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Money & duty free for Ecuador

Currency information: 

US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. Some coins are usual US cents and some are Ecuadorean centavos. They have the same value.

Credit cards: 

Major credit/debit cards are accepted in most businesses. ATMs are available at most banks in urban areas. On the Galápagos Islands, currently only Mastercard is accepted.

ATM: 

ATMs are available at most banks in urban areas.

Travellers cheques: 

Traveller's cheques are generally accepted in the larger cities and can be exchanged into currency at most banks and casas de cambio.

Banking hours: 

Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1600/1700; Sat mornings.

Currency restriction: 

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared.

Currency exchange: 

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at casas de cambio (exchange houses), the latter being generally the best option. It may be difficult to exchange money in the Oriente. The rate of commission varies between 1 to 4%, so it is worth shopping around.

Ecuador duty free

The following goods may be imported into Ecuador without incurring customs duty:

• 300 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco.
• 1L of alcohol.
• A reasonable amount of perfume.
• Gifts and personal effects up to US$200 (for stays of up to seven days) or US$300 (for stays of eight days up to six months).

Banned imports: 

Prior permission is required for the import of fresh or dry meat, uncanned meat products and all plants and vegetables.

Banned exports: 

The export of gold bars or antiques is prohibited.

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