Roberta Aguirre
If you're travelling to Ecuador and want to stay connected, you can buy a SIM card at Quito Airport. There are kiosks selling SIM cards near the exits on the ground floor and upper floor. Movistar has a presence at the airport, and you can also buy a Claro SIM card from a kiosk in the food court. However, tourist SIM cards tend to be relatively expensive for what they are, and you may get a better deal by purchasing a prepaid SIM from Movistar or Claro in a brick-and-mortar store. You can also consider getting an eSIM, which is a virtual SIM card that lives inside your phone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability of SIM cards at Quito Airport | SIM cards are available at Quito Airport |
| Companies providing SIM cards at the airport | Movistar, Claro, Tuenti |
| Cost | Higher costs at the airport compared to other options |
| Prepaid plans | Claro and Movistar offer prepaid plans |
| eSIM availability | eSIMs are available from providers like Nomad, Instabridge, and Airalo |
| Passport requirement | A passport or other ID may be required to purchase a SIM card |
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What You'll Learn
Kiosks at Quito Airport sell SIM cards
If you're arriving late, you may find that some kiosks are closed. In that case, you could consider returning to the airport the next day or using the airport's Wi-Fi to access services like WhatsApp. Alternatively, you could take an Uber to a physical store outside the airport, where you may find a wider range of options and potentially better deals.
At Quito Airport, Movistar has a presence, and you can purchase their SIM cards at kiosks near the exits on both the ground and upper floors. Movistar offers various prepaid plans with different durations and inclusions, such as data, calls, texts, and unlimited Spotify and WhatsApp.
In addition to Movistar, you can also find Claro kiosks in the airport's food court. Claro offers inexpensive prepaid plans ranging from one to 30 days. To activate their SIM cards, you may need to purchase additional packages from stores outside the airport.
While kiosks at Quito Airport provide the convenience of immediate access to SIM cards, it is recommended to evaluate your specific needs and consider alternative options, such as purchasing directly from a mobile provider store or utilising eSIMs, which can offer a wider range of choices and potentially better value.
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SIM cards are available from Movistar at the airport
If you're travelling to Quito, Ecuador, and need to stay connected, you can purchase a SIM card at the airport. SIM cards are available from Movistar at the airport in Quito. While some sources suggest that you may get a better deal by purchasing a prepaid SIM from Movistar at a brick store or a drugstore in the city, if you need a SIM card upon arrival, you can purchase one at the airport.
Tourist packages are available at the airport, but as with most tourist SIMs globally, they may be relatively expensive for what they are. Movistar offers several options, costing $1-30 depending on your needs for duration, calls, texts, and data. For example, $10 gets you 8GB of general data, 3GB for social media, and unlimited Spotify and WhatsApp for 30 days. There is also unlimited calling to other Movistar numbers and 150 minutes to other domestic operators.
You can also purchase a SIM card from Claro at the airport, and they have a kiosk in the food court. However, one user reported that they had to pay for the SIM card and then purchase a $10 pacqueta from a tienda outside the airport to get 30 days of cell phone service.
If you don't need a SIM card immediately upon arrival, you can purchase an eSIM from Nomad or Instabridge for data only, or an eSIM from Airalo for calls and data.
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Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport
However, it is worth noting that SIM cards purchased at the airport may be more expensive and offer less data than those purchased elsewhere. For example, one source states that they bought a SIM card at the airport but had to purchase a $10 pacqueta from a tienda outside the airport to get 30 days of cell phone service. Another source recommends buying a SIM card directly from a mobile provider store, as this will give you more options.
If you do decide to purchase a SIM card at the airport, you can expect the process to be quick and easy. You will need a form of identification, such as a passport or driver's license, and you may need to wait up to an hour for the account to be fully activated.
If you are looking for a physical SIM card, Movistar is recommended by most travelers. For those who only need data, an eSIM from Nomad or Instabridge is suggested as the best option.
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eSIMs are a good option for data in Ecuador
While there are kiosks selling SIM cards at Quito Airport, eSIMs are a good option for data in Ecuador, offering many advantages over physical SIM cards.
ESIMs are digital SIM cards built into your device, meaning you won't need to deal with physical SIM cards. They offer increased convenience, flexibility, and often better rates than traditional SIM cards. With eSIMs, you can switch carriers and plans easily through your phone's settings, making them ideal for travellers.
There are several reputable eSIM providers for Ecuador, including Saily, Airalo, Holafly, GigSky, and Nomad. Saily, in particular, offers flexible data plans with good coverage and competitive rates. You can purchase and activate an eSIM before your trip, ensuring immediate access to mobile data upon arrival.
However, it is worth noting that eSIMs may have slightly higher upfront costs than physical SIM cards, and not all phones support eSIM technology. Nevertheless, if your device is a newer model (2020 or later), it likely supports eSIMs, and you can check your phone's compatibility online.
When choosing an eSIM provider, consider factors such as coverage, data allowance, and plans and pricing. Major cities like Quito usually have good coverage, but rural areas might have spotty service, so checking coverage maps is essential. Picking the right plan can help you avoid running out of data or paying for more than you need.
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SIM cards are available at the old town in Quito
If you're arriving at Quito Airport and need a SIM card, there are kiosks selling SIM cards near the exits on the ground floor and upper floor. You can also find a Claro kiosk in the food court. However, some sources suggest that you might get a better deal by purchasing a prepaid SIM from Movistar, Tuenti, or Fybeca the next day at a brick store or a drugstore.
If you're unable to purchase a SIM card at the airport, you can find plenty of options in the Old Town in Quito. SIM cards are available from official customer service centers, cell phone stores, and phone repair shops. Movistar has a presence in Quito, and you can walk into one of their customer centers to ask about the available options. Tourist packages are available at the airport, but they tend to be relatively expensive for what they offer. You'll likely find better value in the standard prepaid bundles offered by companies like Movistar, with options costing $1-30 depending on your needs for calls, texts, and data. For example, $10 can get you 8GB of general data, plus 3GB for social networks and unlimited Spotify and WhatsApp, valid for 30 days.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are SIM card vendors at Quito Airport.
There are kiosks selling SIM cards near the exits on the ground floor and upper floor. There is also a Claro kiosk in the food court.
Movistar and Fybeca are known vendors at Quito Airport.
Tourist SIM cards tend to be relatively expensive for what they are. You can get a better deal by purchasing a prepaid SIM card from Movistar or a drugstore like Fybeca.
You can use any national ID, such as a passport or driver's license, to purchase a SIM card.
