Time: Local time is GMT -5 (Galapagos Islands are GMT -6).

Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Flat two-pin plugs are standard.

Money: The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in Ecuador. In 2000 the sucre was replaced by the dollar as the legal currency, but despite dollarization, the sucre will likely persist in rural areas for a while longer. It is recommended that travellers bring both US dollar notes and travellers cheques as other foreign currencies are difficult to exchange outside of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca.

Language: Spanish is the official language, but Quechua is the main language spoken among the indigenous people.

Passport/Visa Note: Passports should be valid for at least six months. All visitors should hold an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds for their stay.

Health: A yellow fever certificate is required from those arriving from infected areas, and is recommended for everyone entering Ecuador. There is risk of malaria and dengue fever in areas below 5,000ft (1,500m). There has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases of dengue fever primarily in coastal and Amazon regions. The best prevention is to cover up and use mosquito repellent. Tap water should not be consumed; bottled water is available. Milk is unpasteurised so it is best to avoid dairy products. High altitude can affect some people's health so visitors to Quito (6,500ft/2,800m), for example, are advised to take it easy for the first few days. It is advisable to take seasickness tablets on a Galapagos boat cruise. Medical facilities are inadequate and medical insurance is highly recommended.

Tipping: A 10% charge is usually added to good quality hotel and restaurant bills. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. Tour guides usually receive a discretionary tip from the group.

Customs: Always ask permission to take photos of the local people. A tip is often requested. It is a legal requirement to carry identification at all times. Dress is more conservative and modest in the highlands compared to the coast and Oriente. Politeness and good manners are essential for communication.

Business: An essential aspect of conducting business in Ecuador is having a tie with a reputable local partner. Business dealings are usually somewhat formal; dress is usually smart and conservative, punctuality is important and greetings are made with a handshake. Dress can be more casual in hotter regions such as Guayaquil. Business cards are usually exchanged and most people have a second card printed with personal addresses, home telephone numbers etc for social use. Although the official language is Spanish, English is widely spoken and understood in the business sector. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, with some businesses closing for lunch.

Communications: The international access code for Ecuador is +593.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com

08/06/07 by visitEarth
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