About Ecuador
Ecuador is known for its diverse geography, which includes the Amazon rainforest, Andean highlands, and the Galápagos Islands.
It is located in Northwestern South America and borders Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Ecuador has a population of approximately 17 million people, and Spanish is the official language. It boasts a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant ecosystem.
What is the Country Code for Ecuador?
Ecuador’s country code is +593. This code is essential for routing international calls to Ecuador and must be used at the beginning of the dialing sequence when calling a phone number in Ecuador from abroad.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) assigns this code to facilitate efficient global communication.
Telecommunication System in Ecuador
The Agencia de Regulación y Control de las Telecomunicaciones (ARCOTEL) manages Ecuador’s telecommunication system. This regulatory body ensures the efficient and fair use of numbering resources among various operators and maintains an organized telecom infrastructure.
National Destination Codes (NDC) and Numbering Plan
Mobile Networks
The National Destination Code (NDC) for mobile networks in Ecuador can be either one digit (9). Mobile numbers in Ecuador follow the ITU-T E.164 standard format, presented as +593 9 XXX XXXX.
Here, +593 is the country code, 9 is the NDC, and XXX XXXX is the individual subscriber number.
Landlines
Ecuador uses landline area codes ranging from one to two digits depending on the region.
For instance, Quito uses the area code 2, Guayaquil uses 4, and Cuenca uses 7.
A landline number in Quito would be formatted as +593 2 XXX XXXX, where +593 is the country code, 2 is the area code, and XXX XXXX is the local subscriber number.
Allocation of Numbering Resources
Different operators in Ecuador are assigned specific numbering resources to manage their network operations.
This allocation helps maintain an organized telecommunication system and prevents conflicts between service providers. Some key mobile operators and their NDCs include:
- Claro Ecuador: Typically uses the code 9.
- Movistar Ecuador: The standard code is 9.
- CNT: Uses the code 9.
A few operators have dedicated area codes assigned to them for landline services across various regions.
Dialing Instructions
Dialing a Mobile Number
Suppose you are calling a mobile number assigned to Ecuador. The number might look like this:
Example Number: +593 9 XXX XXXX Dialing Sequence:
- International Access Code (e.g., 011 from the USA)
- Country Code (+593)
- Mobile NDC (9)
- Subscriber Number (XXX XXXX) You would dial 011-593-9-XXX-XXXX.
Dialing a Landline Number
If you are calling a landline number in Quito: Example Number: +593 2 XXX XXXX Dialing Sequence:
- International Access Code (e.g., 011 from the USA)
- Country Code (+593)
- Area Code (2)
- Subscriber Number (XXX XXXX) You would dial 011-593-2-XXX-XXXX.
Are There Specific Area Codes in Ecuador?
Yes, Ecuador has specific area codes that designate different regions. After dialing the country code, enter the appropriate area code and the local phone number.
List of Major City Codes in Ecuador
To help you connect with your contacts in Ecuador, here’s a list of some significant city codes:
| City | Dial Code |
| Quito | 2 |
| Guayaquil | 4 |
| Cuenca | 7 |
| Ambato | 3 |
| Loja | 7 |
| Manta | 5 |
| Portoviejo | 5 |
| Santo Domingo | 2 |
| Machala | 7 |
| Esmeraldas | 6 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Calling Ecuador from a Mobile Phone
Making international calls from a mobile phone is straightforward if you follow the correct procedure.
Dial the International Access Code
The international access code varies by country. For example, the United States uses 011, the United Kingdom uses 00, and Australia uses 0011.
Confirm your country’s international access code with your local service provider or government telecom website.
Enter the Country Code for Ecuador
After the international access code, dial +593, Ecuador’s country code.
Dial the Area Code
Enter the specific area code for the region you are calling.
Dial the Local Phone Number
Enter the local phone number directly.
Example: Suppose you call a number in Quito, Ecuador (area code 2 and local number 123-4567) from the United States. The dialing sequence would be:
- International Access Code: 011
- Country Code: 593
- Area Code: 2
Local Number: 123-4567 On your mobile keypad, you would dial 011-593-2-123-4567.
