Organize your stay Ecuador
Money Ecuador
Currency. The American dollar (USD or US$). Since 2000 and the disappearance of the sugar (the old monetary unit), the currency in circulation has been the US dollar, but the state mints its own coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents. American coins, however, are valid. Denominations over US$20 are generally not accepted, out of distrust of counterfeit bills.
Exchange rates. According to November 2023 exchange rates: €1 = US$1.05; US$1 = €0.95. The real exchange rate is always better when paying by card than when withdrawing cash from an ATM.
Budget & Tips Ecuador
Dollarization (which dates back to March 2000) has caused an increase in the cost of living in Ecuador, but the destination is still fairly inexpensive. The budget ideas below are per day and per person, and take into account meals, accommodation and transport.
Plane ticket: between €800 and €1,500 depending on the season.
Low budget: 25 to 40 US$ per day (night in dormitory, eating out, public transport, unpaid excursions).
Medium budget: 50 to 70 US$ per day (night in private room, good and inexpensive restaurant, outings, cafés, museums, inexpensive excursions).
Big budget: from US$100 per day (overnight stay in a luxury or boutique hotel, good restaurants, cabs and outings to cafés, bars and excursions (up to US$150 for some full-day excursions: volcanoes, diving, etc.).
Haggling. Haggling is a common practice in craft markets and small stores for tourists. While it's nice to get a small discount on souvenirs, too much haggling would be inappropriate.
Lodges : Whether in the Galapagos or the Amazon, expect to pay a minimum of €250 per person full board for a night in a top-of-the-range lodge.
Passport and visas Ecuador
All passports issued in France are now biometric. They include your photo, fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain your passport, go to the town hall with a tax stamp, proof of address, proof of identity and two passport photos. The passport is issued in around three weeks, or even longer in the event of administrative bottlenecks. It is valid for ten years. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years).
Tip. Before you leave, remember to take a copy of all the documents you'll be taking with you. In the event of loss or theft, this will make it much easier to renew your passport with the consular authorities.
For French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadiannationals, a valid passport valid for 6 months after the date of return is required to visit Ecuador. No visa is required for a tourist stay of 90 days (3 months) or less. If you overstay your visa, you may be placed in administrative detention in a provisional detention center (conditions of imprisonment). It is advisable to respect the length of stay and, if necessary, apply to the immigration authorities for an extension (citizens of the European Union, the United States or Canada can apply for a 12-X visa valid for 6 months without having to leave the country). Please note that the request must be made at least 30 days before the T3 stamp expires).
For nationals of other territories (outside the EU, USA and Canada), visa extension is not possible on the spot. Another solution is to cross the border a few days before the visa expires and return by air, thus benefiting from an additional three months (please check this information when you leave or stay in the country, as conditions may change).
Please note! A large proportion of flights to Ecuador from Europe pass through the United States, and Europeans must therefore be in possession of the new biometric passports and have completed the ESTA form on the website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov), together with a fee of US$21, even for simple transit through the United States.
Taxes. For foreign tourists not resident in Ecuador, the Galapagos entry tax is US$100 per person (US$50 for children under 12) + US$20 airport tax.
Finally, if you're traveling with your cat or dog, itwill also need a passport (a quarantine period is also often compulsory, and you'll need to complete specific formalities).
Driver's license Ecuador
Non-residents can drive in Ecuador with their national license for the duration of their authorized stay (3 months without a visa and up to 6 months with a visa). The international license, another option, allows you to drive in the country for 6 months. In any case, make sure you always carry a copy of your passport showing your date of entry into the country.
Health Ecuador
As far as health is concerned, situations vary widely between coastal areas, large cities, central mountain regions and the Amazon rainforest. Trekking in the high mountains requires special preparation.
Medicines are available from local pharmacies, but it's best to take the minimum essential with you before you set off.
