Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[593] (2) 398-5000; US Embassy Quito, E12-170 Avigiras Ave. and Eloy Alfaro Ave., Quito, Ecuador; https://ec.usembassy.gov/; ACSQuito@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
593
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 131; Fire: 102; Police: 101
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ecuador: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands
Currency (Code)
US $ (USD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Spanish (Castilian), Quechua
Major Religions
Roman Catholic, Protestant (Evangelical, Adventist, other Protestant), Jehovah's Witness, other, none
Time Difference
UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time); note: Ecuador has two time zones, including the Galapagos Islands (UTC-6)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Ecuador, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Galápagos Islands; Quito historic center; Cuenca historic center; Cotopaxi; Cajas National Park; Guayaquil Boardwalk (Malecon 2000); Nariz del Diablo; Qhapaq Nan/Andean Road System
Major Sports
Soccer, cycling
Cultural Practices
Ecuadorians are more formal in their business dealings than many other cultures. Shake hands when meeting someone and when leaving.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 10% is common in restaurants, usually handed directly to the server. Round up the fare for taxis. Hotel bellhops receive $1-2 (USD) per bag and housekeepers about $1 (USD) per day.
Souvenirs
Coffee, llama wool products, woven baskets and straw hats, carpets, tagua vegetable and wood carvings, non-edible dough figurines, leather goods, sheepskin paintings; tribal instruments, masks, jewelry, and fabrics
Traditional Cuisine
Ceviche — raw fresh fish marinated with lime juice and mixed with chilies, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro; typically served with patacones (thick fried green plantains), chifles (very thin fried green plantain chips), corn nuts, or popcorn
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
