Expat Community > Ecuador

OceanHideaway
Joined 2010
Posts: 6876

Cell Phone: Importing to Ecuador

12 years ago

Message for U.S. Citizens – U.S. Embassy, Quito, Ecuador
Importation of Cell Phones to Ecuador

October 4, 2012

The Committee for External Commerce (Comité de Commercio Exterior) of the Government of Ecuador recently issued Resolution 67, which limits the number of cellular telephones that an individual can bring into the country when traveling by air or sea. This resolution also prohibits the importation of such devices via international courier service, such as FEDEX or DHL, shipped by land or sea.

Individuals are allowed to enter the country with a personal cellular telephone, plus another new one without having to pay any duties; but, bringing more telecommunications devices beyond those mentioned or for commercial purposes is prohibited. Travelers should be aware that they may be prosecuted under Ecuadorian law for intentionally circumventing this import regulation.

Resolution 67 authorized licensed telecommunications companies to import an established number of cellular telephones through 2014. These are models that range in price and technical capabilities and are available at stores owned and operated by licensed dealers such as Claro, Movistar and CNT dealers.

Americans living or traveling in Ecuador are encouraged to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in order to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador through the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information for Ecuador and the latest Travel Alerts and Warnings and Worldwide Caution at the Department's website. Updated information on travel and security in Ecuador may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling 1-202-501-4444 outside the United States.

The U.S. Embassy in Quito is located at Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro.

· The telephone number for American Citizen Service (ACS) inquiries is (011 593-2) 398-5000. Within the same city use the last seven digits. Add the city code for intercity telephone calls.

· Public call-in hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

· For after-hours emergencies, contact the Embassy at (011 593-2) 398-5200.

· Appointments for ACS are available through our website.

The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is located at the corner of Avenida 9 de Octubre and Garcia Moreno (near the Hotel Oro Verde).

· The telephone number for ACS inquiries is (011-593-4) 232-3570 during business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 232-1152 for after-hours emergencies.

Anyone can follow the activities of the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador through the Embassy website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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