The international dialing code +593 is the official telephone country code for the Republic of Ecuador, a country situated on the equator in northwestern South America.
If you are placing a call to an Ecuadorian landline or mobile phone—or if you have received a call with this prefix—you must be familiar with the dialing structure. Unlike many countries, Ecuador uses a single-digit area code for landlines, followed by a 7-digit subscriber number, making the full national number 8 digits long.
This guide will break down the precise dialing format, list the geographic codes for major cities, and provide step-by-step instructions for a successful international call to Ecuador.
Understanding the Ecuador Dialing Format (+593)
Ecuador’s numbering plan requires the country code, followed by a geographic area code for landlines, or a two-digit network code for mobile numbers.
The standard international dialing format for Ecuador is:
Breakdown of the Required Codes
| Element | Description | Digits | Example (from U.S.) |
| Exit Code | The code needed to dial out of your country (e.g., 011 from the US/Canada, 00 from most of Europe). | Varies | 011 |
| Country Code | The unique code for Ecuador. | 3 | 593 |
| Area Code (Landline) | A single digit that identifies the province or region (e.g., 2 for Quito). | 1 | 2 (Quito) |
| Local Number (Landline) | The fixed-line subscriber number. | 7 | XXXX XXX |
| Total Digits (Landline) | 8 digits after +593 | 011 593 2 XXX XXXX |
Fixed-Line Geographic Area Codes
Ecuador uses nine geographic area codes (digits 2 through 8 for the mainland and Galapagos). These codes are single digits and are required immediately after the +593 country code for landline calls.
| Major City/Region | Area Code | Province/Region |
| Quito | 2 | Pichincha, Santo Domingo |
| Guayaquil | 4 | Guayas, Santa Elena |
| Cuenca, Machala | 7 | Azuay, El Oro, Loja, Cañar, Zamora, Morona Santiago |
| Ambato | 3 | Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Bolívar, Pastaza |
| Portoviejo, Manta | 5 | Manabí, Galápagos, Los Ríos |
| Ibarra, Esmeraldas | 6 | Carchi, Imbabura, Esmeraldas, Sucumbíos, Napo, Orellana |
Mobile Phone Dialing Rules
Mobile numbers in Ecuador have a unique format that differs from landlines, using a 9-digit national number (excluding the initial domestic zero).
For international calls to an Ecuadorian mobile number, the correct format is:
- Mobile Network Code: The code always begins with the digit 9 (e.g., 99, 98, 97) and is two digits long.
- Total Length: A complete international mobile number is 11 digits long after the exit code (e.g., 011 593 99 XXX XXXX).
Crucial Note: When dialing internationally, you must omit the leading ‘0’ that is used for domestic calls within Ecuador (e.g., a local number displayed as 099-XXXX-XXXX becomes +593 99 XXXXXXX internationally).
Example Mobile Call from U.S.
To call an Ecuadorian mobile number (e.g., 099-123-4567) from the U.S.:
Step-by-Step: How to Call Ecuador from the U.S.
To successfully call Ecuador from North America, follow this sequence precisely:
Step 1: Dial the U.S. Exit Code
- Enter 011 (or simply press and hold ‘0’ on a mobile phone to produce the + sign).
Step 2: Dial the Ecuador Country Code
- Enter 593.
Step 3: Dial the Landline Area Code (1 digit) OR The Mobile Network Code (2 digits)
- For a landline in Quito, dial 2.
- For a mobile number, dial the 9X code (e.g., 99).
Step 4: Dial the Local Number
- Enter the 7-digit subscriber number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the time zone in Ecuador?
The Ecuadorian mainland operates on Ecuador Time (ECT), which is UTC-5. This means Ecuador does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). The Galápagos Islands (GALT) are one hour further behind at UTC-6.
Are there any scam risks associated with the +593 country code?
The +593 code is a standard international code and is not frequently flagged as a high-risk source for global scams, unlike some other international blocks. However, general vigilance is always advised. If you receive an unexpected call or text from a +593 number and do not have contacts in Ecuador, do not provide personal information and do not call back a missed call to avoid potential premium international charges.
Why is the subscriber number only 7 digits for a landline?
Ecuador utilizes a fixed-length system where the national number (Area Code + Subscriber Number) is generally 8 digits long for landlines. This is a common practice in many countries to efficiently manage a specific number range.
