Is cash still widely used?
Yes. Ecuador uses USD but remains predominantly cash-based. Quito and Guayaquil have moderate card acceptance at tourist businesses, but local markets, local transport, and most of the country rely on dollar bills. The Galápagos Islands require significant cash reserves.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in Quito and larger cities. Banco Pichincha and Banco del Pacífico machines accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around $3 USD per withdrawal
- Withdraw plenty of cash in Quito or Guayaquil before the Galápagos
- Galápagos islands have limited ATMs and card acceptance
Card acceptance
Low to moderate. Some hotels and tourist restaurants in Quito accept cards. Everywhere else, dollar cash is required.
Tips for travelers
- Bring ample small denomination USD bills — $1, $5, and $10 are most useful
- Galápagos tour operators accept cards for large packages but island daily spending is cash-only
- Tipping 10% is customary in tourist restaurants
- Ecuador is one of South America’s most biodiverse destinations