Practical info Quito, Ecuador
Getting around the city
Getting around Quito is easy and very cheap. The long, narrow city is served by three types of buses. Eco-friendly electric trolley buses, called 'troles', follow two north-south routes. Taxis are plentiful and also inexpensive.
Time
GMT -5
Electricity
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin, flat prong plugs are standard.
Currency
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in Ecuador. It is recommended that travellers bring US dollar notes as other foreign currencies are difficult to exchange outside of Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. Small denominations in good condition are the easiest to exchange outside of the main cities. In the main centres, most currencies can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses (casas de cambio) at variable commission rates. ATMs are available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and large hotels, although a commission of six to eight percent is often charged.
Communication
The international access code for Ecuador is +593. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Emergency number
101 (Police); 131 (Medical Emergency)
Travel documents and health
Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Getting to the city
Taxis are available outside the terminal, and there are bus services available. Many hotels offer free bus transfers.
Car rental
Avis, Budget, Locate, Thrifty, and Hertz are represented at the airport.
Airport taxi's
Taxis are readily available for transfers into the city. Insist that the meter is turned on at the start of the ride.
Facilities
Facilities include shops, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shopping and tourist information desks. Banks, ATMs and currency exchange are available. There is also telephone and wifi access. Passengers with special needs are catered for and a wheelchair service is available on request.
Parking
Long and short-term parking is available, charged at US$2 for the first hour and US$1.50 for each additional hour.
Internet
There is free wifi available at either the International Departure Lounge or the Domestic Departure Lounge.