Ecuador travel details
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Ecuador has a population of 17M with main currency as US Dollar. The languages spoken are Spanish. Ecuador travel safety advice is Exercise a high degree of caution. Automatic teller machines are common in Ecuador. Tipping is expected in Ecuador since staff depend on tips to supplement their often minimum wages. Internet speed in Ecuador is on average 4.4 Mbps.In Ecuador you drive on the right side.
Ecuador travel advice
⬤ Exercise a high degree of caution
Ecuador is under a state of 'internal armed conflict' due to crime. A separate state of emergency is in effect in the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Orellana, Santa Elena, Sucumbíos and Ponce Enríquez County in Azuay. If you're entering Ecuador via land or river borders from Peru or Colombia, authorities will require a police check covering the past 5 years, or you can request a background check at the border. We advise do not travel within 20km of the border with Colombia, except the official border crossing at Tulcan, due to the high risk of kidnapping and violent crime associated with drug-related criminal organisations. Electricity shortages, including planned outages, continue to affect the country.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador overall due to the threat of violent crime.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Issue Date : Jun 12, 2024
Ecuador weather
Ecuador essential details
Plugs
Ecuador uses 120V, 60Hz with sockets and plugs Type A and Type B.
Languages
The languages that are typically spoken are Spanish
Money in Ecuador
Currencies
Ecuador uses the United States dollar (symbol: $), code USD.Banknotes come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 dollars. Dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1 dollar and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
ATM
Automatic teller machines are common in Ecuador. You can usually find them in both large & small cities.You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.
Tipping
Expected to tip Tipping is expected in Ecuador since staff depend on tips to supplement their often minimum wages. Receipts usually include a service charge.
Internet in Ecuador
Internet
Internet speed in Ecuador is on average 4.4 Mbps. WiFi coverage in Ecuador is low. It is not as easy to find one.
Phones
You can buy a SIM card for about $21.28, which includes 1 GB of data plan. You can choose from 3 telecoms: CNT, Claro or Movistar. Ecuador uses GSM mobile networks GSM 850. If you don't want to buy SIM card in Ecuador upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.
Calling
To call Ecuador, dial +, then 593 (the country code for Ecuador), then the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number. For local calls within Ecuador, start with the area code (with the initial 0). In the case above area code is 2 .
Ecuador travel details
Driving in Ecuador
Road rules
In Ecuador you drive on the right side. Most cars have manual transmission (stick). Unless otherwise posted, the speed limits for cars and motorcycles are as follows: 50 km/h (31 mph) in all built-up areas, 60-100 km/h (37-62 mph) on undivided highways, 60-100 km/h (37-62 mph) on motorways and 60-100 km/h (37-62 mph) on expressways.
Emergecy
Police
192
Ambulance
194
Fire department
193
Ecuador map
Ecuador visa advice
If you're considering exploring Ecuador beyond the usual transit spots, our comprehensive guide on Ecuador transit visa offers deeper insights and broader options for travelers of different nationalities. For those transiting through other countries en route to Ecuador, understanding Ecuador Transit Visa requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth journey.