Money:
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in Ecuador. In 2000
the sucre was replaced by the dollar as the legal currency, but
despite dollarization, the sucre will likely persist in rural areas
for a while longer. It is recommended that travellers bring both US
dollar notes and travellers cheques as other foreign currencies are
difficult to exchange outside of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Small
denominations in good condition are the easiest to exchange outside
of the main cities. In the main centres most currencies can be
exchanged at banks and exchange houses (
casas de cambio) at variable commission rates. ATMs are
available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in
tourist areas and large hotels although a commission of 6-8% is
often charged.
Time:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin plugs
are standard.
Language:
Spanish is the official language, but Quechua is the main
language spoken among the indigenous people.
Health:
A yellow fever certificate is required from those arriving from
infected areas, and is recommended for everyone entering Ecuador,
particularly for those travelling to the regions of the Amazon
basin. There is high risk of malaria and dengue fever in areas
below 5,000ft (1,500m). There has been a dramatic increase in the
number of reported cases of dengue fever primarily in coastal and
Amazon regions. The best prevention is to cover up and use mosquito
repellent liberally throughout the day. High altitude can affect
some people's health so visitors to Quito (6,500ft/2,800m), for
example, are advised to take it easy for the first few days. It is
advisable to take seasickness tablets on a Galapagos boat cruise.
Tap water should not be consumed; bottled water is available. Milk
is unpasteurised so it is best to avoid dairy products. Medical
facilities are inadequate and medical insurance is highly
recommended.
Tipping:
A 10% service charge is usually added to good quality hotel and
restaurant bills, but often the waitron does not receive this fee,
so it is discretionary to add another 5-10%. Taxi drivers do not
expect to be tipped and tour guides usually receive a $4-$8
tip.
Safety:
Ecuador is generally a safe country to travel to but visitors
should be vigilant with their belongings as most crime is
opportunistic. Travellers are warned not to store belongings in the
overhead lockers or under seats on public buses and trains. Due to
a risk of kidnapping and armed crime, travel to the north-eastern
areas bordering Colombia is not advisable, and travel to the
northern provinces of Sucumbios and Orellana should be avoided.
Ecuador has many active volcanoes, which are poorly monitored.
Recent eruptions have caused the evacuation of thousands of people,
particularly in the Baños area. Tungurahua volcano near Baños
erupted on 6 February 2008, and there has been heightened activity
in July 2008; travel to Banos at this time is not recommended due
to the possibility of further eruptions. You should avoid hiking to
Volcan Pichincha via Cruz Loma as violent gangs are known to
operate in the wooded areas; a cable car provides access, but there
have been several recent cases of armed robbery and rape reported
in the area. Several incidents have also occurred along the hiking
trail up Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba, Loja, in which hikers have
been robbed of all valuables by masked men. There is an ongoing
risk of disruption to travel due to social and political unrest;
all public gatherings and demonstrations are to be avoided.
Customs:
Always ask permission to take photos of the local people. A tip
is often requested. It is a legal requirement to carry
identification at all times. Dress is more conservative and modest
in the highlands compared to the coast. Politeness and good manners
are essential for communication and a light handshake is the
practiced form of greeting.
Business:
An essential aspect of conducting business in Ecuador is having
a tie with a reputable local partner. Business dealings are
somewhat formal; dress is usually smart and conservative,
punctuality is important and greetings are made with a handshake.
Dress can be more casual in hotter regions such as Guayaquil.
Business cards are usually exchanged and it is recommended to have
some business cards, company brochures and presentations translated
into Spanish. Note that business disputes that would in countries
such as the United States be dealt with by civil litigation are
often, under Ecuadorian law, viewed as criminal, and can lead to
arrest and imprisonment. Although the official language is Spanish,
English is widely spoken and understood in the business sector.
Business hours are usually 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, with
some businesses closing during lunch.
Duty Free:
Travellers entering Ecuador do not have to pay customs duty on
300 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g tobacco; 1 litre of alcoholic
beverages; perfume for personal use; and gifts and personal effects
to the value of US$200 for a stay of up to seven days, US$300 for
eight days to six months, and US$400 for stays of six months to two
years.
Communications:
The international access code for Ecuador is +593. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). The city code for Quito is (0)2. Calls made from
hotel rooms can be very expensive, but public telephones can be
found in most public buildings in the main cities; the most
cost-effective way to telephone internationally is from call
centres, which are located in most towns and cities. They also
offers fax services and sometimes Internet connections, but
Internet cafes are available in the main towns. The local GSM cell
phone network does not have roaming agreements with international
operators; European, Australian and other phones from non-GSM cell
phone networks will not work, but cell phones can be rented at the
international airports or at cellular phone shops.