Will my cell phone work in the Galapagos Islands?
If you're traveling to somewhere as beautiful and picturesque as the Galapagos Islands, then disconnecting from the outside world probably isn't a bad thing. However, in case of emergencies, your cell phone should work when moving around the archipelago, especially in well-populated areas such as Baltra Island, San Cristobal, and Santa Cruz.
You can either activate your cell 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 local wifi is available, or buy a local SIM card (in which case your phone must be unlocked in order for it to work).
Buying a SIM card in the Galapagos Islands
The best place to purchase a SIM card to use in the Galapagos is in Ecuador's capital, Quito. Several different Ecuadorian phone providers have stores at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito.
While all Ecuadorian 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.
Our Galapagos tours
Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.
Explore Tailor-Made trips