Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, Ecuador was built in 16th century in Gothic-Mudejar style. It is now the seniormost Catholic church in the country. Photo: Shutterstock.com
Ecuador is one of the most fascinating countries in all of South America. Nestled right in between Columbia and Peru, Ecuador is a country of rich culture and tropical climate with an abundance of empty tubes. Thus, it is no surprise why Ecuador is a primary destination for holiday makers seeking to experience South America. But before you pack up and head south, there are few things you should know. Here are three things that will make your trip to Ecuador a lot easier:
1. Know The Currency
Converting your currency while traveling internationally is always a pain. Double check to make sure you aren’t getting ripped off. Maybe have a calculator handy if you aren’t able to do the math quickly in your head. It sounds lame, but it’s not, because being ripped off is more lame.Travelers often lose more money than an item’s worth because they do not know the exchange rate well enough. One of the beauties of Ecuador is that they accept the American dollar. The smaller the bill, the better off you are. Using a twenty-dollar bill there is like trying to break a one hundred dollar note at a children’s lemonade stand. So hit your local bank before departing and get half of your travel money in 1s, 5s, and 10s. Also, bring a couple rolls of quarters with you, as you can tip in change.
2. Big Tipping = Less Friends
It sounds crazy, but tipping too much can be counter-productive. In most parts of the United States, leaving a 15-20% gratuity is standard procedure. But not in Ecuador. A tip of this proportion will offend your server and create a domino effect. Meaning, if one person tips a lot and then the next does as well, what will happen when those tips are severely cut back or disappear? The government of Ecuador discourages travelers from leaving large tips in order to prevent a possibility of a recession. It sounds horrible, I know. It’s not fair, but that’s how it is. It’s great for travelers, but not so great for for locals. It depends on where you are spending your money, but usually 5-10% will suffice (and that’s in a relatively nicer place in Ecuador).
Local public transportation system outside the Quitumbe Terminal Terrestre (long-distance bus terminal) in Quito, Ecuador. Photo: Shutterstock.com
3. Transportation: Buses, Taxis, and Hitchhicking
The bus system in Ecuador is a fantastic way to get around. It’s super cheap and bus rotations run every twenty minutes or so. Is your Spanish not the greatest? No worries. The buses are color coded for easy navigation. However, when boarding the bus, check with the driver to make sure that you’re riding the correct bus. They usually speak enough English and can understand your gringo Spanish. Also, your change will come in handy here. Buses typically cost $.50 to a $1.50 each way, and drivers do not like to give out a ton of change.
Taxis are a great way to get around short distances. They’re air-conditioned and fast, but they cost more. Plus, they don’t give you the true cultural experience of Ecuador. Also, most of the time you’re offered a ride that is not owned by a taxi service. It’s sort of like like paying to hitchhike.
Hitchhiking is also a great way to get from point around short distances. However, it’s not free and most of the time you will be riding in the back of a truck with a few other locals, livestock, or simply a few other fellow traveleres. From my experience, this means of transportation is the most fun, but make sure you do not get ripped off. Establish a price before departing.
Just remember, a smart traveler is a safe traveler!