Guide to Call Ecuador from a Landline
The process of calling from a landline is similar, though some nuances need attention.
Dial the International Access Code
This code is specific to the country you are calling from. For instance:
- United States and Canada: 011
- United Kingdom: 00
- Japan: 010
Enter the Country Code for Ecuador
Dial +593.
Dial the Area Code
Enter the appropriate area code for the region you are calling.
Dial the Local Phone Number
Enter the local phone number directly.
Example: If you are calling a number in Guayaquil, Ecuador (area code 4 and local number 987-6543) from the United Kingdom, the dialing sequence would be:
- International Access Code: 00
- Country Code: 593
- Area Code: 4
Local Number: 987-6543 On your landline phone, you would dial 00-593-4-987-6543.
Best Times to Call Ecuador
When calling Ecuador, it’s important to be aware of the time zone differences. Ecuador operates on Ecuador Time (ECT), which is UTC-5, and does not observe daylight saving time. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Daylight Saving Time
Ecuador does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains constant throughout the year.
Time Differences
The time difference between Ecuador and other countries can vary. Here are some examples:
- United States (Eastern Time): Ecuador is on the same time as Eastern Time (EST) during standard time.
- Germany: Ecuador is 6 hours behind Germany during standard time.
- France: Ecuador is 6 hours behind France during standard time.
- United Kingdom: Ecuador is 5 hours behind the UK during standard time.
- India: Ecuador is 10 hours and 30 minutes behind India during standard time.
Check the current local time in Ecuador before making a call to ensure you reach them at a convenient time.
Call Ecuador from the USA
| US TIME ZONE | ECUADOR TIME ZONE (ECT) | BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME) |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time Zone (EST) | Ecuador Time Zone (ECT) | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Central Time Zone (CST) | Ecuador Time Zone (ECT) | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Mountain Time Zone (MST) | Ecuador Time Zone (ECT) | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Pacific Time Zone (PST) | Ecuador Time Zone (ECT) | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Call Ecuador from Germany
| GERMANY TIME ZONE (CET) | ECUADOR TIME ZONE (ECT) | BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME) |
|---|---|---|
| Central European Time (CET) | Ecuador Time Zone (ECT) | 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
Call Ecuador from France
| FRANCE TIME ZONE (CET) | ECUADOR TIME ZONE (ECT) | BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME) |
|---|---|---|
| Central European Time (CET) | Ecuador Time Zone (ECT) | 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
Call Ecuador from the UK
| UK TIME ZONE (GMT) | ECUADOR TIME ZONE (ECT) | BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME) |
|---|---|---|
| Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | Ecuador Time Zone (ECT) | 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
Call Ecuador from India
| INDIA TIME ZONE (IST) | ECUADOR TIME ZONE (ECT) | BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Standard Time (IST) | Ecuador Time Zone (ECT) | 7:30 PM – 7:30 AM |
Why did My Call to Ecuador Not Work?
If you encounter difficulties when attempting to call Ecuador, there could be several reasons:
Incorrect Dialing Sequence
Ensure you have dialed the international access code, the country code, and the local number correctly.
Network Issues
Temporary network problems might be affecting connectivity in either your country or Ecuador.
Phone Plan Restrictions
Some phone plans may not allow international calls or might restrict calling Ecuador.
Incorrect Number
Verify that the number you are trying to reach is correct and still in service.
Service Provider Issues
Check with your service provider to ensure no blocks or issues prevent international calls.
Do Phone Numbers in Ecuador Have Voicemail?
Yes, phone numbers in Ecuador generally come with voicemail services. Voicemail allows callers to leave a message if the recipient is unavailable or does not answer.
Most mobile service providers in Ecuador offer voicemail services. When you call someone unavailable, you will be directed to their voicemail to leave a message.
Voicemail services are also available for landlines, although you may need to request this feature from your service provider.
The Bottom Line
Calling Ecuador is straightforward once you understand the necessary steps and codes. Whether calling from a mobile phone or a landline, ensure you correctly dial the international access code, the country code (+593), and the local phone number.
Awareness of potential issues, such as incorrect dialing sequences or network problems, can help you quickly connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Ecuador.
