GALAPAGOS FAQ'S - PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Galapagos Online goal is to ensure that your visit to the Galapagos Islands is one of the happiest and most meaningful experiences of your life. We've learned that the way to experience the magic of the Galapagos is direct first hand participation. We help you to achieve this in ways that invite you to interact with diverse ecosystems, ancient cultures and indigenous peoples. We are there with you to offer knowledge, guidance and share insights aimed at opening understanding. Both the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador are unique and extraordinary places, we know you heart and mind will be captured as ours once were and always remain.

To get the most from your experience we want to insure you are well prepared for your upcoming voyage. This portion of the site is aimed at doing just that - it addresses the documents, clothing and equipment you will need to bring, and show you how to make sure that your itinerary and airline tickets are "ship-shape" as well as steps to follow to enjoy a health visit.

Before you rush out to shop for your trip, we recommend you take a moment to read this information - to make sure you are prepared to have the trip of a lifetime and a personal voyage of discovering in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador.

What Travel Documents Do I Need?

Your first step in preparing your trip is to make sure you have all your travel documents in order.

Valid Passport valid for 6 months beyond the date you plan to enter Ecuador.

Ecuador welcomes visitors for stays up to 90 days with a passport valid through the duration of their stay.  Ecuador no longer requires visas for visitors staying up to 90 days.

EXCEPTIONS:

• Citizens of the United Kingdom do not require visas for stays less than 180 days
• Colombians traveling between Colombia and Ecuador with National Identify Cards and International Embarkation Disembarkation cards

If you are planning a visit of more than 90 days, traveling on business, or have other visa questions please consult the Ecuador Consulate Page or your local consulate for the latest information and visa requirements: www.ecuador.org

What if I lose my Passport while I am traveling?

We advise you to make and retain copies of all your important travel documents including your passport and airline tickets. Keep copies of your credit card numbers separate from your purse or wallet. If any of these items become lost or stolen, having this information will make it far easier.  There is a US Embassy in Quito and a US Consulate in Guayaquil where you can obtain a new passport.

Do I need to Carry my ID at all times?

Yes, while on the mainland of Ecuador law requires you carry proof of citizenship with you at all times. We recommend carrying a copy of the picture page rather than the actual passport. You will need to bring your passport with you for entrance into the Galapagos National Park.

Are there any other entry requirements?

Upon arrival you will go through immigrations first and then customs. First you will be asked to present your passport and tourist card (usually handed out on board your flight prior to landing). Be sure your entrance papers are officially stamped showing the number of days you are allowed to stay in the country. You will be given a copy of the tourist card. Keep it in a safe place with your passport, as you will need it to leave the country. If it is lost you will need to fill out a new one at the airline counter when you check in for your departing flight.

Next you will proceed to pick up your luggage. If you require assistance there are porters you can help you the stand gratuity is US $1.00 per bag.

Do I have any concerns at 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.

Should I buy Travel Insurance?

Yes, it sometimes seems preordained that the traveler who fails to purchase trip cancellation insurance is the one who has to cancel their trip at the last moment. We strongly urge you to purchase travel insurance. A good policy will include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, medical coverage - including coverage for emergency evacuation - as well as baggage loss protection.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Many hospitals do not accept credit cards. Medical insurance is not always valid outside the country where you reside. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Many countries' national health care often does not provide for medical service abroad or in South America.

It is wise to check with your health care provider prior to traveling as to coverage overseas. If you are not fully protected, you should purchase traveler's insurance (supplemental insurance). Provisions for medical evacuation has proven useful in many emergencies. The cost of the insurance is minimal when compared to the thousands of dollars in expense you may incur if you do become ill or injured. Should you become ill or injured; travel insurance offers a variety of coverage including medical expenses while overseas, evacuation to the nearest hospital (or home), and reimbursement for portions of the tour missed.

What is the time zone?

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.

Do I need special plugs or converter to use the electrical outlets?

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.

If you are staying on one of the islands in the Galapagos, please be aware there are frequent black and brown outs. If you plan to leave electronic devices plugged in while you are away to recharge make sure you have a voltage regulator on the item. Otherwise if the power does go out and comes back on it may come back on with a power surge which could damage your property.

What language do they speak?

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 some 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 Shack? sell pocket translators that make it simple to look up words and conjugate verbs for around US $20.

Do I need to exchange Money?

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.

Can I use my credit card while traveling?

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.

Can I use my ATM card?

ATM machines dispensing Dollars are available at many banks in Ecuador. The two major ATM systems are Cirrus and Plus. 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.

ATM Machines in Ecuador typically limit the amount you are able to withdrawal in one day to $200 or $300 or per transaction. Should you need additional funds you normally will need to move to another ATM machine and make another transaction. Each transaction will cost you a service fee by the bank in Ecuador and may cost you one by your own bank. Relying on ATM machines can be expensive. Make sure to bring ample cash with you so you do not run into problems by not being able to access funds. Additionally you can go inside of the bank and ask for a cash advance on your debit card with MasterCard or Visa logo and receive funds up to your bank's daily limit and without a service charge.

Do you have any tips for getting around?

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 "Ciao" in Spanish or "Cayacama" in Quichua. Ecuadorians are friendly people. These greetings are given upon entering or exiting an elevator. 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.