Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport
can become quite crowded. Keep an eye on your
luggage at all times and be wary of unofficial
baggage boys that start carrying away your bags
for a tip without your asking. Note that there are
official airport porters. If you allow a street
porter to assist you, stay glued to his side and
choose your own taxi.
Leaving Ecuador
B
e sure to re-confirmyour flight three days ahead of de-
parture and arrive at the airport three hours before
the scheduled departure for international flights. If this
means leaving for the airport at 4 am, be sure to arrange a
taxi the night before. Departure tax is US$25 and is payable in cash
only when you check in.
Money Matters
Currency
Until recently, Ecuadorian currency was the
sucre
, which
fluctuated drastically with the rise and fall of the oil and
export markets. As of September 2000, the official cur-
rency has been theUS dollar. In a fewmore remote and iso-
lated locations, as well as smaller towns and villages, remnants of the
sucre may exist (the last exchange rate was US$1 to 25,000 sucres).
Note that it is very difficult to shop with or change bills of more than
$20 due to counterfeiting.
The US dollar is a very touchy issue in Ecuador,
as it represents the huge gap between the haves
and the have-nots, as well as being perceived as
the symbol of increased cost of living to the
common Ecuadorian. Be sensitive to this. Be
inconspicuous with money and modest in attire
during your travels.
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