GMT -5
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin, flat prong plugs are standard.
Spanish is the official language, but many speak an Amerindian language called Quichua.
A yellow fever certificate is required for those arriving from infected areas, and is recommended for everyone entering Ecuador, particularly for those travelling to the Amazon basin. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There is a high risk of malaria and dengue fever in areas below 5,000 feet (1,500m) in Ecuador. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases of dengue fever primarily in coastal and Amazon regions. The best prevention is to cover up and use mosquito repellent liberally throughout the day. High altitude can affect some people's health so visitors to Quito (6,500 feet/2,800m), for example, are advised to take it easy for the first few days. It is advisable to take seasickness tablets on a Galapagos boat cruise. Tap water should not be consumed; bottled water is available. Milk is unpasteurised so it is best to avoid dairy products. Medical facilities are often inadequate, especially outside of Quito, and comprehensive medical insurance is highly recommended.
A 10 percent service charge is usually added to good quality hotel and restaurant bills, but often the waitron does not receive this fee, so it is discretionary to add another five to 10 percent as a tip. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped but tour guides usually do.
Ecuador is generally a safe country to travel to but visitors should be vigilant with their belongings as most crime is opportunistic. Travellers are warned not to store belongings in the overhead lockers or under seats on public buses and trains.Due to a risk of kidnapping and armed crime, travel to the northeastern areas bordering Colombia is not advisable, and travel to the northern provinces of Sucumbios and Orellana should be avoided. Travellers should also avoid hiking to Volcan Pichincha via Cruz Loma as violent gangs are known to operate in the wooded areas; a cable car provides access, but there have been several cases of armed robbery and rape reported in the area. Several incidents have also occurred along the hiking trail up Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba, Loja, in which hikers have been robbed of all valuables by masked men.Ecuador has many active volcanoes, which are rather poorly monitored. Eruptions have caused the evacuation of thousands of people, particularly in the Baños area.There is an ongoing risk of disruption to travel due to social and political unrest; all public gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided - as they should be in all foreign countries.Note:29/11/19Violent demonstrations and road blockades have occurred throughout Ecuador since October 2019, causing disruption to inter-city, inter-provincial and international travel. Protest action can take place with little or no warning in any location.
Always ask permission to take photos of the local people. A tip is often requested for taking a photo. It is a legal requirement to carry identification at all times. Dress is more conservative and modest in the highlands compared to the coast. Politeness and good manners are essential for communication and a light handshake is the practiced form of greeting.
An essential aspect of conducting business in Ecuador is having a link with a reputable local partner. Business dealings are somewhat formal; dress is usually smart and conservative, punctuality is important and greetings are made with a handshake. Dress can be more casual in hotter regions such as Guayaquil. Business cards are usually exchanged and it is recommended to have some business cards, company brochures and presentations translated into Spanish. Note that business disputes that would in countries such as the United States be dealt with by civil litigation are often, under Ecuadorian law, viewed as criminal, and can lead to arrest and imprisonment. Although the official language is Spanish, English is widely spoken and understood in the business sector. Business hours are usually 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, with some businesses closing during lunch.
The international access code for Ecuador is +593. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Travellers entering Ecuador do not have to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 500g tobacco; 3 litres of alcoholic beverages; perfume for personal use; and gifts and personal effects to the value of US$500.
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