Saily eSIM for Ecuador
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5,729 mi away
£1 US$1.36
Today
5:30 am
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Travel warning
Armed violence and a state of emergency mean travel is unsafe across most coastal provinces, and there's a nightly curfew in many areas, so it's not a good time for a beach holiday.
Weather & climate
Weather in Ecuador
Ecuador
20°
Overcast
Sat
7°
20°
Sun
9°
19°
Mon
9°
19°
Tue
9°
18°
Wed
10°
20°
Thu
9°
20°
Fri
10°
20°
SPF level in Ecuador
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Ecuador
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days in any 12-month period.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Ecuador.
To enter the Galapagos Islands, you must have proof of a hotel booking, a return flight to the mainland, and mandatory travel health insurance.
You must show proof of a return or onward journey when asked at border control in Ecuador.
If you enter Ecuador via a land or river border from Peru or Colombia, you must present a legalised criminal record certificate from the country where you lived for the last 5 years.
You must purchase a transit control card at your departure airport before checking in for your flight to the Galapagos Islands and keep a copy.
Good to know:
British children aged 17 and under who are resident in Ecuador need a notarised consent letter to leave the country if travelling alone or with one parent.
If carrying cash equal to or over 10,000 US dollars, you must register online and complete a customs form at least three days before travelling to or from Ecuador.
Safety in Ecuador
Tips when travelling
Ecuador is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry a printed copy of your passport and entry stamp as you must show ID by law.
Only use reputable, licensed boat operators and confirm they provide life vests before boarding any boat trips.
Be extremely careful with alcoholic drinks as there have been serious cases of methanol poisoning, which can be deadly.
Book taxis through your hotel or a known radio-dispatched service, and agree on the price before getting in if there is no meter.
Avoid walking alone in quiet areas or at night, and be alert to distraction techniques used by pickpockets.
Bonus tips:
Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres and avoid withdrawing cash after dark due to the risk of robbery.
Beach currents are strong and change rapidly, so seek local advice on tides and swimming safety before entering the water.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Ecuador
A UK driving license is valid for tourists. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Ecuador drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Ecuador
It is essential to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before travelling to Ecuador. Ensure your insurance covers all planned activities, such as hiking or adventure sports. While Ecuador does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, travel insurance will ensure you have access to quality medical care should you need it.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria are present in some regions of Ecuador, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets. Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks. Food hygiene is important, so choose reputable places to eat.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash is still preferred in smaller towns and for smaller transactions.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Ecuador
Tipping is appreciated in Ecuador for good service, but not always mandatory. A service charge is sometimes included in restaurant bills, so check before tipping.
Restaurant
5-10% if service is not included
Bar/Café
A few coins or small bills for good service
Taxi
Round up the fare or a small tip for good service
Hotel Porter
$1-2 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
$1-2 per night
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Ecuador. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data.
Local SIM
5GB for 10 USD (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Ecuador
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in larger cities. Coverage can be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Free WiFi is often available, but the speed and reliability can vary. Consider a local SIM card with a data plan if you need a consistent connection.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Ecuador
Country code
+593
To call a Quito number (02 1234 567) from the UK, dial 00 593 2 1234 567.
The country code for Ecuador is 593. When calling Ecuador from abroad, you need to dial the exit code of your country (00 for the UK), followed by 593, and then the local number. Mobile numbers in Ecuador typically start with 9.
Languages in Ecuador
UK Embassy
British Embassy Quito
Ciudad de Quito, Avenida González Suárez N28-130 y Gonzalo Zaldumbide
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
9 days ago
Safety
- A new curfew will be in effect from 3 May to 18 May, between 11pm and 5am.
- The curfew applies in the provinces under the existing state of emergency.
Airports in Ecuador
Beaches in Ecuador
Frequently asked questions
British citizens typically do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Ecuador. However, you must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds to cover your expenses.
Most visits to Ecuador are trouble-free, but petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in tourist areas, especially in major cities like Quito and Guayaquil. Be vigilant, avoid displaying expensive belongings, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing services. Certain border areas and regions can be subject to higher crime rates; check travel advisories before visiting.
The best time to visit Ecuador depends on the region you plan to visit. The dry season (June to September) is ideal for the highlands, including Quito and the Andes. The Galapagos Islands are good year-round, but the cooler, drier season (June to November) is often preferred. The Amazon rainforest is hot and humid year-round, but the drier months (December to March) can be more comfortable.
The local currency in Ecuador is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller towns or markets.
Ecuadorian cuisine offers a variety of flavors. Try 'ceviche' (seafood marinated in citrus), 'locro de papa' (potato soup), 'hornado' (roasted pork), and 'fritada' (fried pork). Fresh fruit juices are also popular. Be cautious when eating from street vendors and ensure food is properly cooked.
Pack lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather, as well as layers for cooler evenings, especially in the highlands. Include a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. If you plan to visit higher altitudes, pack warm clothing to combat altitude sickness.
Ecuadorians are generally polite and respectful. When visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly. Bargaining is common in markets, but not in established stores. It is customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek (between women). Always ask for permission before taking someone's photo.
It is generally not safe to drink tap water in Ecuador. Stick to bottled or boiled water. When ordering drinks in restaurants, make sure they don't add any ice, unless you are sure the ice has been made with purified water.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.