Travel advice for Ecuador.

Here you will find important tips and useful information for Ecuador.

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in US Dollars (USD)

  • For ATM cash withdrawals

  • For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in US Dollars (USD)

  • For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

US Dollar USD

Further Information

Credit cards

 

  • Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

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Practical Information:

Voltage

110/120 volt / adapter required

Driving
  • Swiss driver's license accepted; international driver's license recommended.

  • Minimum age for car rentals: 21 to 25 (varies by company).

  • CH sticker and breakdown triangle mandatory.

Time difference with Switzerland

- 6 h / - 7 h during our summer time
- 7 h (Galapagos) / - 8 h during our summer time

National language

Official language

Spanish

Language capabilities

English

Capital

Quito

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Travel documents for Swiss citizens
  • Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.

  • Travelers are advised to carry with them their passport or a photocopy thereof.

  • Extension available on site.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Quito, Juan Pablo Sanz y Avenida Amazonas 3617, Edificio Xerox, 2do piso
Tel. +593 2 243 41 13 / +593 2 243 49 48 / +593 2 243 49 49

Opening hours

Banks

9.00 - 16.00/18.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

9.00 - 13.00 h and 15.00 - 19.00/20.00 h (Mon - Fri)
9.00 - 13.00 h (Sat)

Health situation
  • Do not drink tap water.

  • Mosquito protection advised.

  • Risk of dengue fever.

  • Year-round risk of malaria below 1500 m. No risk of malaria in Quito, Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands.

  • Vaccination against yellow fever, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information
  • This country is in an active earthquake zone.

  • The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador.

Security

  • Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.

  • Travel to border areas with Colombia (in the provinces Carchi, Sucumbios, Orellana and eastern half of the province Pastaza) not advised.

  • Land mines are still found in parts of the border area with Peru (especially in the vicinity of military installations).

  • High crime rate.

  • Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.

  • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

  • Avoid nighttime driving.

Special legal regulations

Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

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Important

While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of Country Information. Swiss Bankers therefore shall not be held liable for any damage or loss sustained in connection with any errors or omissions contained therein.

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