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Cell Phone Traveling
updated: Jan 28, 2013, 10:43 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

I'm going to be traveling to Ecuador and staying there for a few months. Does anyone have any advice and/or experience with Cell Phone usage there? I currently have Verizon Wireless. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 368249	2013-01-28 10:50 AM
From what I understand Verizon is a domestic service but check with them to find out about replacing the SIMM card for international roaming as well as fees to your account for int'l use.
COMMENT 368281	2013-01-28 12:22 PM
Buy a prepaid phone at the airport or local shop in Ecuador.
COMMENT 368283P	2013-01-28 12:25 PM
Agree with 281 in that buying the pre-paid phone in country is the best route to go so you don't incur some nasty fees on your monthly bill.
COMMENT 368298	2013-01-28 01:08 PM
international roaming is a rip-off, most definitely go the prepaid route.
COMMENT 368329	2013-01-28 03:11 PM
Not sure what kind of phone you have but Verizon is nationally selling all of their Iphone5's "unlocked", so you can just purchase a local SIM card at the airport or cell store. As an example, I went to Costa Rica in December and as soon as we got off the plane, there was a cell phone dealer right in the airport. I only had to buy a minimum of $7 to load the account and the SIM card was free!
COMMENT 368361	2013-01-28 06:35 PM
That's all great if you want to call Costa ricans, but you would still have roaming charges if you were to call your friends in the US
COMMENT 368389	2013-01-28 08:28 PM
what about leaving your cell phone at home and having a real vacation!
COMMENT 368397	2013-01-28 08:56 PM
Just get a local phone for local stuff. It is really inexpensive to make calls to the USA from the cabinas.
COMMENT 368426P	2013-01-29 03:16 AM
389: You may as well suggest leaving behind one's teeth. Some people cannot live without yakking into a cell.
RONNIEB	2013-01-29 06:28 AM
Lucky you! I lived in Ecuador for two years in the early '90s and would return in an instant. One of the most interesting, beautiful countries there is. Nice people, wonderful indigenous markets, good food. Enjoy!
COMMENT 368447	2013-01-29 07:22 AM
Bring a lot ,or more than a lot of change.itis the way to go. Be careful, there are thieves everywhere in Ecuador.
COMMENT 368851P	2013-01-29 09:56 PM
I would check with those close to the Equadorian Government to find out what there suggestions are. Do not photograph anyone or anything without their permission. I had a hex put on me and although I am not superstitious I did suffer some anxious moments. Your plane will probably land in Guayaquil first where it is very Hot and Humid and then proceed to Quito. I found the weather to be very similar to SB in Quito except everyday you would wake up without a cloud in the sky and by 5 PM it would be raining and thundering and then just as fast as it came it would go. Don't make the mistake I made by asking for a doggie bag while eating in a French restaurant. I had become ill and did not want to waste the food. The chef threaten to kill me with a cleaver for my request. Avoid any rally. They are political in nature & U may B the enemy Each town specializes in some craft from dolls made from dough to exotic Rugs to prize wood carvings to leather goods (Shoes have your European measurement handy) items made from wool etc. Have a great time. Try Cooy while you are there. It is their national meat dish and made from Guinea Pig.

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