Ecuador Country Code (+593): 13 Area Codes, Carriers & Troubleshooting (2026)
Ecuador country code is +593 (not an area code). 13 area codes incl. Galapagos, mobile carrier prefixes (Claro, Tigo/Movistar, CNT), and fixes for failed calls.
Ecuador Country Code (+593): Complete Guide
Quick Answer
593 is not an area code: +593 is the country code for Ecuador. A number that starts +593 9 is an Ecuadorian mobile; +593 2 is Quito and +593 4 is Guayaquil. To call it from the US, dial 011 593 and then the number without its leading 0 (from a mobile, just +593).
Below: how to dial Ecuador step by step, the area code for every major city, mobile carrier prefixes, special numbers, fixes for calls that fail, and what calling Ecuador costs.
How to Dial Ecuador from Abroad
International Dialing Format
[Exit Code] + 593 + (Area Code) + Phone NumberStep 1: Dial Your Country's Exit Code
- Most countries: 00
- From USA/Canada: 011
- From mobile phones: + (plus sign) - works worldwide
Step 2: Dial "593" (Ecuador Country Code)
After your exit code, always dial 593 for Ecuador
Step 3: Dial the Area Code & Local Number
Remember to drop the leading '0' from area codes when dialing from abroad. For example, Quito's local area code is 02, but internationally you dial just 2.
π Example: Calling Quito
πΊπΈ From USA:
011 + 593 + 2 + local numberUS exit code (011) + Ecuador code (593)
π± From Any Mobile:
+593 + 2 + local numberUse + instead of exit code (works everywhere)
π Example: Calling an Ecuador Mobile
πΊπΈ From USA:
011 + 593 + 9X XXX XXXXDrop the leading 0 from the mobile prefix (09 becomes 9)
π± From Any Mobile:
+593 + 9X XXX XXXXMobile numbers are 9 digits after the country code
Ecuador Area Codes by City
Ecuador uses single-digit area codes for landline numbers. The country is divided into telephone zones, so several cities may share the same area code. Here are all the major city codes you need to know:
| Area Code | City / Region | Province |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Quito | Pichincha |
| 2 | Santo Domingo | Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas |
| 3 | Ambato | Tungurahua |
| 3 | Riobamba | Chimborazo |
| 4 | Guayaquil | Guayas |
| 5 | Portoviejo | Manabi |
| 5 | Manta | Manabi |
| 5 | Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno | Galapagos |
| 6 | Esmeraldas | Esmeraldas |
| 6 | Ibarra | Imbabura |
| 7 | Cuenca | Azuay |
| 7 | Machala | El Oro |
| 7 | Loja | Loja |
Mobile Numbers in Ecuador
π± Ecuador Mobile Number Format
Mobile numbers in Ecuador are 10 digits when dialed locally (starting with 09) or 9 digits after the +593 country code (starting with 9).
Local: 09XX XXX XXX (10 digits)International: +593 9XX XXX XXX (9 digits after +593)Ecuador Mobile Carriers & Prefixes
Ecuador has three mobile network operators: Claro, Tigo (the former Movistar) and the state-owned CNT. All mobile numbers begin with 09 locally (or 9 after +593). Number blocks are handed out in small ranges, so the digits after 09 are only a rough hint of the carrier:
| Carrier | Mobile Prefixes | Market Share | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claro Ecuador (America Movil) | 093-099 (most blocks) | ~53% | 4G LTE, 5G |
| Tigo, formerly Movistar (Millicom; operator Otecel) | 095-099 (mixed blocks) | ~29% | 4G LTE |
| CNT (state-owned) | 096, 099 (mixed blocks) | ~18% | 4G LTE |
Note: Due to number portability in Ecuador, a mobile prefix no longer guarantees which carrier the number belongs to. Users can switch carriers while keeping their number. Movistar customers are being moved to the Tigo brand during 2026 and keep their numbers. Market shares are approximate (ARCOTEL line counts, 2025).
Special Numbers in Ecuador
| Number | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 911 | Unified Emergency (ECU 911) | Police, fire, ambulance - free from any phone |
| 101 | Police | Older police number; 911 is the one to use |
| 102 | Fire Department | Older fire (bomberos) number; 911 is the one to use |
| 131 | Red Cross | Older Red Cross line; call 911 for an ambulance |
| 1800-XXX-XXX | Toll-Free Numbers | Cannot be dialed from outside Ecuador |
| 1700-XXX-XXX | Premium Rate / Shared Cost | Higher per-minute charges apply |
Best Times to Call Ecuador
π Time Zone: Ecuador Time (ECT, UTC-5)
Ecuador mainland is on UTC-5 all year, the same as US Eastern Standard Time (EST). Ecuador does not use daylight saving time, so from March to November it is one hour behind New York. The Galapagos Islands use UTC-6.
πΊπΈ From USA (East Coast)
Same time as EST, 1 hour behind EDT. From November to March, 10:00 AM in New York is 10:00 AM in Quito; from March to November it is 9:00 AM in Quito.
πΊπΈ From USA (West Coast)
Ecuador is 2-3 hours ahead of PST/PDT. When it is 9:00 AM in Los Angeles, it is 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM in Quito.
