Mobile internet services in Ecuador

This is a short list of mobile internet providers in Ecuador and beyond,

including their pros and cons, plus some app options for using ESims worldwide.

These are some of the most important questions travelers ask themselves before traveling abroad.

Will I be able to have a mobile internet connection for my stay? Where do I get such a service? And is it reliable?

First of all:

Yes, mobile internet is available in Ecuador. 

Here are some providers and tips you might want to know before you travel.

All info from personal experience only!

Where do I get a SIM card?

Your best bet is to buy one directly upon arrival at the airport. There, you might not have the choice of all providers available, but still a decent selection.

Otherwise, in cities all providers have stands and shops inside malls.

In rural areas, also small tiendas offer SIM cards and various mobile internet packages. 

Local Ecuadorian mobile internet providers

CNT (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones):

• Pros:
  State-owned, offers more affordable plans.
  Widely available coverage in urban and rural areas.

• Cons:
  Network speeds and customer service vary a lot.

Claro:

• Pros:
  Good coverage in urban and rural areas. Probably the widest coverage of them all.
  Offers a variety of plans and packages. 

• Cons:
  Network quality might be inconsistent in some regions.

Movistar:

• Pros:
  Decent coverage in urban areas.
  Offers competitive data plans.

• Cons:
  Network quality might vary in rural areas.

Tuenti:

• Pros:
  Known for budget-friendly plans.
  Operates on Movistar’s network.

• Cons:
  Limited customer service options.

And which one has the best coverage?

Claro has probably the best coverage throughout the country. 

We use different providers for our phones, and usually, Movistar/Tuenti are the ones that lose signal first while in the countryside. Then we need to switch on a mobile hotspot to continue providing connection.

In 9 out of 10 cases, Claro is the clear winner here.

CNT, the state-owned provider, is not as accessible to travelers as the others, due to the lack of prominent shops and advertising.

Apps that provide mobile internet through eSIM

There are many apps out there providing eSIM services for traveling:

For example Holafly, Nomad, Drimsim, or Simify. 

The one we use, and which has proven to work greatly, is…

Airalo

• Pros:
  Provides eSIM plans in more than 190 countries.
  Pay-as-you-go pricing model.
  Simple and user-friendly app interface.

• Cons:
  Limited voice and SMS options.
  Data speeds may vary based on the country and carrier.

Overall, Airalo is easy to use and can be your one solution while traveling. Highly recommended!