Ecuador Travel Info:

Local Time:  Eastern standard There is no daylight savings time. In the Galápagos Islands it is GMT-6.

Visa: U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Ecuador for up to 90 days; however, read the following.

VISAS - Visas up to 90 days (VISITOR) - Ecuador welcomes tourists and travelers from every country. United States citizens traveling to Ecuador for tourism, business, studies do not require a visa unless they expect to stay in Ecuador for more than 90 days in one calendar year (that is, 90 days adding every entry in one year). The only travel requirements are 1) Valid passport for more than 6 months.
2) Return ticket (for air, land or sea travel)  3) Proof of economic means to support yourself during your stay in Ecuador (may be asked by Immigration authorities)

Nationals of the following countries require a visa and should approach the Consulate of Ecuador of their residence (list may change without notice):  Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya,  Nicaragua, Nigeria,  North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine Authority,  People's Republic of China, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Syria, Tunisia and Vietnam, Yemen.  

If applying in the U.S., nationals of these countries will have to produce their valid U.S. visa or residence permit and fill out an application form (requirements listed above, plus 2 photographs). Visa Application

Business Hours:  Monday through Friday; generally from 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. and 3:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. 

Banks: Monday - Friday; 9:00a.m. to 1:30p.m.  Government: Monday - Friday; 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Communication: Direct dial telephone communications and telex are available in the principal cities.

Money:  U.S. American dollar 

Transportation: Two main international airports: Mariscal Sucre, in Quito, and Simón Bolívar, in Guayaquil. 

Electricity:  110 volts. 60 cycles/second A.C.

Customs: 1 bottle of liquor are admitted duty-free along with a reasonable quantity of perfume, gifts, and personal effects. It is forbidden to bring in or take out firearms, ammunition, narcotics, fresh or dry meat, and all types of plants and wild animals unless previous permission has been granted.

Taxis and Auto Rental Taxis are available everywhere in the country. Car rental are available in major cities.

Tipping: In hotels and restaurants, gratuities may be included in the bill. Additional tipping is voluntary.

Clothing: Light worn in the Costa, Galápagos and Amazonia. Warmer necessary for the Sierra.

Health: No inoculations are required for entry. However, because of the high altitudes in parts of Ecuador, travelers with heart conditions or high blood pressure should check with their doctors. In Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, running water is safe to drink, but bottled water is advised everywhere else.

The International dialing code to call Ecuador is (593). The city codes in Quito is (02). Cellular numbers within Ecuador begin with (09).  Dialing to Quito: 011-(593)-(2) and the 6 digit number you are calling. Guayquil 011-(593)-(4)  Cuenca 011-(593)-(7) and your number.

Dialing from Ecuador to the USA or Canada dial: 001 + the area code + the number.

You are able to buy phone cards primarily at large hotels or tourist locations.  Ask for a Cyber Cafe, you should be able to call the United States / Canada for $1.00. 

Warning - Though travel in Ecuador is mostly safe, economic instability provoking unrest in the country's recent past does warrant that extra bit of caution. Travellers should avoid travel to the northern border areas, including the Sucumbios and Orellana regions. Travel through the Colombian border region is risky.