The best eSIM for Ecuador depends on how much data you need, but for a typical trip eSIM Ahora offers plans from $3.15, activated by QR code in about 30 seconds with no roaming from your home carrier. A 3 GB, 30-day plan costs $7.88. You connect, with top-ups available and nationwide coverage. Compatible with iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S21+ and Google Pixel 3+.
Full-speed data every day; after the daily cap the speed is reduced.
Full speed up to 500 MB/day, then 512 Kbps.
Every eSIM can be installed within 180 days of purchase. Plan validity starts when you first connect.
Your eSIM picks between these networks on its own. If you see bars and nothing loads, you can pick one by hand.
Your Ecuador eSIM runs on one network: Claro. Other local networks won't carry your data: if you see signal bars and nothing loads, turn off automatic network selection (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Network Selection; Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → your eSIM) and pick Claro by hand.
Ecuador has three main carriers: Claro Ecuador (Mexican América Móvil subsidiary, largest market share, 5G in Quito and Guayaquil), Movistar Ecuador (Telefónica subsidiary), and CNT (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, state operator, strong in rural zones). Plugs are Type A and B (American format, 110V — same as US and Colombia). Important: Ecuador uses USD as official currency since 2000. 4G coverage reaches Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Manta, Salinas, and most of the Panamerican Highway (E35).
Quito Mariscal Sucre (UIO) and Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo (GYE) airports offer limited free WiFi. The currency is official USD (US bills, US cents and Ecuadorian centavos identical). Banco Pichincha, Banco del Pacífico, and Produbanco ATMs accept foreign cards with no commission up to USD 500. Tips are 10%. Beware altitude in Quito (2,850m) and Cuenca (2,560m) — first 24h adaptation. Uber and Cabify apps work in Quito and Guayaquil. La Mariscal zone in Quito has better tourist security than the historic center at night. Guayaquil has zones to avoid — ask your hotel.