Clearing Customs
According to Ecuadorian law, any person that enters the country
temporarily is exempt for the payment of any customs duty. You will
not be required to pay taxes or duties for your luggage, new or used
articles that you will use during your trip, and portable items such as
photo cameras, video camera, laptops, radios and CD players.
Time Zones
Mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are on two different time zones. Time
on the mainland is Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5). Time in the Galapagos Islands is
Central Standard Time (GMT-6).
Due to its location on the equator The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador have long 12 hour
days year round. The sun rises around 6am and sets around 6pm. These consistent
hours of sunlight make it so daylight savings time is not necessary or observed.
Electricity
Electrical current in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is the same as in the United
States and Canada 110v60hz. Though many yachts and hotels are equipped with both 110 and
220-volt options, making it possible for you to charge video equipment on the boat or
in your hotel. On some boats the generator operates only
during specific hours to conserve electricity. If you need to
recharge batteries, the captain can assist you in leaving the generator
on for additional hours.
Some older hotels and haciendas on the mainland do not allow for
polarized plugs, appliances with uneven, straight pins, or three-prongs may require an
adapter. These adapters are available at hardware stores throughout the country.
Language
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. However, English is
widely spoken at hotels, restaurants and shops. Almost everyone
involved in hosting you during your stay speaks English. If you plan
to set out on your own-or simply for convenience-it is good to carry an
English / Spanish phrase book. Electronic stores like Radio ShackŪ
sell pocket translators that make it simple to look up words and conjugate
verbs for around US $20.
Financial Information and Money Matters
The United States Dollar is the official currency of Ecuador. When
traveling it is wise to make sure you bring a selection of small bills (for
tipping). It is also a good idea to carry an amount of change with you
since coins can be difficult to come by and if you do not have the coins needed
the bill is frequently rounded up to the next dollar amount.
Credit Cards
Credit Cards including American Express, Diner's Club, Visa and Master Card
are accepted in larger businesses and on some boats. Visa and Master Card
are considered different cards and are not accepted interchangeably. Master Card is
the more frequently accepted of the two. Some businesses add a processing fee to
transactions paid by credit card. It is best to ask if your card is accepted and the total
amount of the transaction before making a purchase. The same follows with
Traveler's Checks. We strongly recommend American Express Traveler's
Checks, as you will be able to cash these in most of the country most banks and
exchange houses will limit the amount you can exchange to $50 per day. Please
be advised Visa Traveler's Checks are only accepted in a few locations.
ATMs
ATM machines dispensing Dollars are available at many banks in Ecuador.
The two major ATM systems are Cirus and Plus. Cirus is more common in
Ecuador and the only available in Puerto Ayora or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and
Guayaquil, though both systems are
available in parts of the mainland including Quito. To avoid confusion, check with your bank before
leaving home as to bank names and locations participating in your ATM system. Also if your
"PIN" number is longer than 4 digits check with your bank to see if you will
need a new "PIN" code to use overseas. Amounts available for withdrawal in one
transaction in Ecuador may vary from the amount your bank allows you to withdrawal in one
day and several transactions may be necessary for larger amounts.
Cultural Nuances
Greetings are one easy way of showing your good manners. If you meet someone in the
afternoon (between 12 noon to 6pm) use "Buenas Tardes" (Good afternoon). In the
evening or at night (6pm to midnight) "Buenas Noches" is the appropriate
greeting. And in the morning hours (midnight to noon) "Buenos Dias" is used to
start the day. If you are saying good-bye you can choose to say either "Hasta
Luego" or "Chao" in Spanish or "Cayacama" in Quichua. Ecuadorians
are friendly people. These greetings are given upon entering or exiting an elevator. And
by greeting everyone in general with "Buenos Dias" or the appropriate greeting
upon entering a small shop can help with the service you receive. If you just wander in
you may be ignored.
One of the biggest dilemmas for foreigners when traveling in Ecuador is whether to
shake hands or to kiss when meeting people. Here’s a basic guideline to avoid those
awkward moments. If you are introduced to someone in a business or formal you should shake
hands and again when you say good-bye. When you meet even a casual acquaintance again it's
good for you to shake hands both on greeting and parting. Women kiss on the right cheek
only. If you are quick to hold out your right hand you can avoid kissing. Kissing is used
to show a personal relationship and is given as a sign of trust. When kissing someone as a
greeting is usually done by making a kissing sound near the right cheek rather than
actually kissing the cheek.
Packing for any trip is difficult and traveling to an area with a different culture
compounds the matter. Ecuador tends to be much more conservative than its Latin neighbors
are. Dressing in clothes that are consistent with the norms shows a respect for the local
culture. While there is no formal dress code and foreigners are tolerated in whatever they
wear though shorts and swimsuits are best left to tourist areas and the beach.
Remember that if you are traveling to the highlands of Ecuador the temperatures are
much cooler than you would think at the equator. It is cold at night and you will want to
bring a sweater or jacket if you are going outside after 6pm.
If you are dealing with officials (including immigration) or businesses the better
dressed and more courteous you are the more efficient is the service you receive will be.
By looking important you will be treated as someone important and remember to shake hands.
Beginning your conversation by introducing yourself and asking the person’s name
that you are dealing with is both friendly and assists you in receiving good service.
Small talk is a normal part of everyday life. If you want to make polite small talk asking
about someone’s family, particularly the children is always a good subject. Health
and weather can be used as topics but family is much more endearing. Ecuadorians are
overjoyed to show photos of their children - just be warned that you'll be expected to
remember their names. Ecuadorians have an enviable ability to remember faces, names and
family relationships. So my best advise is to make notes if you have any doubts about your
ability to keep up with it all.
Some manners and customs are the same wherever you are. If you are invited to an
Ecuadorian home remember to bring a present. As you receive a tour of the home
remember to praise the merits of the house. Social occasions often start late; you
may find it's worth eating before you go out just in case foods aren't served until 11pm.
Private parties typically will finish around dawn.
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