• Population: 17.5 million
• Capital: Quito
• Demographics: Ethnically, Ecuador is a very mixed population, with 72% of the population represented as Mestizos, descendants of Spanish colonialists and indigenous people. Amerindians account for 7% of the population, whites of European descent 12%, and others. Religiously, Ecuador is Roman Catholic 68.8%, Evangelical 15.4%, Adventist 1.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1%, other 1.3%, agnostic or atheist 1.4%, none 10.1%, don't know/no response 1% (2020 est).
• Type of government: Representative democracy
• Currency: U.S. Dollar
• Common foods: Potato, cassava, rice, beans, shellfish, plantains, and more.

Spanish is the official language of Ecuador. There are many other native languages spoken by indigenous populations in Ecuador, including Quechua, Zaparo, Waorani, Tetete, and more. English is not widely spoken in Ecuador, but the capital of Quito and major tourist areas will have the largest concentration of English speakers.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

U.S. citizens will enter Ecuador on a tourist visa, which is granted upon arrival, and valid for 90 days. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply for a visa in advance. Once in Ecuador, you will work to complete paperwork for an extension of your visa. For MSID students, the extension fee is already included in the program fee.

Non-U.S. citizens should check with the Ecuadorian embassy to determine any special regulations pertaining entry into Ecuador.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• In general, most families in Ecuador have landline telephones. However, you will likely rely on local cell phones for the majority of your communication.
• It is important to carry a local cell phone number while on your program. This is a good safety precaution, and also facilitates communication between students and local program staff or students. Most choose to purchase a simple track phone for $30 to $45.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Calling Codes

• International Telephone Code (calling from the US): + 011
• Ecuador Country Code (calling from all other countries): +593
• Quito City Code (not necessary to use for calls within Quito): 2

Internet

• You will have WiFi on campuses. In addition, most host families in Quito have internet access.
• Keep in mind that internet access throughout Ecuador will not be as fast or reliable as you are accustomed to here in the U.S.

Electricity

• In Ecuador, the supply of electricity tends to be erratic, with frequent blackouts and occasional power surges. You will need a good surge protector if you are taking a laptop computer or any other sensitive items, and if you are using a computer you should save documents frequently.
• Electricity is very expensive. Host families may want students to limit their use of electronic appliances in the home.
• Ecuador uses 100-volt, 60-cycle electricity, same as the U.S. plugs, are typically the two-pronged flat type, so US travelers usually will not need a converter or an adapter in order to use their electronics abroad.

Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official national currency. Ecuador uses the same paper currency as the US, but mints its own coins. However, both U.S. coins and bills are accepted as forms of payment.

Banking Tips

• Ecuador is primarily a cash economy, which means that although debit and credit cards are accepted in some locations, you’ll make the overwhelming majority of your purchases in cash. This is true in Quito, but especially in smaller towns or cities in Ecuador.
• Bring $100-200 in cash with you to Ecuador for the first few days, then rely on your ATM card to replenish your supply.
• Larger bills (anything over $20) can be difficult to break, so be sure to bring small bills ($1, $5, and $10). Though you will need cash for everyday purchases, try to limit the amount that you carry with you on a regular basis to minimize the risk of theft.
• Although you will not need a credit card on a regular basis, its recommend that you have access to a credit card in case of a medical emergency or unexpected expense.

Geography

• Ecuador's official name is República del Ecuador, or literally "The Republic of the Equator". Since the equator runs through Ecuador, there is a monument about 45 minutes away from Quito where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
• Ecuador is characterized by four major geographical regions: the mountains, eastern rainforests, Pacific coastal plains, and the Galapagos Islands.
• The summit of Mount Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador, is the point on Earth closest to the sun, because of the Earth's natural bulge outward at the equator. But, because mountains' heights are measured from sea level, Mt. Everest in Nepal is officially classified as taller.
• Charles Darwin visited Ecuador's Galapagos Islands in 1835 and largely based his theory of evolution on his discoveries there.

Climate

• In general, average temperatures in the capital city of Quito, located in the central region of Ecuador, are spring-like year-round, normally 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and nearing 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
• Temperatures will vary with increased or decreased elevation, so expect cooler temperatures in the mountains and highlands than on the coast and in low-elevation areas.

Packing

• It is recommended to pack light clothing for the summer, and comfortable walking shoes for any travel anywhere in the country, but especially into the mountains.
• If you plan on travelling to areas of higher elevation, jackets, long pants, and light hats may be a good idea.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• Ecuador is connected by an extensive public transportation system, including buses, vans, private cars, taxis, and domestic airplanes. Buses are the most widespread and cheapest form of transport, with long-distance and inter-city options.
• Larger cities offer licensed van transport between major destinations in Ecuador as well. These services usually transport between 15-20 people at a time and are more casual, as the driver will stop for bathroom breaks and passenger needs on the journey. Be careful of unlicensed providers when seeking out van transport services.
• There are 15 cities with airports in Ecuador, but only 2 of them are international. Local planes are the most efficient form of quick travel, and it is not uncommon to find in-country flights cheaper than long-distance bus prices.

Flights

• Cities with major airports: Quito International Airport, Guayaquil International Airport, and other exclusively domestic airports.
• Common airlines: Avianca, Emetebe, LATAM, TAME

A good resource, regardless of what program you are on, is the USFQ Transportation Guide.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.