Since Ecuador uses the US Dollar, does this mean my US-based mobile plan (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile) will work without extra roaming charges, or is HotelESIM still beneficial?

This is a common misconception. While Ecuador uses the US Dollar as its official currency, it remains an independent country and is not considered part of any US domestic mobile plan. Your home carrier, such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, will almost certainly charge you expensive international roaming rates, often through daily 'Day Pass' fees ranging from $10 to $14. HotelESIM provides a dedicated and cost-effective data solution for Ecuador, offering a far more economical way to stay connected and a reliable backup to your hotel's Wi-Fi.