How to Use Your Mobile Phone in Ecuador

Using a mobile phone in Ecuador is easy. Take the phone that you have from your country. There is a good chance if it is a newer model GSM phone with quad band it will work in Ecuador. Try this first, go to the many Porta or Movistar outlets that sell phones in the city you are in and ask them if they have a 'sim card' that will work for your phone. They will try it and if it works that is great because it does not get much easier than this. Remember in order to do this you must have an un-locked phone. I won't get into details because you can search this information on the internet. If the sim card works in your phone you just buy a recharge to top up the minutes for your phone. This is the same as prepaid minutes. Both Porta and Movistar use this concept. If you want and you are staying for a long time, you can choose a plan as well.

If the sim option does not work for your phone, you will need to buy a phone there. There is lots to choose from and the better phones don't come cheap. Expect to pay U.S. prices. However if you aren't fussy about the phone, there is a good starter type of phone you can get with both Movistar and Porta for around $50.00 U.S. Both companies have an Amigo kit which will give you a basic phone and a few minutes of talk time to start with.

Cell coverage in Ecuador is relatively good for a developing country. The main cities, like Quito and Guayaquil, have blanket coverage. In the Andes, valleys often have very spotty coverage, while a signal can usually be found on top of hills and ridges. The main coastal resort areas are actually well served. The smaller communities may have weak or no coverage. Remote parts of the Amazon basin do not generally have coverage. As companies build more cell towers expect coverage across the country to improve. There is more money lately being invested in infastructure projects across the country. Ecuador is heavily dependent on tourism so expect things to change for the future.

The simplicity of having a mobile phone in Ecuador makes it easy for you to obtain one even if you can't speak the language. Worst case scenario you spend the $50.00 on a starter phone.