Includes the local currency, other currencies commonly accepted and where, credit or debit cards accepted, access to ATMs that accept U.S. ATM networks (and which networks are readily accessible), and acceptability of travelers checks.
Last Published: 8/2/2016

Ecuador uses the U.S. Dollar as its official currency.  Major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted at larger retailers and many restaurants.  Vendors will often require additional photo identification. 
 
ATMs are commonplace in cities and towns both on street, in retail outlets and some gas stations.  Visitors should be aware that bank transaction fees often apply. Traveler’s checks are not accepted for purchases. Traveler’s checks can be exchanged for cash at a bank or in currency exchange offices in major cities or at the airport. Many smaller retailers only accept cash. Generally merchants will not accept bills larger than $20.
 
For currency or other numerical quantities, a decimal point (period) is commonly used to mark off the thousands position and a comma to denote decimal amounts; for example $1.234.456,78.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.