Mobile Phone Plans Ecuador/en: Difference between revisions
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{{EW hero|portal=guide|kicker= | {{EW hero|portal=guide|kicker={{EW cat|Living on the Peninsula}}|emoji={{EW teaser/data|Mobile Phone Plans Ecuador|e}}|title=Mobile Phone Plans Ecuador|hook={{EW teaser/data|Mobile Phone Plans Ecuador}}|min=2}} | ||
<languages/> | <languages/> | ||
Ecuador has three mobile networks: '''Claro''', '''Tigo''' (the old '''Movistar''') and state-owned '''CNT'''. All sell prepaid and postpaid plans. For coverage, 5G in Salinas, SIM cards and CNT's satellite SatPower plans, see '''[[Mobile Data Ecuador]]'''. | |||
== Prepaid (recarga) == | |||
No contract: buy a SIM and load credit when you need it. | |||
* Recharge cards from corner shops, pharmacies and network stores | |||
* The network's app (Mi Claro, Mi Tigo, Mi CNT) | |||
* Online banking | |||
You then buy a bundle — daily, weekly or monthly data, usually with unlimited WhatsApp. Prices and bundles change often; check the app before you top up. | |||
== Postpaid (plan) == | |||
Postpaid plans give more data and can include a new phone. You usually need: | |||
* A cédula (residents with a cédula qualify) | |||
== Postpaid ( | |||
Postpaid plans | |||
* | |||
* Proof of address | * Proof of address | ||
* | * Sometimes a credit check | ||
Contracts often run 12–24 months, especially with a phone. Networks offer discounts for the first months if you switch from another network ("portabilidad") — you keep your number. | |||
{{EW dyk|emoji=🚑|…911 is the one number for police, ambulance and fire anywhere in Ecuador?|page=Emergency Contacts|cta=Save the numbers →}} | {{EW dyk|emoji=🚑|…911 is the one number for police, ambulance and fire anywhere in Ecuador?|page=Emergency Contacts|cta=Save the numbers →}} | ||
== Calls and | == Calls and messaging == | ||
WhatsApp is used for almost everything in Ecuador — friends, businesses and customer service. Most bundles include unlimited or cheap WhatsApp. For calls from abroad, see [[Calling Ecuador from Abroad]]. | |||
WhatsApp | |||
== | == Buying a phone == | ||
Phones are sold in network stores and electronics shops in La Libertad. Unlocked phones work on any network. Phones brought from abroad may have to be registered and can pay import duties — see [[Customs/Aduana]]. | |||
== Stores on the peninsula == | |||
Claro, Tigo and CNT all have stores in La Libertad — Paseo Shopping has several under one roof. Claro also has a store in Salinas, and Tigo one in Santa Elena. | |||
== See | == See also == | ||
* [[Mobile Data Ecuador]] | * [[Mobile Data Ecuador]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Internet Service Providers]] | ||
* [[WiFi Hotspots]] | * [[WiFi Hotspots]] | ||
* [[Calling Ecuador from Abroad]] | * [[Calling Ecuador from Abroad]] | ||
{{EW explore|Mobile Data Ecuador|WiFi Hotspots|Online Banking Ecuador | {{EW explore|Mobile Data Ecuador|Internet Service Providers|WiFi Hotspots|Online Banking Ecuador|Customs/Aduana|Montañita}} | ||
{{EW next|Calling Ecuador from Abroad}} | {{EW next|Calling Ecuador from Abroad}} | ||
Latest revision as of 20:15, 2 November 2026
📶 Mobile Phone Plans Ecuador
Claro, Tigo (the old Movistar) and CNT: how prepaid and postpaid plans work.
Ecuador has three mobile networks: Claro, Tigo (the old Movistar) and state-owned CNT. All sell prepaid and postpaid plans. For coverage, 5G in Salinas, SIM cards and CNT's satellite SatPower plans, see Mobile Data Ecuador.
Prepaid (recarga)
No contract: buy a SIM and load credit when you need it.
- Recharge cards from corner shops, pharmacies and network stores
- The network's app (Mi Claro, Mi Tigo, Mi CNT)
- Online banking
You then buy a bundle — daily, weekly or monthly data, usually with unlimited WhatsApp. Prices and bundles change often; check the app before you top up.
Postpaid (plan)
Postpaid plans give more data and can include a new phone. You usually need:
- A cédula (residents with a cédula qualify)
- Proof of address
- Sometimes a credit check
Contracts often run 12–24 months, especially with a phone. Networks offer discounts for the first months if you switch from another network ("portabilidad") — you keep your number.
Did you know…?
🚑 …911 is the one number for police, ambulance and fire anywhere in Ecuador?
Calls and messaging
WhatsApp is used for almost everything in Ecuador — friends, businesses and customer service. Most bundles include unlimited or cheap WhatsApp. For calls from abroad, see Calling Ecuador from Abroad.
Buying a phone
Phones are sold in network stores and electronics shops in La Libertad. Unlocked phones work on any network. Phones brought from abroad may have to be registered and can pay import duties — see Customs/Aduana.
Stores on the peninsula
Claro, Tigo and CNT all have stores in La Libertad — Paseo Shopping has several under one roof. Claro also has a store in Salinas, and Tigo one in Santa Elena.
See also
Keep exploring
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Claro 5G in Salinas, Tigo instead of Movistar, and CNT plans that reach Starlink satellites where there is no signal.
📶
Netlife and Xtrim where they reach, Starlink where they don't — who to call for home internet, and who to avoid.
📘
Free and paid WiFi is available across the Santa Elena Peninsula, though reliability varies considerably.
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