Why Ecuador surprises first-timers
Ecuador packs the Andes, the Amazon, Pacific beaches and the Galapagos into one small country. The official currency is the US dollar, so there is no exchange-rate math, but you will want plenty of small bills and coins for taxis and markets.
Plugs and voltage
Ecuador uses Type A and Type B plugs, the same flat-pin sockets as the United States. The standard supply is 120V at 60Hz.
- Travelers from North America need no adapter
- Visitors from Europe, the UK, Australia and most of Asia need a Type A/B adapter
- Check that your charger accepts 120V; most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage
Language basics
Spanish is the national language, and Kichwa is widely spoken in the highlands. English is limited outside hotels and tour agencies, so a few phrases go a long way.
- Hola - hello
- Gracias - thank you
- Por favor - please
- Cuanto cuesta? - how much is it?
- La cuenta, por favor - the bill, please
Packing for every climate
Quito sits at 2,850m, so pack layers. You can sweat on the coast and shiver in the highlands on the same day.
- A warm fleece and a rain jacket for the Andes
- Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen; UV is intense at altitude and on the equator
- Sturdy shoes for cobbled colonial streets and trails
- Reusable water bottle; tap water is not reliably safe, so refill from filtered sources
Connectivity
WiFi is common in city hotels and cafes but patchy in the Amazon and on remote islands. Claro and Movistar have the best coverage. An eSIM is the easiest way to stay online the moment you land.
7 quick tips
- Acclimatize slowly in Quito to avoid soroche (altitude sickness); drink coca tea and rest
- Use registered taxis or apps rather than hailing on the street at night
- Carry small cash; many small towns and buses do not take cards
- Try almuerzo, a set lunch for around 3 to 4 dollars
- Book Galapagos and Amazon tours in advance during high season
- Keep a photo of your passport on your phone
- Tip around 10 percent in restaurants if service is not included
Stay connected in Ecuador
A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, translation and bookings the moment you land, with no roaming bills or hunting for a local SIM.
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