About Living in Ecuador

The American dollar is used in Ecuador. American coins are also used in addition to the Ecuadorian coins of the same denomination. Dollar coins are used significantly and are also counterfeited. Most stores and restaurants only accept cash and usually in very small denominations. Don't expect change if you have a $20.

The official language of Ecuador is Spanish although Quechua, an Indian language, is spoken in the highlands. Many business people speak English as do tour operators.

Ecuadorians are very social and spend much of their free time in groups of family and friends. Loud music in cars, at home, or even on the street is to be expected. The card game "cuarenta" is very popular and many Ecuadorians play outside their homes with their neighbors regularly.

Taxis and buses are common types of transportation in Ecuador. Although traffic is congested in the big cities of Quito and Guayaquil, most Ecuadorians do not have cars. Traveling from one city to another is usually accomplished via bus and there are two types of buses, economy and executive. The executive buses are direct, air conditioned, more comfortable, and a little more expensive.

When you go through immigration at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil you will receive a 90-day stamp in your passport. You may buy an additional 90 days for a small fee. Overstaying is usually penalized with a fee. Those interested in Ecuadorian residency must live in the country and prove financial solvency.

View of Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador

The food in Ecuador is excellent and relies heavily on seafood. Beef, pork, and chicken are also widely used as well as plantains, potatoes, yucca, and other vegetables. Fresh fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple are also eaten daily.