FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 

In case of theft, what should I do?

 

Report the incident to the Tourism Prosecutors’ Offices or the Judicial Police. Your local tour operator or hotel will also be able to assist you.

 

Which are the places I should avoid alone, especially in the larger cities?

 

In general, try to avoid being alone, especially at night. Remote, solitary or poorly-lit places must be avoided at all times. In crowded areas, take special care with wallets and other objects that may easily be extracted from purses or pockets.

 

Are Taxis safe?

 

In Ecuador, authorized taxis are yellow and bear the name of the cooperative to which they belong on their windshields and doors. In Quito, meters are used and the shortest rides cost one dollar during the day and two dollars at night. Check the cost of the ride before starting, if possible. Try to use taxis called by your hotel or the hotel’s own taxis.  Radio taxis are available by phone but make sure they are called by your Hotel or a first-class restaurant. These may not always be yellow (“executive taxis” are not), but check that the company is reliable. Never accept a ride in any vehicle, yellow or otherwise, with no license on display.

 

Are the buses safe?

 

Buses in Ecuador are a cheap, but not always safe, form of transport.  Buses are often very crowded and do not always follow the busy areas, or principal streets and avenues. When travelling on public buses, try to occupy the front seats, avoid carrying showy objects and beware of your belongings. The same guidelines apply for travel between cities and towns on public transport. Use reliable and reputable companies or cooperatives.

 

Should I accept drinks in bars or discotheques from “friendly” persons?

 

No.  They may be spiked and contain substances causing loss of consciousness and resulting in unwelcome or dangerous situations.

 

What type of electrical current is used in Ecuador?

 

Electricity in Ecuador is 110 volts, the same as the United States. Power sockets are for two or three-pin plugs, American type. If your appliances function with other types of voltage or the plugs do not fit into the sockets, ask your hotel for an adaptor.

 

Which is the official religion in Ecuador?

 

Ecuador has no state religion and all creeds and beliefs may be practiced.   However, the majority of the population is Catholic.

 

What is the population of Ecuador?

 

According to projections based on the 2002 National Population Census and annual population growth rate, Ecuador’s current resident population is approximately 13.5 million inhabitants.

 

Which ethnic races are found in Ecuador?

 

Ecuador is ethnically very diverse.  However, the predominant group is mestizo (mix between indigenous and European or other northern hemisphere blood), which accounts for 65% of the current population. The second most populous group comprises the 17 indigenous ethnic cultures or Amerindians, with 28% of the population. The Afro Ecuadorian population represents 5.5%, found mostly in the northern coast and a subtropical valley in the northern Andes. Finally, 1.5% of the population is white or Caucasian, mainly of Creole descent from the Spanish conquerors and other immigrants of European origin and white race.

 

What is Ecuador’s currency?

 

The official currency of Ecuador is the United States Dollar and is used in all public and private transactions, both national and international. Bills circulating in Ecuador are the same as those used in the United States.  However, Ecuador mints its own coins (1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents).  These coins are only valid within Ecuador. United States coins are also valid in Ecuador and can be freely used with those of the same value in the U.S. Most Ecuadorian cities have ATM machines.

 

How do I recognize a false bill?

 

Detecting false bill notes is not easy.  Banks, cashiers and larger shopping malls employ various methods, ranging from visual and tactile to machines especially designed to detect false bills. A common way of detecting a false bill is by the quality of the paper.  Forged bills often use a rougher texture than genuine ones. If in doubt, check with a reliable source.

 

Are medicines easily obtainable in Ecuador?

 

Freely available medicines (“over the counter”) such as aspirin, anti-acids, sea sickness pills, etc, can be found in most pharmacies.  However, if you use medicines prescribed by a doctor, either regularly or occasionally, you should bring sufficient amounts to cover the duration of your trip, including possible delays in returning.  Some may not be available in Ecuador. The medicine label or box should be kept handy as it may help to find a similar generic medicine if necessary.  Carry your doctor’s prescription to prove the legitimate need for such medicines.

 

If I am diabetic, can I receive dialysis in Ecuador?

 

Yes, but only in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca where hospitals and specialized medical centers cater for this treatment.  You should only receive this treatment in a recognized and reliable hospital or specialized health center.

 

If I have heart problems, should I visit Ecuador?

 

Yes.  You should experience no problems, especially in the coast, the Amazon region and the Galapagos. In the Andean region, the altitude must be taken into account, particularly in Quito and other cities and towns at more than 2,000 meters above sea level.  At this altitude, be cautious during the first days after arrival.  Avoid walking fast, climbing steps, or demanding exercise.  Do not eat or drink to excess. The principal cities have good hospitals and medical facilities. However, the medical facilities are limited in the more remote areas.

 

What communications facilities are available in Ecuador, including mobile phones?

 

Conventional telephone facilities, both national and international, are available throughout most of Ecuador, operated by two State-owned companies: Andinatel and Pacifictel. The majority of hotels, especially luxury categories in most cities and popular tourist centers, offer direct-dial services from their rooms (though at a higher rate). Public phone booths or cabins are available in most cities and towns (except remote areas) and even on some strategic roadside points.

 

Ecuador has three large mobile or cellular phone operators, providing national and, in some cases, international coverage using GSM systems. Mobile phone rental services are available in Quito and Guayaquil airports as well as at various points-of-sale in the principal cities.

 

Internet services are available at hotels, cyber cafes and other specialized centers throughout most of Ecuador, including the Galapagos and Amazon regions. However, in some remote locations, particularly the Galapagos and the Amazon region, services may be very limited.

Where can I exchange currency?

 

Travelers Checks and other currencies can only be exchanged through licensed Money Exchange Bureaus and certain banks (not all). Do not exchange money with street dealers. Currency can only be exchanged in the larger cities such as Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca.

 

Can marihuana or other drugs be used in Ecuador?

 

Possession, trafficking and consumption of all types of illegal drugs, including marihuana and cocaine, are strictly prohibited in Ecuador and are subject to severe prison sentences.

 

What is the Legal Age in Ecuador?

 

18 years of age. However, you must be 21 or more to enter places such as casinos.

 

In the event of an accident, where should I go?

 

To the nearest medical center or contact the National Police. Luxury and high class hotels in Quito and Guayaquil, as well as some popular tourist sites, usually have doctors on call to attend to health problems.

 

Which credit cards are accepted in Ecuador?

 

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.