It can be difficult to use large denomination bills ($50 and above) anywhere outside of large cities, so keep this in mind when traveling. While traveler’s checks are a secure way to carry money, cashing them is a time-consuming process, so they are not recommended as your main source of funds. ATMs may be found in most large cities, with fees for international transactions averaging around $5.00. If you need cash in an emergency and are not able to access an ATM, you can arrange that money be wired to you using Western Union. They have almost 40 points of service in Ecuador (www.westernunion.com). Most travel agencies and large hotels will also accept credit/debit cards, with a fee ranging from 6% to 12% of the transaction. Better restaurants and upscale businesses in the large cities will also accept credit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, Amex, MasterCard), though there is generally a minimum charge of $10 to $15.

There are numerous travel agencies in all of the major central Andean cities, especially in the La Mariscal tourist hub in downtown Quito. Bookings can be made in person in the agency offices, or online for larger agencies. The same is true of hotels.

The majority of outlets in Ecuador are standard U.S.-style two- and three-prong electric outlets with 110/120V AC (60 Hz) current. La Mariscal has a proliferation of laundry places, or lavanderias, and most larger hotels will have laundry services, though this is a more expensive option.

In the case of an emergency, find the following hospitals:

Quito hospitals

- Hospital Vozandes (tel. 02/2262-142; www.hospitalvozandes.org; Villalengua 267 and 10 de Agosto) and

- Hospital Metropolitano (tel. 02/2261-520; www.hospitalmetropolitano.org; Mariana de Jesús and Occidental) are the two most modern and best-equipped hospitals in Quito. Both have 24-hour emergency service and English-speaking doctors.

- Hospital Eugenio Espejo, the largest public hospital in Quito, has made improvements and has a good medical team. Some of them speak English, Av. Gran Colombia s/n y Yaguachi (593)2 2507927, (593)2 2507930, (593)2 2507924, (593)2 2507925, (593)2 2507926. This is an important option because when travelers have car accidents, it is the main hospital in the city. If you have problems, you should contact your embassy immediately and make them aware.

Air Ambulance

- For extreme or severe health problems, there is AIRMED (Air Ambulance). This company can transport you from a nearby airport to Quito or Guayaquil. They also can move patients to their country of origin, if this is covered by travel insurance.
AIR AMBULANCE RS, Av. Amazonas N46-102 y Oyacachi , 1er Hangar Sur, "Mariscal Sucre " International Airport, Quito-Ecuador the 24 hour phones are
(593-2) 2468-216 (593-2) 2468-216 (593-2) 2469-902 (593-2) 2469-900
(593-9) 9442-780 (593-9) 9442-780 (593-9) 9738-900 (593-9) 9738-900

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Quito panoramic view

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It is commonly said that in the Andean region of Ecuador one can experience all four seasons in the course of a single day, and sometimes even within the space of a few hours. There are generally speaking two “seasons”, rainy and dry, with the rainy season extending from October or November through early May. However, it is not unusual for it to rain during the dry season, and for there to be occasional sunny, breezy days during the wet season, so pack accordingly: bring layers, and warm, fast drying clothing made out of synthetic materials. Good hiking boots that either dry quickly or are water-resistant are a must for outdoor activities.

For trekking through páramo especially in Ecuador’s national parks and reserves, rubber boots work exceptionally well. Keep in mind that while the temperatures may be deceivingly mild, or even chilly, the sun is nonetheless exceptionally strong due to altitude and the proximity to the equator, so hats, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and sunglasses are a must. General items to pack are:

- your passport,

- medical prescriptions (as you may not be able to find specific medications locally). Note that you should always use the active ingredient as brand names can change,

- sun block - se the strongest one you can get because the Equatorial sun in the Andes is extremely strong and can burn skin in less than 5 minutes.

- health supplies,

- a Swiss army knife,

- backpack,

- a money belt,

- watch with alarm clock,

- flashlight, plastic bags for separating clothes,

- a light digital camera If you bring your pro digital camera always take care of it, These will draw the attention of thieves. It is best to have insurance to protect against such problems.

- travel insurance, L at your travel insurance company and ask what they cover when you travel to Ecuador, Travel Ace and other companies offer risk plans for visitors.

- copy of travel insurance policy and guide book.

- leave copies and information of all important documents (passport, credit card and traveler’s check numbers) at your hotel, or with a trusted traveling companion if possible.

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