Ecuador fits the Andes, the Amazon and the Pacific into one compact country, plus the Galápagos Islands about 1,000 kilometres offshore. Most trips start in Quito and follow the volcano-lined Andes south through Cotopaxi, the Quilotoa crater lake and Baños to Cuenca, before flying out to the Galápagos. Ecuador is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, and roaming on a European tariff is usually billed as a daily charge.
Key facts for Ecuador
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Movistar (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 911
- Embassies: in Quito
Travel warnings on the coast
Since 2024, Ecuador has been fighting a wave of organised crime, and states of emergency, sometimes with night-time curfews, are declared at short notice. The UK advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces, including Guayas and its main city, Guayaquil, and to areas within 20 kilometres of the Colombian border. Changing planes at Guayaquil airport without leaving it is excluded from that advice.
Quito and the altitude
Quito lies at about 2,850 metres, so give yourself a day or two to adjust before hiking higher. Coverage is strong across the city. Official advice is to use app-based or radio taxis instead of flagging cars down, because of the risk of express kidnappings.
Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños
Coverage is good in towns such as Latacunga, Baños and Cuenca, but it fades on the Quilotoa loop and inside Cotopaxi National Park, so download maps before setting off and carry warm layers for the high passes.
The Amazon
Jungle lodges are usually reached by canoe and lie beyond mobile coverage, where Wi-Fi, if there is any, is slow, so let family know you will be offline for a few days.
The Galápagos
Before the flight to the islands, you buy a transit control card at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil, and you pay the national park entrance fee on arrival. Coverage reaches the towns on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela, but not the uninhabited islands or most boat trips, and cruise ships often have only limited Wi-Fi.
Paying
Ecuador uses the US dollar. Carry small notes, as large ones are often refused, and keep some cash for markets and buses.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up before departure comes online when you land in Quito, ready for maps and ride apps, and your regular number carries on receiving texts and bank codes. For a route that continues to Peru or Colombia, one Americas plan covers the three countries.
Ecuadorian prepaid SIMs from Claro, Movistar or the state operator CNT are on sale in operator stores and require your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in Ecuador
- 911 is the single number for the police, ambulance and fire service, run by the national ECU 911 service.
- Embassies are in Quito, and some countries also have consulates in Guayaquil. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Ecuador, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- The app's emergency phrases in Spanish let you show what is wrong without searching for words.
Questions travellers ask about Ecuador
Does my EU plan work in Ecuador?
Roam Like at Home does not reach Ecuador, so your operator's own roaming rate applies.
Is there signal in the Galápagos?
In the towns on the inhabited islands, yes; at sea and on most excursions, no.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Ecuador?
Movistar, with 4G where available.
Is there a single emergency number?
Yes: 911 connects you with every emergency service.
The short version
Have the eSIM ready before departure, read the travel-safety page before heading to the coast, take the altitude in Quito slowly, carry small dollar notes, and save 911.
Related reads:
Ready to stay connected without surprises?
Activate your eSIM in seconds and travel connected in 200+ countries and territories.
See plans