How to get a prepaid SIM card in Ecuador as an Expat

Planning your move to Ecuador? Whether you’re settling into a new city or exploring the country’s stunning landscapes, staying connected is key. Getting a prepaid SIM card in Ecuador is the easiest and most affordable way to stay in touch, navigate your new surroundings, and share your adventures. Here’s everything you need to know about Ecuador SIM card options to stay online and in the loop in Ecuador.

Why Go for a Prepaid SIM Card?

Opting for a prepaid SIM card is a smart choice for expats because:

Affordable: It’s way cheaper than international roaming charges.
No Long-Term Commitment: Pay as you go, with no contracts or monthly fees.
Reliable Data Access: Enjoy smooth browsing, seamless navigation, and easy communication with your loved ones.

Mobile Network Providers in Ecuador

Claro

Claro is the big player in the market, Claro covers the entire country, including smaller towns and remote areas, with plenty of options for data, calls, and texts.

Daily Plans: For $1, you can get around 500 MB of data, plus unlimited use of WhatsApp for 24 hours.
Weekly Plans: Claro offers a 5 GB data plan for $4, including unlimited social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram) and free calls within the Claro network for 10 days.
Monthly Plans: Popular options include 12 GB for $10, with unlimited use of certain apps and free Claro-to-Claro calls. Occasionally, promotions may offer bonus data when recharging.

For more deals, check out their website: Claro

Movistar

Movistar is strong in urban areas, Movistar has a variety of budget-friendly Ecuador mobile internet packages for casual users.

Daily Plans: $1 provides 1 GB of data and unlimited use of WhatsApp for a day.
Weekly Plans: For $5, get 5 GB of data and unlimited WhatsApp.
Monthly Plans: A common choice is 12 GB for $10, plus unlimited WhatsApp and calls to Movistar numbers. They frequently offer extra data bonuses like free social media usage.

For more deals, check out their website: Movistar

CNT (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)

CNT is the government-owned provider with solid coverage across Ecuador, including some great deals on prepaid packages.

Daily Plans: You can get 1 GB for $1 for 24 hours.
Weekly Plans: $3 will get you around 4 GB of data, along with 4 GB to use on WhatsApp.
Monthly Plans: CNT’s $10 plan typically offers 10 GB of data, with 1 GB extra to use for social media, plus free calls within Ecuador. They may also have special promotions that include bonus streaming data for music or video platforms.

For more deals, check out their website: CNT

Tuenti

Tuenti is the new kid on the block. Tuenti operates on Movistar’s network and is all about easy, no-fuss data plans, perfect for expats who need a reliable connection without the frills.

Daily Plans: $2 offers 2 GB of data and unlimited WhatsApp, Spotify, Google Maps, and Uber for the day.
Weekly Plans: For $4, you get 3 GB of data, along with unlimited access to WhatsApp, Spotify, Google Maps, and Uber.
Monthly Plans: One of their popular plans is 12 GB for $10, with unlimited WhatsApp, Spotify, Google Maps, and Uber and a small number of free minutes for calls. Tuenti often throws in bonus data if you recharge before the current package expires.

For more deals, check out their website: Tuenti

How to Get Started

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Ecuador is simple. All you need is a valid passport, as it’s required by law to register your SIM, and an unlocked phone that can accept SIM cards from different networks. Choose a provider and a package that suits your needs (data, calls, and texts), show your passport for registration, and insert the SIM card into your phone. Activation usually takes just a few minutes, and you’re all set.

Where to Buy a Prepaid SIM Card

Mobile network stores: Visit official stores for Claro, Movistar, CNT, or Tuenti in major cities, airports, and malls. The staff will help you set up your new SIM.
Convenience stores, kiosks & pharmacies: Need a quick grab-and-go option? Pop into any local shop, and they’ll have you covered.
Airports: Want to hit the ground running? Pick up a SIM card as soon as you land. It’s super convenient, though prices may be a bit higher than in the city.

Topping Up & Coverage

Recharging your SIM card is easy—do it online through provider apps or websites, visit any supermarket, convenience store, or mobile shop for a “recarga,” or use ATMs that offer top-up options. In terms of coverage, cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca enjoy smooth 4G/5G networks, but rural areas can be less reliable, especially in remote regions like the Amazon or the Andes. Claro has the best overall coverage, with Movistar, CNT, and Tuenti (using Movistar’s network) also offering reliable service. Data speeds are fast in the cities but may slow down in more rural locations.

Pro Tips for Expats

Make the most of Wi-Fi: Connect to Wi-Fi at cafes, restaurants, and hotels to save on data.
Pick the right package: A weekly plan might work if you’re testing the waters, while monthly options are great if you’re settling in.
Monitor your usage: Stay on top of your data usage with your provider’s app or by dialing a code to check your balance.

Moving to Ecuador is an adventure, and staying connected should be the least of your worries. With a prepaid SIM card, you’ll have affordable, reliable service, so you can navigate your new life with ease. Whether you’re chatting with new friends, streaming your favorite shows, or mapping out your next weekend getaway, Ecuador’s mobile networks have you covered. So grab your SIM, power up, and get ready to enjoy all that Ecuador has to offer!