Ecuador

1. TIME ZONE

The standard time in Ecuador is UTC-5. Unlike other countries, Ecuador does not use summertime.

2. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR ECUADOR

No tourist visa is required: Entry to Ecuador is basically free, and residents of most countries in America and Western Europe do not require a tourist visa to enter. The travelers can travel for a maximum of approximately 90 days.

Visa requirements:  Afganistán, Angola, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Cuba among others. To review the complete list click on this link:   https://bit.ly/3xj8ck9

Documents required to travel to Ecuador are:

• Passport with a minimum validity of six months after expected date of arrival to Ecuador.
• Citizens of South America, except Venezuela, may enter with their national identity document or passport.

3. COVID19

Borders:

• Closed for Africa
• Subject to quarantaine for India
• Opened for other destinations

Entry requirements for Ecuador

• Ecuador is open for fully vaccinated passengers, they must present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before departing to Ecuador.
• Passengers between 2 and 16 years of age may only present a negative PCR test up to 72 hours before boarding the flight.
• Children under 2 years of age are exempt from presenting any of the documents.
• Complete the Traveler’s Health Declaration https://bit.ly/3fl7drF
• Unvaccinated foreigners are not allowed to enter.

4. WEATHER

Ecuador’s climate is very diverse due to the difference in altitude between the various climatic zones of the country.

Coast:

The coastal region is known for its arid tropical weather in the southwest, dry to humid towards the center-south and very humid in the north, in the Chocó area. The wet season (high temperatures and abundant rainfall) runs from December to April-May.) The dry season, characterized by low temperatures and scarce rainfall, lasts from June to November or December. The average temperature throughout the region is between 24-25ºC, although it can drop below 22ºC in mountainous areas.

Highlands:

The average temperature ranges between 7°C and 21°C, as the region is characterized by extreme temperatures, which can cause very hot days, rainy afternoons, and cold nights. The rainy season lasts from October to May and the dry season from June to October. 

The jungle:

It is characterized by a very humid tropical climate throughout the region throughout the year. The rainy season is between March and July and the dry season is between August and January. The average temperature is 24-25ºC, which fluctuates very little, with highs of up to 40ºC in May.

Galapagos:

It is characterized by an average climate of 21°C.

• Summer season: December to May.
• Winter season: June to December.

5. ELECTRICITY

• The electricity supply in Ecuador is 120 volts and its frequency is 60 hertz.

6. EXONERATION FROM GENERAL SALES TAX

• Tourists, while staying in Ecuador, will be entitled to exemption and refund of VAT on the purchase of goods related to tourism activities, when they are included in each invoice for a value of not less than 50 dollars. To see the requirements for the procedure https://bit.ly/3xoRmk6

7. URRENCY
–  Currency: The Dollar (USD) is the official currency of Ecuador.

8. TIPPING

• In Ecuador, tipping is not obligatory, this will depend on how satisfied you are with the service received. The amount to leave varies with the circumstances.
• Restaurants and bars. Usually, 10% of the total bill, if service is not included. If the service has been exceptional, you can leave a higher sum if you wish.