The number you're calling may be blocked from accepting international calls - I was in Ecuador earlier this year and had that happen to me.....if this is the case the cell phone owner has to contact the carrier and ask them to unblock it - that can take days to occur.

Thanks for your reply - but he tells me that he receives calls from the US all the time - I just can't figure what numbers I'm supposed to dial before his cell number.

The area code for all cell numbers in Ecuador is 9. Put that in front of the seven-digit number and not the city code where your friend happens to be.

Thanks Jeff - does that include the country code then? 9 and the number?

Yes (593 for Ecuador). If you are calling from the United States, then it's:

011 + 593 + 9 + seven-digit number

Thanks Jeff, your information was helpful.

Many thanks
John