🇪🇨 Travel facts Ecuador
✓ Last checked:The most important practical answers for your Ecuador trip — entry, tipping, plug, customs and more. Compactly verified, with source references.
| Capital | Quito |
|---|---|
| Language | Spanish |
| Currency | US-Dollar (USD) |
| Timezone | UTC-5 |
| Flight time from Germany | approx. 13–15 hours (with layover) |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Plug | Type A/B · 110 V / 60 Hz · Adapter needed |
| EU / Schengen | not an EU country · not Schengen |
Do I need a visa for Ecuador?
Passport required; visa-free for up to 90 days.
For Galápagos, additionally a Transit Control Card and National Park fee. Binding information: German Federal Foreign Office.
How much should I tip in Ecuador?
Not expected in simple places; 10% in higher-end restaurants (sometimes included as 'servicio')
Taxi: Round up
Which plug adapter do I need in Ecuador?
Adapter needed: Plug types A / B, 110 V / 60 Hz.
Can you drink tap water in Ecuador?
No, tap water is not recommended for drinking.
Buy bottled water or filter it.
What can I bring back from Ecuador to Germany?
Non-EU country: On return to Germany, goods up to €430 (by air), 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of spirits are duty-free.
Will my mobile phone work in Ecuador?
No EU roaming — pre-book an eSIM or buy a cheap local SIM on site.
Card or cash — how do you pay in Ecuador?
US Dollar is the local currency; cash is important — carry small notes.
What should I know about health in Ecuador?
Travel health insurance with repatriation is recommended; check vaccination/health advice with the German Federal Foreign Office or tropical institute.
Sources & Note
Information from the perspective of German citizens, as of August 2026, without guarantee. Entry and security information may change at short notice — binding is the German Federal Foreign Office (Ecuador travel information) . Health information does not replace medical travel advice.