In the forest. It's not uncommon to be bitten by insects, some of which transmit skin diseases (leishmaniasis, pucechique...) that can show up on the return journey. What's more, insect bites are easily superinfected in tropical environments, and you'll need to be on the lookout for any minor injuries. Make sure you avoid bites, mainly by wearing the right clothing and using a good mosquito repellent. If necessary, consult your doctor about taking a malaria treatment. Zika has disappeared from Ecuador.
Altitude. In the mountains, beware of altitude sickness. The best prevention is not to climb too high, too fast. In general, it takes a few days to get used to altitude. People with heart problems should be particularly vigilant. It should be noted that alcohol consumption will accentuate the effect of altitude. French pharmacies sell lozenges to relieve headaches and nausea. But they have no effect on shortness of breath during exercise!
Mandatory vaccination Ecuador
No vaccination is required to enter the country from Europe or Canada (except for specific pandemics).
Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory when coming from an American (or African) country where the disease is present (Peru, Brazil, Bolivia...). It is also essential (though not always compulsory) for all travellers to the Amazon regions. It must be taken at least 10 days before departure. Vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A (unless immunized) are recommended. The more cautious and adventurous should add hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid fever. Plan your vaccinations several weeks before departure.
Before you leave, be sure to consult the Institut Pasteur website (www.pasteur.fr).
Security Ecuador
Until recently, Ecuador was one of the safest countries in Latin America , but as always, it's important to be discerning and not ostentatious. The less jewelry you wear, the less likely you are to be bothered. Pickpocketing is rife at tourist sites in the big cities, but in both Quito and Guayaquil, the tourist police are never far away. In these two major cities, as on the Pacific coast, security has deteriorated in recent years, and you need to be vigilant, as robberies and assaults are becoming commonplace. Particular attention should be paid to safety when traveling by bus in the country, as violent assaults are becoming frequent.
For the latest information on local security , consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, which sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the country's actual situation.
Time difference Ecuador
Ecuador's time zone is GMT -5. Summer time: 7 hours less than in France (8 hours less in the Galapagos). Winter time: 6 hours less than in France (7 hours less in the Galápagos). Example: when it's midday in Paris, it's 6 a.m. in Quito in winter, and 5 a.m. in summer.
Spoken languages Ecuador
Spanish is the country's official language, but indigenous languages are still widely spoken (Quichua, Shuar...). However, it is extremely rare to meet someone who is not bilingual. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. As for French, a few members of the higher social classes speak it, but it will be of little use apart from words close to Spanish.
Communication Ecuador
Cellular network coverage is excellent throughout the country, except of course in the heart of the Amazon or in certain isolated areas of the Galapagos. In the major cities, 4G (and sometimes 5G) is effective. It's very easy to buy a SIM card with a package for 1 to 4 weeks. Ask the salesperson to explain top-up methods, as they differ greatly from those we're used to in the West. You can usually top up your plan in many pharmacies and grocery stores around the country.
Electricity and measurements Ecuador
Electricity. American standard: 110 volts, 60 hertz, flat plugs. Adapter plugs are available for French appliances, but they don't change the voltage! So make sure your appliances are 110 V-compatible, or risk damaging them forever!
Weights and measures. Ecuador operates with a strange mixture of the metric and American systems. Gasoline is bought in gallons (4 liters), but you drive in kilometers.
Luggage Ecuador
A trip to Ecuador is always several trips in one. As a result, you'll need a varied wardrobe. It should be light for the coast and the Amazon, with rain gear (raincoats are often lent by lodges in the Amazon, but it's better to plan ahead...). For the Sierra, it's imperative to bring sweaters and fleeces (and possibly gloves, scarf and hat), especially if you're planning a trek for which high-mountain equipment is essential. For the often chilly Quenña nights, warm clothing will also be appreciated. Depending on your sporting activities, you'll need appropriate clothing (hiking boots in particular). Laundromats are plentiful and you can easily have your clothes washed. However, beware of overloading your luggage!
You should also bring mosquito repellent, a cap, sunglasses and sun cream (the sun beats down hard in the middle of the world!).
