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Useful information and facts for the Visitor
Currency
US dollar officially adopted as legal tender
in March 2000, replacing the former national currency, the sucre,
at a conversion rate of Su25,000:US$1. The sucre ceased to be
legal tender in September 2000, apart from new sucre coins equivalent
to US nickels, dimes and cents used as fractionary money. The
U.S. currency currently in circulation will eventually be replaced
with dollars and coins bearing the visages of notable Ecuadorians
Please note
that additional info (prices, activities, etc) are found to the
right of this pages. 
Electricity
Similar to USA electric appliances operate on
a 110 volts, 60 cycles (Hertz) alternating current,. This means
that European travelers need to bring an adapter for their laptops,
cameras, hair dryers, etc.
Local Time
Eastern Standard on GMT-5 (same as New York,
except during daylight savings months when Ecuador is one hour
behind). The Galapagos are one hour ahead of the mainland.
Visas
Most travelers entering Ecuador as tourists
do no require visas. All travelers not wishing to enter as tourists
must have valid visas. Citizens of most nations can stay in Ecuador
for up to 180 days per year. Immigration officials will stamp
either 60 or 90 days in your passport when you enter. If you know
you need more than 60 days, be sure to tell them before they stamp
your passport. Also, if you want to stay longer than 90 days you
will have to get an extension or obtain a visa.
Passports
All nationals entering as tourists need a passport
that must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival. Failure
to produce identification can result in arrests. Military and
police checks are semi-frequent and not pretty if you are caught
without your documents. If you are staying in Quito, Guayaquil
or another large city for an extended period, it is advisable
that you carry only a copy of your passport. Check with your embassy
or consulate for details. For a reasonable fee most foreign embassies
provide their citizens with an "official" copy of their
passport that is recognized by Ecuadorian law. Also, report lost
or stolen passports immediately to your embassy or consulate.
If you overstay your tourist visa you must obtain
a stamp on your passport before you may leave. These are referred
to as "Salidas", and are obtained in Quito at the immigration
office on Isla Seymour 1152, between Río Coca and Tomás
de Berlanga, and in Guayaquil at the immigration office on Avenida
Pichincha and Aguirre..
Safety
Ecuador is safer than Peru and Columbia. However
tourists need to be wary and take precautions to avoid being robbed.
There are parts of big cities and coastal areas that can be pretty
dangerous. Sneak thefts and pickpockets are common. Also be wary
of crooked police who prey on tourists. Travel with trustworthy
companions. Make copies of your important documents, card numbers,
etc., and give them to a trusted companion. It's also a good idea
to leave copies of important documents and numbers with a relative
at home.
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