Money Matters

In March 2000, Ecuador's official currency changed from the Sucre to the U.S. Dollar. Your bills should be in pristine condition with no tears or marks.

CREDIT CARDS AND ATMS: Some major credit cards are accepted such as Diner’s Club, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. However, it is advisable to carry some cash or travelers checks in US Dollars for purchases outside urban areas, and tipping. Since the Ecuadorian currency is now the US Dollar, you obviously will not need to exchange any currency there. In Peru, the exchange of U.S. Dollars can be made at lodges and banks. You should not depend on your ATM card outside of the U.S. unless your bank advises otherwise. Local banks will give you notes in local currency. Keep your traveler’s checks on you, along with other valuables, including passport, credit cards, or lock in the safety deposit boxes when provided. Cash works best in the marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected.

TIPPING: Tips for hotel and lodge personnel are usually included in your tour price, however you should be prepared to tip the staff on your Galapagos cruise. Tips to your driver and naturalist guides are also at your discretion. A suggested detailed tipping chart will be sent to you with your final documents prior to departure.

SHOPPING: Probably the most famous shopping adventure in Ecuador is the Otavalo Market, located north of Quito. Known for being the largest handicraft market in South America, visitors are able to bargain for carpets, blouses, vests, jackets, hammocks, ceramics, paintings, jewelry, hats, musical instruments as well as a variety of other locally made goods. Haggling for prices is expected and part of the fun.  Never accept the original price offered and expect to pay approximately 1/3 less. While the primary market day is Saturday, a smaller version plays out every day of the week. There will not be a lot of shopping chances in the Galapagos Islands themselves, except for the city of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island. There are shops in this small town and as you visit the Charles Darwin Research Center nearby, there will be a small gift shop as well. Your purchases here truly work toward saving the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands.

DID YOU KNOW?
Almost half (43.1%) of Ecuador’s land is protected.