Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cases, trying several times does the trick and you shouldn't have serious issues. Make sure
to have a 4-digit PIN and let your company know you're going overseas so they don't shut
your card off.
If you're coming from the U.S., make sure to bring small bills. It's hard to change large
ones in Ecuador, as most people have not seen hundred dollar bills and even twenties are
difficult to change in markets and most shops. Also, many hotels do not accept cards but
the best ones do. It may be best to reserve ahead of time and pay online.
Tipping is not customary in Ecuador, but the better hotels and restaurants add 12% tax and
10% service charge to your bill. Signage and receptionists will let you know if this is the
case. Porters and bellboys however are usually tipped, but taxi drivers aren't. If you want
to tip a server, hand it to them directly, and for a taxi driver, let them keep the change. For
guided tours on the other hand, tipping is definitely encouraged. Many hold degrees in
their field or go out of their way to give the best tours but are sadly underpaid (especially
in contrast to guides of the same caliber in different countries) so gratuity is appreciated.
Passports & Visas
All U.S. citizens are issued a standard T-3 Tourist Visa which grants travelers 3 months a
year in the country, meaning if you cross the border to Colombia or Peru, your time will
continue where you left off if you return to Ecuador again. If your three months are up,
you can't just cross the border and enter again, visitors will have to return in another year
cycle. For longer stays, visas should be pre-arranged with the Ecuadorian Embassy in
your home city. Volunteers, NGO workers and expats teaching English in Ecuador will
find their organizations will take care of all necessary paperwork. At the time of writing
there are no fines for overstaying a visa, but a 9 month waiting period is enforced before
being allowed to enter the country again.
Passport information is usually asked for by tour operators and hotels, but don't lug your
book with you wherever you go. The most important thing is to never lose it! Make a
copy or memorize your passport number to avoid this.
Vaccinations
