Passports and Visas
Although special visas are not needed for stays of up to 90 days, valid passports are required for entry into Ecuador. ADDITIONALLY, your passport must have a remaining validity of at least 6 months from the date of your entry into the country.
It is important to carry your passport - or a copy – on your person for all trips within
Ecuador; you could be asked for this identification on public transport.
If you are planning a trip to the Amazon jungle region, you will be also required to present a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever.
Before your trip, check the Foreign Affairs Ministry web page: www.mmrree.gov.ec.
Airports
The country’s major international airports are located in Quito and Guayaquil, with flights to the United States, Europe, and South America. There are many airports for domestic flights in different parts of the country.
Customs
Each passenger is allowed two bags of up to 70 pounds (31.8 kilos) each, plus carry-on luggage, photo or video camera, and binoculars. Professional filming equipment, diving and climbing gear require special permits. Also be sure to check the individual airline’s baggage allowances.
Taxes
12% VAT and 10% service is included on the bills in most hotels and restaurants.
Currency
The US dollar is the official currency. The Ecuadorian government has also produced a series of local coins that have the same value as the U.S. coins (which are also accepted).
Change currency
All the major towns have ATMs that accept Cirrus (MasterCard) or Plus (VISA) cards, but not always both. It is good to have both types of cards. Traveler’s checks are exchangeable as well and finer restaurants will accept them as payment.
Credit cards
The most accepted credit cards are: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.
Language
The primary language is Spanish; however, most of the indigenous population speaks Quichua. There are also 18 different languages among native communities. English is understood widely in tourist facilities.
Electricity
110 / 120 V. Plugs have two flat prongs. Adapters can be obtained easily.
Time
Local time on the mainland is Greenwich Meridian Time minus 5 hours (Eastern Standard Time in the United States). Galapagos time is GMT minus 6 hours.
Climate
Ecuador has a wide range of climates depending on altitude and location; the primary geography impacting climate is the Andes mountain range and the sea currents.
Galapagos
Hot season: (warm and rainy) - December through May
Dry season: (windy and dry) - June through November
Temperatures: between 72ºF / 22ºC and 90ºF / 32ºC
Coast
Rainy season: December through May, raining mostly in the evening
Dry season: June through November
Temperatures: between 73ºF / 23ºC and 91ºF / 33ºC
Andes
Rainy and cool climate: November through April
Dry climate: May through October
Temperatures: between 55ºF / 13ºC and 64ºF / 18ºC
Amazon
Rainy and humid season: January through September
Dry season: October through December
Temperatures: between 73ºF / 23ºC and 96ºF /36ºC
Suggestions
- Take caution as you would in any foreign, large city.
- Don’t walk at night in badly-lit areas.
- Leave documentation and valuable things in your hotel or in the safety deposit boxes.
- Carry your backpack in front of you. Especially if you are carrying a photo camera.
- Keep your personal things next close to your body.
- If you need travel information go to an authorized center.
