Will my mobile phone work in the Galapagos Islands? 

If you're travelling to somewhere as beautiful and picturesque as the Galapagos Islands then disconnecting from the outside world probably isn't a bad thing but in case of emergencies, your mobile phone should work when moving around the archipelago, especially in well-populated areas such as Baltra Island, San Cristobal, and Santa Cruz. But you need to connect to the internet first and there are a few ways you can do that.

You can either activate your mobile phone provider's global roaming option (which is usually an extra fee on top of your monthly plan), chance your luck and connect to the internet when there's free, local wifi available, or buy a local SIM card which your phone has to be unlocked in order to use.  

Buying a SIM card in the Galapagos Islands

Purchasing a SIM card in the Galapagos Islands isn't that easy or convenient, however, there are plenty of places in Ecuador's capital city of Quito to buy one before you begin your cruise to the islands. Several different Ecuadorian mobile phone providers have stores at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, giving you heaps of options when it comes to which company you want to buy a SIM card from. While all Ecuadorian mobile phone providers should offer good coverage around the islands, the most popular providers are CLARA and Movistar. 

If you're spending some extra time in Quito before your cruise to the Galapagos, you can also buy a SIM card from any convenience store or other phone stores you come across in the city. 

Return to Galapagos Islands FAQs

Read more about the Galapagos Islands