Ecuador international travel guide

Ecuador international travel guide

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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

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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.
Disclaimer
The information on the site should be used as a guide only you are advised to contact your local official mission consulate embassy and ensure you have the latest information we take no responsibility