Money & duty free for Ecuador
Exchange rates:
US DollarC$1 = US$0.75
€1 = US$1.04
£1 = US$1.24
Currency & Money
US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 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 Ecuadorian centavos. They have the same value.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, large shops and many tourist services. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly used, while American Express is accepted less frequently. Smaller businesses, market stalls and rural establishments often operate on a cash-only basis, so carrying some small notes and coins is advisable.
ATMs are readily available in cities and towns, especially in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Most machines accept international cards and offer withdrawals in US dollars. As in many countries, withdrawal fees may apply depending on your home bank, and ATMs inside banks or shopping centres are generally considered safer. Travellers should be aware that machines sometimes dispense large-denomination notes, which can be difficult to break in small shops or taxis.
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that travellers may bring into or take out of Ecuador. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared to customs upon arrival or departure. Normal travellers rarely need to carry such sums, and everyday transactions are straightforward thanks to the country's use of the US dollar.
Currency exchange services are available at airports, major banks and licensed exchange bureaux. Banks typically offer more reliable rates, while exchange offices may provide slightly better values for certain currencies. Rates in hotels and tourist shops tend to be less favourable. A passport may be required for larger transactions.
Ecuador duty free
Ecuador allows travellers to enter the country with personal effects and belongings for their own use without paying customs duty. These items include clothing, toiletries, personal electronics, cameras, and other everyday articles that a traveller would normally carry. Customs officials assess whether goods are for personal use or appear intended for resale.
Travellers aged 18 and over may bring up to:
• 3 litres of alcoholic beverages duty-free.
• Small amounts of perfume, cosmetics and medication for personal use are generally permitted.
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and accessories are allowed when carried in reasonable quantities. Bringing multiple new devices may lead to questions or inspection, as customs officers may classify them as commercial imports.
Items of high value, such as professional equipment or new boxed electronics, should be declared upon arrival. Customs may request receipts, and duties may apply depending on value and quantity.
Regulations can change, and enforcement may vary between airports and land borders.
Ecuador prohibits the import of narcotic drugs, illegal substances, counterfeit goods and items that infringe intellectual property rights. Firearms, ammunition and explosives are tightly controlled and may not be brought into the country without the appropriate authorisation. Pornographic material, especially involving minors, is also banned.
Plants, seeds, fresh produce and animal products may be restricted due to biosecurity regulations. The Galápagos Islands apply additional controls, and travellers must not bring in organic materials that could harm the fragile ecosystem. Some chemicals and pesticides are also controlled or prohibited.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers carrying unusual items or anything that may require special permission should check the latest guidance from SENAE before travelling.
Ecuador prohibits the export of cultural heritage items, including archaeological artefacts, colonial-era objects and protected historical materials. Wildlife products, including items derived from endangered species or taken from protected areas such as the Galápagos, are strictly forbidden under national and international conservation laws.
Narcotics, counterfeit goods and illegally obtained minerals or precious stones cannot be exported. Certain plants, animals and natural resources require permits for export, and unauthorised removal from national parks or reserves is a criminal offence.
As regulations may change, travellers wishing to take home items of unusual value, antique appearance or natural origin should confirm current rules with SENAE or a local authority before departure.
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