π¬π§ From UK
Ecuador is 5-6 hours behind GMT/BST. When it is 3:00 PM in London, it is 10:00 AM in Quito (9:00 AM during UK summer time).
Best Calling Window
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM ECT for personal calls. Business hours are typically 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Monday-Friday.
Country Information
Troubleshooting: Common Problems When Calling Ecuador
1. "The number you have dialed is not in service"
Cause: You are including the leading "0" in the area code or mobile prefix.
Fix: When dialing from abroad, always drop the leading 0. Dial +593 2 (not 02) for Quito, or +593 9XX (not 09XX) for mobiles.
2. Mobile number has wrong digit count
Cause: Confusion between local and international format.
Fix: Ecuadorian mobile numbers are 10 digits locally (09XX-XXX-XXX) but 9 digits after the country code internationally (+593 9XX-XXX-XXX). Make sure you have exactly 9 digits after +593.
3. Cannot reach Galapagos Islands
Cause: Remote location with limited telecom infrastructure.
Fix: The Galapagos Islands use the same country code +593 with area code 5. However, connectivity can be unreliable, especially for landlines on smaller islands. Try calling during business hours (8 AM - 5 PM Galapagos time, which is UTC-6) and be prepared to retry.
4. WhatsApp calls connecting but voice calls fail
Cause: WhatsApp is the dominant communication app in Ecuador. Many people rely on it more than traditional calls.
Fix: If you can reach someone on WhatsApp but not via a regular call, the issue is usually on their line: phone switched off, out of coverage, or a mistyped number (mobiles need exactly 9 digits after +593). Check the number, try again at a different time, or keep using WhatsApp for that contact.
5. Toll-free (1800) numbers unreachable from abroad
Cause: Ecuador's 1800 toll-free numbers only work for calls originating within Ecuador.
Fix: Look for the company's regular landline number (usually on their website's contact page) and dial that with the +593 country code instead.
Cheapest Ways to Call Ecuador
The cheapest way to call Ecuador is free: WhatsApp, Telegram or Messenger calls cost nothing if the other person has the app, and WhatsApp is what most Ecuadorians use. To reach a real phone number, Google Voice is the cheapest per minute ($0.11/min to landlines, $0.22/min to mobiles as of October 2026) but needs a US Google Voice account. BubblyPhone costs more ($0.45/min to landlines, $0.68-$0.81/min to most mobiles) and works in any browser with no app, Google account or US number.
1. BubblyPhone
Rate: $0.45/min to landlines, $0.68-$0.81/min to most mobiles (up to $1.18/min on a few mobile ranges), as of October 2026
Best For: Calling any Ecuador number (business, landline, mobile)
- βNo subscription, no connection fee - billed per started minute
- βWorks from browser on any device (no app needed)
- βNo app, no Google account, no US number needed
2. WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger
Rate: FREE
Best For: Calling friends and family who have the app
- βFree voice and video calls
- βBoth parties need the app installed
- βCannot call landlines or businesses
β οΈ Before you dial: calls to Ecuadorian mobiles cost more than calls to landlines with every provider. Check your own phone plan's international rate for Ecuador before dialing +593 directly; some plans block international calls until you add an international option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ecuador country code?
The Ecuador country code is +593. You must dial this code before any Ecuador phone number when calling from abroad.
How do I call Ecuador from my mobile phone?
From any mobile phone worldwide, dial: +593 (area code) (phone number). The + symbol replaces your country's exit code.
What's the cheapest way to call Ecuador?
Free app calls are cheapest: WhatsApp, Telegram or Messenger, if both of you have the app. For calls to a real phone number, Google Voice has the lowest per-minute rate ($0.11/min landlines, $0.22/min mobiles) but requires a US Google Voice account. BubblyPhone charges $0.45/min to landlines and $0.68-$0.81/min to most mobiles, and works from any browser without an app, a Google account or a US number.
What time zone is Ecuador in?
Ecuador mainland uses Ecuador Time (ECT, UTC-5), which is the same as US Eastern Standard Time. The Galapagos Islands are on UTC-6. Ecuador does not observe daylight saving time.
Can I call the Galapagos Islands with +593?
Yes. The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador and use the same country code +593 with area code 5. However, be aware that the Galapagos are on a different time zone (UTC-6, one hour behind mainland Ecuador) and connectivity can be less reliable due to the remote location.
How many digits are Ecuadorian phone numbers?
Ecuadorian landline numbers have 7 digits after the area code (total 8-9 digits with area code). Mobile numbers are 10 digits locally (starting with 09) or 9 digits in international format after the +593 country code. When dialing internationally, you always dial +593 followed by 8-9 digits total.
What is the emergency number in Ecuador?
The unified emergency number in Ecuador is 911 (ECU 911), which connects to police, fire, and ambulance services. The older 101 (police) and 102 (fire) numbers may still connect, but 911 is the number to use. Emergency numbers are free from any phone within Ecuador but cannot be dialed from abroad.
Ready to Call Ecuador?
Call any Ecuadorian landline or mobile from your browser with BubblyPhone, from $0.45/min to landlines
No credit card required to sign up