Money in Ecuador
Ecuador uses the US dollar. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- USDUS dollar
- Symbol
- $
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Ecuador
Uses the US dollar. Carry small bills, because change for large notes is often hard to find.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Smaller businesses, markets and rural areas may accept only cash. Taxis and local vendors may not have change for $50 or $100 notes.
- ATMs
- ATMs are common in cities and larger towns but may be unavailable in rural areas, and are few in the Galapagos where they can run out of cash. Use machines inside banks or shopping centers, and check fees and limits with your bank and card issuer.
- Foreign currency
- Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency, so US visitors do not need to exchange money.
- Exchanging money
- Visitors from other countries can exchange at banks, casas de cambio and some airports and hotels. Anywhere.com says Quito and Guayaquil give the best rates.
- Watch out for
- Carry clean, untorn bills in $1, $5, $10 and $20, since many businesses will not break or accept $50 and $100 notes. Declare cash of $10,000 or more on entry, and watch for ATM skimming devices (Inca Rail).
Tipping in Ecuador
Restaurants often add 10% service, so check your bill. Tip guides and drivers too.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Anywhere.com, Inca Rail, Jacada Travel, Andean Trails, Galapatours.
Convert to and from USD
Quick reference
| Amount | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.12 USD | 1.34 USD |
| 10 | 11.20 USD | 13.42 USD |
| 50 | 56.01 USD | 67.09 USD |
| 100 | 112 USD | 134 USD |
| 500 | 560 USD | 671 USD |
What each amount is worth in USD. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Ecuador use?
Ecuador uses the US dollar (USD).
Do you need to tip in Ecuador?
Appreciated. Restaurants often add 10% service, so check your bill. Tip guides and drivers too.
Can you pay by card in Ecuador?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Smaller businesses, markets and rural areas may accept only cash. Taxis and local vendors may not have change for $50 or $100 notes.
Are there ATMs in Ecuador?
ATMs are common in cities and larger towns but may be unavailable in rural areas, and are few in the Galapagos where they can run out of cash. Use machines inside banks or shopping centers, and check fees and limits with your bank and card issuer.