Money
- The currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
- Sellers may refuse bills that are torn, written on or worn out.
- Your change may include Ecuadorian centavo coins. They are worth the same as a US cent, but are not valid outside Ecuador.
- Small bills and coins are useful at the market, for paid restrooms and for small purchases.
- You may not buy or take out black coral, shells, lava stones or animal parts.
- You also may not take seeds, plants or local wood out of the Galápagos.
- Even if a seller offers such an item, do not buy it.
- There is no cell signal on the way from Papallacta to the lodge in the Amazon.
- Internet on the yacht costs 32 dollars for 10 minutes.
- Before you leave, ask your cell phone provider about a data package for abroad, or buy an eSIM for Ecuador.
- Download maps and music in advance, so they work without internet too.
- In Ecuador the voltage is 120 volts, and the sockets are the American type (A and B).
- You need an adapter for the Israeli plug.
- Ecuador is 7 hours behind Israel.
- The Galápagos are one more hour behind: 8 hours behind Israel.
- Remember to change your watch on the day you fly to the Galápagos, and again when you fly back to the mainland.
- Quito and the mountains: cold mornings and evenings, about 8 to 20 degrees. Layers and a light rain jacket.
- The Amazon: hot and humid, about 22 to 32 degrees. Light, long clothes. The lodge has fans, not air conditioning.
- Galápagos: pleasant in the day, about 20 to 27 degrees, and the water is cool. It is windy on deck, so bring a hat with a strap.
- Baños: it cools down fast in the evening.
- Ask before you take photos of people, most of all in markets and villages. Sometimes people ask for a small payment.
- In churches, be quiet and dress respectfully. Some churches do not allow photos.
- "¿Puedo tomar una foto?" means "May I take a photo?".
- Wetsuit for the whole cruise: about 50 dollars.
- Kayak: about 30 dollars per use.
- Diving: about 326 dollars for half a day.
- Internet: about 32 dollars for 10 minutes.
- Drinks are not included. Prices may change.
