Because of its natural wonders, many travelers pick Ecuador as a travel destination. Since not everyone knows how to connect to the internet during their trip, they end up activating the international roaming service of their domestic operator. If you are planning to connect the same way, we recommend you read this article first.
Here you will find all the information about international roaming services in Ecuador. From its rates, plans, and more. We are also going to tell you about other alternatives that may be of your help if you are not convinced by international roaming, like the eSIM card for Ecuador or the eSIM card for Latin America.
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How do I activate the roaming service in Ecuador?
Roaming, or data roaming, is the possibility that cellular devices have to connect to the cellular operator’s networks anywhere. You can make calls, send texts, or connect to the internet with the same SIM card and data plan you usually use in your country, but for at a higher price.
The activation of this service is very simple. All you have to do is to contact your cellular operator, pick the data plan you need, and follow some steps in the settings of your device.
However, be careful because on some devices, this service is already active, and it may cost more than what you expected. That’s the reason why we created the following table, where you can compare the price of different cellular operators.
Roaming in Ecuador from different operators: a comparison
| Cellular operator | Cellular data / Internet (USD) |
| T-Mobile | 1MB at $15 |
| AT&T | 1MB at $2.05 |
| Rogers | 10MB at $15 |
| O2 | $6 per day |
| Vodafone | $6 per day |
| Optus | 1MB at $2.00 |
How much does the roaming service cost for Ecuador?
The first thing you have to know about this service is that the price is going to vary depending on the operator you use. It is because the roaming service works with contract agreements with cellular operators, which means that your operator lets you use the same cellular services that you consume back home through a cellular operator in the country you are visiting. And the price for doing that is the one you have to pay at the end of your trip.
T-Mobile roaming service in Ecuador
With this company, the roaming service in Ecuador will let you connect to the internet, depending on the current plan you have. Users with one of the Simple Global plans will be able to use the roaming service at no extra cost. However, those who have any other T-Mobile plan will be charged the following rates for roaming usage:
- Calls made: $0.25/min.
- SMS: $0.50 per text.
- Internet: $15/MB.
Roaming in Ecuador from AT&T USA
If you are an AT&T customer from the USA, the prices you will have to pay for using their roaming in Ecuador are the following:
- Calls: $3 per minute.
- Send texts: $0.50/message
- Send pictures and videos: $1.30/message
- Internet: $2.05
AT&T also offers the International Day Pass, which is a plan that users can get to use their unlimited phone services for just paying $10 per day. This plan is available for use in Ecuador.
Rogers Canada roaming service in Ecuador
If you are from Canada and you are a Rogers user, then this company will let you enjoy the services during your trip for the following prices:
- Call: $3 per minute
- Text: $0.75 per text
- Data: $15 per 10 MB
This company also offers the Roam Like Home plan. With it, users will be able to use their services as if they were at home just paying $15 per day. But this plan will only be active for 20 days.
Roaming service in Ecuador with O2 UK
If you are an O2 UK customer, you will be able to use the O2 Travel Bolt On Plan. With it, you’ll be able to use data, make calls, and sends messages for just $6 per day. But, if you prefer the pay-per-use option, you’ll have to pay the following rates:
- Internet: $7.20/MB
- Calls: $2/minute
- Text: $0.50/text
Vodafone UK roaming in Ecuador
If you want to use the Vodafone UK roaming, you will only have to pay $6 per day to use your UK allowance of data, minutes, and texts. You’ll enjoy 4G connectivity.
Optus roaming in Ecuador
If you are a user of Optus from Australia, and you want to connect to the internet in Ecuador with this company, you will have to pay the prices below:
- Calls made to locals: $1.90 per minute.
- Calls made to other countries: $5.80 per minute
- Received calls: $1.65 per minute
- SMS: $0.55 for each SMS
- Data: $2 per MB
Roaming alternatives for Ecuador
If, after reading about the prices of the roaming service in Ecuador, you are not convinced, don’t worry. We are going to show you other alternatives that will let you have cellular internet in Ecuador for a reasonable price.
Some of them are the eSIM card with cellular data for Ecuador, which will let you connect for a cheap price and with additional perks and benefits.
Holafly eSIM cards for Ecuador
Nowadays, the eSIM card is one of the most popular alternatives. It is because it is one of the most accessible options available, to connect to the internet anywhere. Since you can buy them through online stores, you don’t have to pay for shipping. And you don’t have to subscribe, all you have to do is to pick the data plan you want and complete the purchase. You have to make sure that your cellphone is eSIM compatible.
How to acquire an eSIM card?
To buy an eSIM card you have to find an international eSIM card provider, like Holafly. Once you are on their website, you look for the eSIM card for your destination. You can also find an eSIM card for Latin America.
Advantages:
- You can buy it and activate it in less than a minute.
- 24-hour customer service and support.
- Keep your number.
- High-speed connection.
- Avoid paying for international roaming.
Disadvantages:
- You won’t be able to make calls or send texts.
- Your cellphone must be eSIM compatible. We recommend you check this on the eSIM-supported cellphones list.
Free Wifi in Ecuador
Another way to connect to the internet in Ecuador is using the public WiFi spots you can find in different places. You can connect for an unlimited time, but you need to keep in mind that these networks are not safe, and your personal information can be easily stolen.
Advantages:
- Internet with no restrictions.
- Free.
- You can find them in different places.
Disadvantages:
- It is not stable or fast.
- It is not safe. Your personal information can be easily stolen, such as your email accounts, or passwords.
- You have to look for these networks.
Renting a Pocket WiFi
Finally, you can connect to the internet using Pocket WiFi. It is a small router that you can carry in your pocket and will create a private WiFi network for you and your loved ones to connect to the internet. We don’t recommend you this alternative if you are traveling alone because it can be very expensive.
Advantages:
- Stable connection.
- It is a portable device so that you can take it anywhere.
Disadvantages:
- If you lose it, you will have to pay for the replacement because it is not protected against loss or theft.
- They need a cellular data plan which is charged separately.
- It is more expensive than prepaid SIM cards for Ecuador.
How to activate roaming in Ecuador?
In case you decide to use the international roaming service anyway, we recommend you check the list below, where you can learn how to activate it:
- T-Mobile: call #RON# to activate it.
- AT&T: Activate the roaming option through your cellphone’s settings.
- Rogers: go to “Settings”, find the “Mobile/Cellular Data” menu, and then press on the “Roaming” option.
- O2: text O2TRAVEL to 23336.
- Vodafone: you can activate it from their website in the private area, or it’s My Vodafone App
- Optus: You can activate it through the My Optus app.
