Currency in Ecuador USD - Things to know
Foreign exchange guide to Ecuador and the US dollar
What's in this Ecuador currency guide?
What currency is used in Ecuador?
The official currency of Ecuador (country code: EC) is the US dollar, with symbol $ and currency code USD.
Things to know about the US dollar
Here are a few things you may want to know about the U.S. dollar:
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the United States and is used for all transactions within the country.
It is abbreviated as "USD": The U.S. dollar is abbreviated as "USD," and the symbol for the dollar is "$."
It is accepted worldwide: The U.S. dollar is a widely accepted currency and can be used for transactions in many countries around the world.
Its value fluctuates: The value of the U.S. dollar can fluctuate based on a variety of economic factors, such as interest rates, inflation, and the strength of the U.S. economy.
It is issued by the Federal Reserve: The U.S. dollar is issued by the Federal Reserve, which is responsible for managing the country's monetary policy. The Federal Reserve is a quasi-independent agency that is responsible for setting interest rates and regulating the money supply in the U.S.
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of several countries outside the United States, including:
East Timor: The U.S. dollar is the official currency of East Timor, a country located in Southeast Asia.
El Salvador: The U.S. dollar is the official currency of El Salvador, a country located in Central America.
Zimbabwe: The U.S. dollar is one of the official currencies of Zimbabwe, a country located in Southern Africa.
The British Virgin Islands: The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the British Virgin Islands, a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea.
The Marshall Islands: The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the Marshall Islands, a group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean.
The Federated States of Micronesia: The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the Federated States of Micronesia, a country located in the Pacific Ocean.
The U.S. dollar banknotes and coins
The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1 cent (¢), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), and 50 cents (half dollar). The banknotes come in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.
The banknotes feature images of famous American historical figures, such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Benjamin Franklin. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.
Travel money for Ecuador
Save money and time by Ordering your US dollar online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick up the USD cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Another popular option is to use a Pre-paid Travel Card. Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate, but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.
For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in US dollar otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.
Travel Ideas and Money Tips for Ecuador
Ecuador is a country located in South America, bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is known for its diverse culture and natural beauty. The country's official language is Spanish and its capital and largest city is Quito. The official currency is the United States dollar (USD) since the year 2000. Ecuador has a presidential representative democratic republic form of government.
The country is known for its diverse range of landscapes, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some popular tourist destinations include:
Quito: The capital city, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is home to many historic churches and plazas.
The Galapagos Islands: A group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, known for their unique wildlife and marine life.
The Amazon rainforest: Known for its biodiversity, the Amazon rainforest covers a large portion of Ecuador and offers visitors the opportunity to experience its natural beauty and wildlife.
Cuenca: Known as the "Athens of Ecuador", the city of Cuenca is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and its many museums.
The avenue of the volcanoes: A scenic drive that runs through the Andes mountains and offers spectacular views of several active and inactive volcanoes
Otavalo market: Known for being one of the most famous indigenous markets in South America, located in the Andean region, where visitors can
USD/EUR Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/EUR trend and UP▲ DOWN▼ HIGH▲ LOW▼ alerts
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Ecuador?
The domestic currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
What is the US dollar currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the US dollar is USD — symbol is $.
Which countries use the US dollar?
It is the domestic currency in United States, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands and Turks and Caicos Islands.
Is the US dollar a closed currency?
No, the US dollar is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of EUR and USD?
Converted at EUR/USD interbank rate, compare Send Money and Currency Exchange exchange rates.
Send Money to Ecuador - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Ecuador you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Ecuador
When sending money to Ecuador it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or US dollar amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted USD amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Ecuador.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more US dollar deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Expat Money & Business Guide to Ecuador
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Ecuador.
Doing business in Ecuador
Doing business in Ecuador can present certain challenges, as the country has a relatively weak economy and a challenging business environment. However, there are also opportunities for businesses that are willing to navigate these challenges.
Legal and regulatory environment: Ecuador has a complex legal system and a challenging regulatory environment. Businesses operating in the country must navigate a maze of rules and regulations, which can make it difficult to operate. It's important to consult with a local lawyer or expert to ensure that you are compliant with all regulations.
Weak economy: Ecuador's economy is relatively weak and has been affected by high inflation and a large public debt. This can make it difficult for businesses to operate as consumers may have less disposable income to spend and the government may have less resources to invest in infrastructure.
Corruption: Corruption is a serious problem in Ecuador, and businesses may face demands for bribes and other forms of corruption. It's important to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and your business.
Lack of infrastructure: The country lacks modern infrastructure and the transportation, energy and telecommunication sectors are inadequate to support a growing economy.
Bureaucracy: Starting and running a business in Ecuador can be slowed down by the red tape and bureaucracy. Businesses may face delays and increased costs due to the slow and inefficient government bureaucracy.
On the other hand, Ecuador has several trade agreements with countries like China, Canada, and the United States among others, that can provide opportunities for exporters and importers. Additionally, the country has an important and diverse agricultural sector, as well as a strategic location that offers opportunities for logistics and transport.
It's important to conduct thorough research and due diligence when doing business in Ecuador to understand the local market, regulations, and culture, as well as the risk factors, to ensure that you are well-prepared to succeed in this challenging environment.
Managing your finances in Ecuador
Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in Ecuador:
Understand US dollar currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the USD exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local US dollar bank account: A local USD bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Ecuador. It may also be more convenient to use a local USD bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Ecuador. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Ecuador. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Ecuador, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
