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| Country Guide > South America > Ecuador |
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Money Currency US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. The US Dollar replaced the Sucre as the official currency of Ecuador in September 2000. Currency exchange Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at exchange houses (casas de cambio), the latter being generally the best option. It may be difficult to exchange money in the Oriente. The rate of commission varies between 1 per cent and 4 per cent, so it is worth shopping around. ATMs are available in large urban areas. Credit & debit cards American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques Travellers cheques are generally accepted in the larger cities and can be exchanged into currency at most banks. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the US Dollar against Sterling:
Currency restrictions There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency. Banking hours Mon-Fri 0900-1330 and 1430-1830; some banks are also open Sat 0930-1400. Casos de cambio are open Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1200. |