Pratical information

Money
The US dollar is the official currency. Bills are the same as in the US. The Ecuadorian government has also produced a series of local coins that have the same value as the US coins but are not accepted in the US.

The Euros and Canadian dollars are difficult to exchange. Be warned that US$ 50 and 100 bills are rarely accepted at most shops and restaurants and small change is often in short supply, so bring plenty of low-denomination bills from your home country if possible.

ATMs are widespread in the main cities and offer a convenient way to get cash. They accept Visa/Plus, Master Card/Cirrus/Maestro system.

Taxes, tipping and bargaining
Added tax is 12 % to most goods and services. This is generally included in the quoted price in stores. In more expensive places, 10 % service will automatically be added to your bill and tipping above this is only warranted for exceptional service.

Guides are tipped depending on your satisfaction and the length of your stay or trip.

In markets, bargaining prices are expected.

Passports and airport tax
Passports should be valid for more than 6 months after returning to your country. Most nationals, including citizens of Europe, North America and Australia countries do not need a visa to enter Ecuador as tourists. For other nationalities, contact the Ecuadorian embassy in your country.

There is a 41 US$ (July 2009) departure tax for anyone leaving the country from Quito or Guayaquil airports, which is not included in your airfare.

Health
No vaccinations are required for Ecuador, although we advice you to have the following ones:

• yellow fever: required to travel in the Amazon rainforest
• tetanos-polio (+ diphtheria if possible): required
• hepatitus A: strongly recommended
• typhoid

Malaria is currently a minor risk except in the Amazon rainforest and some parts of Esmeraldas Province. Oral prophylactics like Malarone, Lariam, Paludrine-Nivaquine should be taken prior to arriving in high risk areas and also after leaving them. Consider natural repellents like vitam B12 or garlic pills. Use insect repellents that contain Deet but most importantly wear long pants, long sleeves, shoes and socks especially at dusk and dawn.

Insurance
It is recommended to take out an insurance policy before traveling to Ecuador to cover illness, injury as well as cancellation of your journey or repatriation.

Telecoms and postal service

• Internet: in larger cities, these services are increasingly common (around1 US$ for an hour online). In smaller towns and villages, there is often one or two internet services with much slower connections and just one or two computers. Hotels often offer internet service to their guests.
• Phone: Ecuador country code: 593. From abroad, you then need to dial the city or area code (2 for Quito, 4 for Guayaquil), the local cellular phone (omit the 0) numbers or a local number (which has 7 digits). In larger cities, an increasing number of cafes offer international inexpensive phone calls to Europe and North America (0,08-0,10 US$/minute). Other than those, almost every village, or town will have a national phone company office where it will be more expensive but possible to make international phone calls.
• Airmail: a post card or letter to North America or Europe, average 7 days, cost 2,10 US$ (September 2009). Advice: make it stamped in front of you.

Time difference
Ecuador mainland is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and Galapagos Islands is 6 hours behind. The country ignores day-light savings time. As it is located on the equatorial line, days and nights have the same length all year long.

Safety and security
Thieves and pickpockets are a risk. No need to be paranoid but take extra caution especially in Quito’s old town; La Mariscal area at night; in Guayaquil, markets, public transports… anywhere that large groups of people congregate. Make copies of all your important documents, keep them with you and leave the original at your hotel.

Packing

For all trips:

• camera
• electrical adaptor/surge protector/converter electric/electronic devices as sockets are for two flat prongs, 110v/60Hz is the standard currency and fluctuations are common.
• big duffel bag or backpack instead of a big suitcase
• daypack
• flash-light or head-lamp with extra batteries
• sunscreen lotion with a high protection factor
• chap stick
• hydrating skin lotion
• good sunglasses
• hat or cap
• comfortable hiking shoes worn before
• a few pairs of shorts
• hiking/trekking pants
• several short and long sleeve shirts
• one or two sweatshirts
• swimsuit
• small towel

First-aid kit:
Additional to the standard first-aid kit, consider:

• second skin bandages for blisters
• anti-inflammatory, anti-fever, anti-diarrhea or upset stomach medication, intestinal antibiotic

For the Amazon rainforest:

• preventive malaria pills only if recommended by your doctor
• insect repellent spray with high deet factor
• antihistamine
• water-sandals

For a few days trek:

• personal water bottle (minimum 1 litre)
• sleeping bag
• insulating camping mat
• thick wind and cold proof fleece
• rainproof jacket and pants. The best are Gore Tex type. If not, bring a long rain poncho.
• thick walking socks
• warm cap
• gloves

In all cases, bring a positive attitude and the spirit of adventure!