Why Ecuador dey surprise first-timers
Ecuador dey pack di Andes, di Amazon, Pacific beaches and di Galapagos into one small country. Di official currency na US dollar, so no exchange-rate wahala, but you go want plenty small bills and coins for taxi and market.
Plugs and voltage
Ecuador dey use Type A and Type B plugs, na di same flat-pin sockets like United States. Di standard supply na 120V at 60Hz.
- Travelers from North America no need adapter
- Visitors from Europe, UK, Australia and most of Asia need Type A/B adapter
- Check say your charger fit accept 120V; most phone and laptop chargers dey dual-voltage
Language basics
Spanish na di national language, and Kichwa dem dey widely speak for highlands. English dey limited outside hotels and tour agencies, so small phrases go carry you far.
- Hola - hello
- Gracias - thank you
- Por favor - please
- Cuanto cuesta? - how much e cost?
- La cuenta, por favor - bring di bill abeg
Packing for every climate
Quito dey sit for 2,850m, so pack layers. You fit sweat for coast and shiver for highlands di same day.
- Warm fleece and rain jacket for di Andes
- Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen; UV strong for altitude and for equator
- Sturdy shoes for cobbled colonial streets and trails
- Reusable water bottle; tap water no reliably safe, so refill from filtered sources
Connectivity
WiFi dey common for city hotels and cafes but e patchy for di Amazon and remote islands. Claro and Movistar get di best coverage. eSIM na di easiest way to stay online di moment you land.
7 quick tips
- Acclimatize slow for Quito make you no get soroche (altitude sickness); drink coca tea and rest
- Use registered taxi or apps instead of you dey hail for street for night
- Carry small cash; plenty small towns and buses no dey take card
- Try almuerzo, na set lunch for around 3 to 4 dollars
- Book Galapagos and Amazon tours ahead during high season
- Keep photo of your passport for your phone
- Tip around 10 percent for restaurant if service no already include
Stay connected for Ecuador
HelloSIM eSIM go keep you online for map, translation and booking di moment you land, no roaming bill or hunt for local SIM.
Get your Ecuador eSIM for 30 seconds
Sharp-sharp delivery, 4G/5G speed, no roaming bill.