Ecuador
South America · Spanish · US Dollar
Carry small bills because nobody can change a twenty, and walk Quito slowly — 2,850 meters humbles everyone on day one.
Today in Ecuador
No Ecuador stories in today's wires — read the global briefing.
5 phrases you need in Ecuador
- HelloHolaOH-lah
- GoodbyeAdiósah-DYOHS
- PleasePor favorpor fah-VOR
- Thank youGraciasGRAH-syahs
- Excuse meDisculpedees-KOOL-peh
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Ecuador phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
money
Ecuador uses the US dollar, but bills over $10 are hard to break outside supermarkets; hoard ones, fives, and the dollar coins you will get as change.
safety
Take registered taxis or apps at night in Quito and Guayaquil, and keep phones out of sight on public transit; bag slashing in bus terminals is the classic move.
transport
Intercity buses are dirt cheap and go everywhere, but for Quito airport runs and night arrivals use an official taxi or pre-booked transfer; insist on the meter (taxímetro) in city cabs.
connectivity
A Claro or Movistar prepaid SIM is cheap and easy with your passport; coverage is solid in cities and patchy in the Amazon and Galápagos.
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