One of the first things you’ll want when arriving in Ecuador is a local phone number, especially if you’re planning to live here for a while. The great news? You don’t need to sign a long contract or prove anything about your finances. In Ecuador, staying connected is refreshingly simple and affordable. You just walk into a pharmacy, grocery store, or even the smallest neighborhood shop and buy a prepaid SIM card for less than $4. No paperwork, no contract, no credit checks. You put the SIM in your phone, activate it in a couple of minutes, and that’s it — you’re ready to call a taxi, order food, or chat with friends on WhatsApp. Instead of paying a large monthly bill, you simply top up whenever you need more data or minutes, starting from just $1. You can recharge at the same places that sell SIM cards or online, which makes it super convenient if you’re traveling around the country. It’s also great for budget control — you decide exactly how much to spend each time.

Most expats and locals choose pay-as-you-go because it’s more flexible and stress-free, especially while you’re still getting used to your new life here. Major carriers like Claro, Movistar, and CNT offer prepaid packages that include 4G or 5G data, local calls, and sometimes even social media bundles so you can keep using WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram without draining your main data balance. And if you plan to travel around Ecuador, prepaid service makes it easy to switch carriers depending on which one has better coverage in the region you’re exploring. You’re never stuck with a network that doesn’t work well where you live.