Airport
Quito (UIO) (Mariscal Sucre) international airport is 5 km (3 miles) from the city centre. A bus service to the centre operates every 20 minutes from 11 a.m.–3 a.m.; journey time is 30 minutes. Taxis are available.
Climate
Though the city is almost on the equator, its altitude keeps it quite cool; some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness during the first hours there.
Clothing
Medium-weight clothing, with something warmer for the cold nights.
Credit cards
The major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques should be in US dollars.
Currency
The US $ is the official currency. Notes and coins in the old currency, the sucre, are now worthless, so do not accept them as change.
Customs allowance
Passengers may import, duty-free, 300 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200 g tobacco; 1 litre of wine or spirits; a reasonable amount of perfume; gifts and personal effects up to the eqivalent of $200 for a stay of up to 7 days, $300 for a stay up to 6 months. Note that high taxes are imposed on passengers arriving with more than 2 pieces of checked baggage. US$200 is charged for the third bag and US$400 for the fourth.
Driving
Traffic drives on the right. An extensive network of roads spreads out from the main north–south axis of the Pan-American Highway. In general, road improvements are being put into effect rapidly but, due to earthquakes and flooding (in the south), conditions remain variable. The roads between Quito and Guayaquil and between Quito, Latacunga, Ambato and Riobamba are completely paved. A road connects Quito, Otavalo, Ibarra and Tulcan, the frontier with Colombia.
Electricity
110/120 volts AC, 60 Hz.
Health
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risk vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible through either your general practitioner or a specialist clinic.
Holidays
January 1: New Year's Day
May 1: Labour Day
May 24: Battle of Pichincha
August 10: Independence Day
October 9: Independence of Guayaquil
October 12: Columbus Day (Discovery of America)
November 2: All Souls' Day
November 3: Independence of Cuenca
December 6: Foundation of Quito
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 31: New Year's Eve
Moveable: Carnival, Good Friday
Language
The official language is Spanish. Some English is spoken in tourist areas.
Media
Dailies are in Spanish and include El Comercio and Hoy, published in Quito; and El Telégrafo and El Universo, published in Guayaquil. There are two English-language newspapers, Q and Inside Ecuador, though both are published irregularly. International newspapers and magazines are available at the international airports and in some bookshops.
Passport
We can advise passport and visa requirements only for US and UK passport holders at the time of booking. All others should check with the nearest relevant embassy.
Safety
Pickpockets have become a plague, and violent crime is on the rise, even in rural areas. Avoid travelling at night or walking on the streets after dark. Carry identification documents at all times.
Shops
Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3–7 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Some shops open Sunday.
Telephone
Country code: 593. Outgoing international code: 00. To call the UK dial 00 44 then the area code (minus the initial zero) and the local number.
Time
Mainland Ecuador follows GMT –5.
Tipping
10% service charge is usually added to the bill in hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Tourist information
Ministerio de Turismo
Avenida Eloy Alfaro 32300 y Carlos Tobar, Quito
Tel: (2) 225 101/507 555/507 570. Fax: (2) 507 565/507 564.
www.pub4.ecua.net.ec/mintur
Transport
Bus and minibus services operate at flat fares, but you will probably find taxis more convenient. The fares tend to be cheap but should be negotiated in advance.
Water
Do not drink tap water or even order ice in your drinks. Bottled water is recommended.