eSIM Cards
Holafly eSIM not working: 8 ways to fix it
Is your Holafly eSIM not working? Here's everything you need to know about how you can solve the issues you can come across!
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Ecuador has a wide variety of landscapes, beaches, wildlife, and parks that will always surprise you, which is why it’s considered one of the most beautiful countries to visit. But, if your plan is to go and enjoy your stay to the fullest, always being connected to the internet without overpaying for roaming abroad, we recommend eSIMs, a convenient way to connect to the internet in Ecuador.
In Roaming, find out how they work, their main features, cellular operators that offer them in Ecuador, and their costs and requirements. Everything you need to know to make the best decision and purchase a plan that suits your needs.
Table of Contents
- What you should know about eSIM Ecuador:
- Cellular providers of eSIM cards to travel to Ecuador
- Prices and data plans of eSIM providers to travel to Ecuador
- Comparison of eSIM providers for Ecuador
- Features of the eSIM to travel to Ecuador
- Coverage of the eSIM to travel to Ecuador
- Local cellular operators offering eSIM in Ecuador
- FAQ about eSIM Ecuador
What you should know about eSIM Ecuador:
eSIMs are virtual cards that work through a nanochip that is already inserted in your cell phone. That’s why is so important that when choosing the best eSIM for you, you know its main requirements, so you won’t have problems connecting to the internet during your trip to Ecuador and you can easily share pictures of that 200-year-old tortoise you found on the road with your loved ones.
- Check that your cell phone is compatible with an eSIM because it’s a relatively new technology, and some devices are not compatible.
- Check that your device is supported by the operator or eSIM card provider. At the present time, the iPhone XR or more recent versions are compatible with the eSIM.
- You must have an email to register and receive your eSIM.
- To activate your eSIM you must have an internet connection since your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the operator’s servers. You can do this in Ecuador from a WiFi spot.
- Some providers will ask you to install their app to download the eSIM.
If you realize that your smartphone is not compatible with eSIMs, we recommend purchasing a traditional physical SIM with 3GB of data for 7 days, or 5GB for 14 days at $51.91 USD and $55.45, respectively. To learn more about SIM cards for Ecuador, we recommend you read our article: Ecuador SIM card.
Cellular providers of eSIM cards to travel to Ecuador
Now that you know the basic requirements to buy an eSIM and you have verified that it’s compatible with your cell phone, now you must know more about the main eSIM providers in Ecuador, but keep in mind that these companies only offer this service to people who visit the country for business or leisure, not residents. If you live in Ecuador and want to purchase an eSIM, we will talk more about that later in the article.
- Holafly
- Flexiroam
- GigSky
- Nomad
Prices and data plans of eSIM providers to travel to Ecuador
When checking the plan offered by providers, you must consider that the variation in prices can occur for different reasons, such as their coverage in Ecuador, roaming agreements, and even payment methods available.
Holafly plans and prices in Ecuador
- 6GB for 15 days at $44
Flexiroam plans and prices in Ecuador
- 3GB for 8 days at $34.65
- 3GB for 15 days at $38.15
GigSky plans and prices in Ecuador
- 5GB for 30 days at $39.99
Nomad plans and prices in Ecuador
- 3GB for 30 days at $42
Comparison of eSIM providers for Ecuador
| Provider | Data | Days | Price (USD) | Language | Sales channels |
| Holafly | 6GB | 15 | $44 | Spanish, English, German, and French | Web |
| Flexiroam | 3GB | 8 | $34.65 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| Flexiroam | 3GB | 15 | $38.15 | English | Web, Play Store, App Store |
| GigSky | 5GB | 30 | $39.99 | English | Web, Play Store, App Store |
| Nomad | 3GB | 30 | $42 | English | Web, App Store |
Features of the eSIM to travel to Ecuador
Unlike the traditional physical SIM card, eSIMs don’t let you make analog calls, among other things that you should know before deciding to buy one. So, when you do, you’ll be 100% sure that it’s what you needed and you won’t have to experience an unpleasant surprise.
- Most eSIM cards don’t offer analog calls, only data. But with the plans offered on the market, you can communicate through voice using apps like Skype or WhatsApp.
- They can be installed only once, so, if you are having problems with your eSIM card, don’t delete it from your cell phone, instead, contact your eSIM provider.
- Some eSIMs configure the APN automatically.
- You can add multiple data plans on your iPhone, but this depends on the available memory, although it’s only possible to use one at a time.
- Some eSIMs allow you to share data.
- You will have a dual-SIM iPhone, as you will be able to keep your local SIM when you travel to Ecuador. Remember to set up your iPhone to avoid surprise invoices.
Coverage of the eSIM to travel to Ecuador
Ecuador is a very large country, so you should keep in mind the coverage that the plan you’re buying offers because this usually changes depending on the agreements that each provider has with the main domestic companies. So, if you buy a virtual card without knowing the coverage, it may not cover the area you’re going to visit.
The main telecommunications companies in Ecuador are:
- Movistar
- Claro
- CNT
Movistar coverage map in Ecuador
Claro coverage map in Ecuador
CNT coverage map in Ecuador
Local cellular operators offering eSIM in Ecuador
As we mentioned at the beginning, if you live in Ecuador or plan to live there and want to change your physical SIM for an eSIM, there’s a company that offers this service. However, keep in mind that this company may ask you to meet requirements other than those mentioned in the article.
- Movistar
FAQ about eSIM Ecuador
That’s all folks! Thanks for reading. We hope that the information has been useful to you and that your trip to Ecuador is the best. If you still have doubts about eSIMs, we’ve left some frequently asked questions that travelers usually have when purchasing an eSIM.
Can I share data or do tethering with the eSIM in Ecuador?
Yes, eSIMs for Ecuador will allow you to share your data with other devices. However, we recommend checking with the provider’s customer service.
How to activate the eSIM for Ecuador?
After installing the virtual SIM profile, you must choose it as the default means of cellular data, activate data, and roaming and your virtual SIM should now work.
When does the eSIM data plan start?
From the moment you activate your eSIM, by scanning the QR code on your phone.
Should I activate roaming on my cell phone?
Yes, for your eSIM to get better coverage you must activate the “Cell phone roaming” or “Roaming” option. Keep in mind that if you use this option, it won’t imply any surcharge for you or any surprise invoice as long as you have configured the eSIM for your cellular data. However, we recommend you always confirm it with your provider.
Do international prepaid eSIM cards expire?
Yes, like physical cards, virtual SIMs also have an expiration date.
What happens if I use up all my data or the number of days the plan will be valid?
Once the contracted data plan has been consumed, due to data consumption or duration, the eSIM will stop working and the internet connection will be cut off.
Do I need a passport to buy the Ecuador eSIM card?
It’s not necessary to present a passport, but some providers do require your address. This applies only to the eSIM for tourists, and not to the eSIM offered by Movistar, who will ask for your information.
What cell phones are compatible with the eSIM for Ecuador?
Cell phones compatible with the eSIM for Ecuador are increasing by the day. Remember that if you live in a European or Latin American country and plan to travel to Ecuador, it’s essential that you have a cell phone that is compatible with both eSIM and its bands. If you don’t, you’ll be left without service and you will be forced to rent or buy a new cell phone.
These are the cell phones in which you can install and activate an eSIM for Ecuador. Make sure the eSIM provider supports it: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE 2020, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy S20+ Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4a XL.
