Why an eSIM is Essential for Ecuador
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Ecuador does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is widespread in Ecuadorian hotels and cafes, but it has risks:
- Security: unsecured public networks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
- Coverage: WiFi rare in remote areas (Amazon, mountains)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, even in remote areas.
Network Coverage in Ecuador
Ecuador has good 4G/5G coverage (85%+) in urban areas thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Claro Ecuador |
90%+ |
Yes |
45% (leader) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Movistar |
88%+ |
Yes |
35% |
Holafly, Saily |
| CNT |
85%+ |
Yes |
20% |
LinkeSIM |
Note: Coverage is excellent in major cities (Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca) but may be variable in rural, mountainous areas and the Amazon.
Coverage by destination
- Quito: excellent 4G/5G coverage throughout the capital, good coverage even in the metro
- Galápagos: WARNING - limited coverage depending on operators. Verify that your eSIM covers the Galápagos Islands before purchasing
- Cuenca: excellent coverage in the city, good in surrounding areas
- Guayaquil: excellent coverage throughout the metropolis
- Ecuadorian Amazon: variable coverage depending on the area, generally good at tourist access points, limited in remote areas
- Mountains (Cotopaxi, Chimborazo): variable coverage depending on altitude, generally good at refuges and access points
Important: The Galápagos Islands have limited coverage. Verify that your eSIM covers this destination if you plan to visit it.
How to Install Your Ecuador eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Ecuador (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Ecuador eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Ecuador eSIM 2026"
countryCode="EC"
countrySlug="ecuador"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "1 GB",
duration: "7 days",
price: "$3",
highlight: "Global leader (8M+ users)",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "1 GB",
duration: "7 days",
price: "$3",
highlight: "Claro Ecuador network (leader)",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$5",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$50",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "~$4",
highlight: "Very competitive price",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Claro Ecuador network (leader 45%), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: Claro Ecuador network (leader 45%), code ESIMP (-10%), good value for money
- Saily: NordVPN included for secure public WiFi, code ESIMP (-10%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families, Movistar network
- LinkeSIM: very competitive price, CNT network, good economical option
Special Galápagos recommendation: Verify that your eSIM covers the Galápagos Islands before purchasing. Some operators have limited coverage in this destination.
Conclusion
For all travelers to Ecuador, an eSIM is essential as home roaming costs very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: Airalo 1 GB at ~$3 with code ESIMP15 offers the best value on the Claro Ecuador network (leader).
Alternative with VPN: Saily 3 GB at ~$5 with code ESIMP includes NordVPN to secure your public WiFi connections.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Important: Verify Galápagos Islands coverage before purchasing your eSIM if you plan to visit this destination.
Ecuador eSIM FAQ