Location: South America
Local Time: Mainland: GMT-5
Galapagos Islands: GMT-6
Capital City: Quito
Population: 14.30 million
Area: 283, 560357,021 square km, 159,308 square miles.
Language(s): Spanish
Dialling Code: 593
Emergency: Police: 101. Fire: 102. Ambulance: 131. Emergency: 911
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit required & owners registration document required
Electricity: 110/120V AC 60Hz
Currency: US Dollar (USD 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: USD: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
Coins: Cents: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Major credit cards are accepted, travellers cheques should be in US Dollar denominations
Opening Hours
Bank: 0900-1600/1800 Mon-Sat
Office: 0830-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 1000-2000 Mon-Fri, 0800-2100 Sat (shopping malls)
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Ecuador’s Carnival (in March/April), the Foundation of Guayaquil (usually in October), the Foundation of Cuenca (usually in November) and the Foundation of Quito (usually in December) are not official public holidays, but are widely observed. Other holidays, in addition to the above, may be marked locally.
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in Spanish, some executives speak English. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be reasonably punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. It is advisable to ask for permission before taking photographs of local people and a gratuity may be requested
Tipping: Service charges are normally added to restaurant & hotel bills. Taxis do not expect tips
