Currency & Payment

Ecuador uses the US dollar (USD) as its official currency, having adopted it in 2000 when the old sucre was abolished. Alongside US coins, Ecuador mints its own centavo coins that circulate at par with US cents. Prices are shown in dollars, so travellers arriving from the US usually need no exchange at all.

Because the US dollar is the official currency, there is usually no need to exchange money if you already carry USD. If you arrive with another currency, use exchange bureaus (casas de cambio) or banks in major cities such as Quito and Guayaquil; rates and availability outside cities are limited. Carry small denominations for everyday use.

Cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops in Quito and Guayaquil, with Visa and Mastercard the most widely taken. In smaller towns, markets and rural areas cash is king, so carry small notes (1, 5, 10 and 20 dollars). Large notes (50 and 100) are often refused, so break them at banks or big stores.

ATMs are plentiful in cities, run by banks such as Banco Pichincha, Banco Guayaquil and Produbanco, and dispense US dollars. Withdrawal limits and foreign-card fees vary. Be alert to skimming: prefer ATMs inside banks during the day, cover the keypad, and avoid isolated machines at night. Always decline home-currency conversion (DCC) for a better rate.

Mobile payment adoption in Ecuador is limited, and everyday transactions still rely mainly on cash and cards. Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay work at some modern outlets in the big cities, but you should not count on them. Plan to pay with cash, especially outside Quito and Guayaquil.

In Ecuador restaurants often add a 10% service charge to the bill, so tipping is optional. If service was good you can leave a little extra, and rounding up is common. Tipping is not expected for taxis, though rounding up is appreciated. A small tip for guides and porters is customary on tours.

By South American standards Ecuador is moderately priced, and mainland travel can be quite affordable. The Galápagos are the big exception, where tours, flights and park fees make it expensive. You can save with the fixed-price set lunch (almuerzo), local markets and buses, while treating the Galápagos as a separate budget.

Ecuador offers a limited VAT (IVA) refund for foreign tourists on eligible purchases above a minimum amount, processed at international airports on departure. Keep original tax invoices (facturas) with your name and passport details, and allow extra time at the airport. Conditions and minimum spend apply, so check the current rules with the tax authority (SRI).