Money matters:

Select a link Travelers' checks Credit cards ATMs Money Transfers

 

Before outlining the various ways for visitors to Ecuador to bring or change money, it is important to note first of all that the country operates only in American US Dollars. Also whenever you exchange your dollar bills do not accept ripped notes as they will not be accepted when you next buy something.

It is also sensible to arrive with some funds preferably smaller denominations in $1, $5, $10 notes because often the sellers of goods in small shops and stores will not have the right change. Another thing to be on the look out for in South America including Ecuador are counterfeit bills that don't have the right thread running through them, check with local Banks for better descriptions on fake bills.

If you do bring currencies from other countries you will still have the opportunity to exchange them into dollars also as there are various currency exchange places in most large cities called "casas de cambio", they are mostly found in International airports and the larger hotels. If you have the neighboring currency, the Colombian Peso or Peruvian Soles you may also exchange these in most banks.

Travelers' checks

Traveler's checks are one of the safest forms of money while on a journey or expedition and there is usually only a small charge in the major cities of Guayaquil, Quito and Cuenca, however if you are in smaller cities expect a commission charge of around 5%.

Examples of banks exchanging Traveler's checks are: Lloyds Bank, Citibank, Produbanco, Banco del Pacífico and Banco de Guayaquil, in most branches. In addition you may also exchange checks in the casas de cambios but they will be a higher charge than in banks starting at 1.5% and up. American express also offers a service to issue checks and has locations in Guayaquil and Quito (Banco de Guayaquil). Checks are offered against Amex cards and also personal checks of cardholders although they will not reconvert travelers checks into cash!. If you ever have checks stolen you must first report them to the police and file a report before you'll be allowed to claim at an office of American Express.

Credit cards

Most 1st class restaurants, hotels, travel agencies and gift shops accept Credit cards, the main ones being MasterCard, American express, Visa and Diners.

Before charging credit against your card do check the rates with your own banks before leaving and to be doubly sure also ask first the costs which are usually minimal with the banks you call in while traveling, also be aware that some merchants will add between 4 to 10% on top of your card for a service charge so you may be better paying cash because you will bear the costs unlike in Europe and North America where the merchant will bear these costs.

For MasterCard holders there are also offices in Ambato, Cuenca, Quito and Guayaquil as well as Mutualista Pichincha, ABN-AMRO and Banco del Pacífico Banks. For Visa and American Express; Banco Pichincha, Banco Bolivariano, Banco del Austro and Banco de Guayaquil all work well with these cards.

ATMs

Most banks in Ecuador have ATM facilities which are linked up to international connecting systems that are compatible to foreigners credit cards. For MasterCard holders look out for the Cirrus system while those using Visa card should be looking for the Plus system.

Do also check with your local Bank card issuer to avoid errors, retraction and confiscation of cards as well as loss of time and costs involved because this certainly isn't the cheapest form of cash when traveling. If you are still uncertain then check with the bank you wish to make the cash withdrawal from within office hours 9-5pm in order to confirm compatibility.

Do also note, If you are in the Galapagos only Master card is accepted. It is advisable with respect to your PIN number that it has no more than 4 digits because in Ecuador theses machines are programmed to accept no more than 4 numbers, however if you have made your PIN Code a word also be aware that letters may not be given on the PIN Pads in the code that you punch in so you will have to work out the numeric equivalent to avoid disappointment.

Money Transfers

As well as the major forms of credit for the withdrawing of cash Western Union offices for wiring quick cash are also available in most major cities but the fees are around 10% in commissions and charged to the sender.

Amex card holders may also arrange travelers checks on their cards or use personal checks. We do not recommend bank wire S.W.I.F.T. Transfers or telexes as they often may take up to a week to clear through American systems as well as proving expensive due to service charges and are subject to local Ecuadorian taxes.

Money matters:

Select a link Travelers' checks Credit cards ATMs Money Transfers

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