar | *611 or 1 800 MOVISTAR |
| CNT | *611 or +593 1800 100 100 |
Conclusion
Buying a prepaid SIM card in Ecuador is the smartest way to stay online while traveling. With affordable plans, generous data, and reliable coverage from Claro, Movistar, and CNT, you can enjoy fast 4G and emerging 5G service across most of the country.
For most travelers, Claro offers the best coverage, Movistar gives great flexibility, and CNT is ideal for budget users. If convenience matters, consider an eSIM — it activates instantly and saves you the hassle of finding a store.
Stay connected, navigate easily, and share your Ecuador adventures without breaking the bank!