Bargaining is acceptable in small
shops and in
markets, but prices are usually fixed in ‘tourist stores’. A few stores around the major hotels have fixed prices. In the Province of Azuay, the cities of
Cuenca and
Gualaceo offer a wide variety of
handicrafts at
ferias or special market days. The top attractions are the
ferias of Otavalo, Ambato, Latacunga, Saquisili and Riobamba, most held once a week. They offer the visitor excellent bargains for
Indian crafts and silver. Principal
silver stores are in Quito. Special
purchases include
native woodcarvings, varnished and painted ornaments made of bread dough, Indian tiles, woolen and orlon rugs, blankets, baskets, leather goods,
shigras (shoulder bags) and hand-loomed textiles, indigenous art and native weapons.
Shopping hoursGenerally, most shops are open
Mon-Sat 0900-1800. Family shops, set up outside the main towns, often stay open as long as someone is awake. Some shops open Sunday.
Currency Information:CurrencyUS Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. Some coins are usual US cents and some are Ecuadorean centavos. They have the same value.
Currency ExchangeForeign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at
casas de cambio (exchange houses), the latter being generally the best option. It may be difficult to exchange money in the Oriente. The rate of commission varies between 1 to 4%, so it is worth shopping around.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsMajor credit/debit cards are accepted in most businesses. ATMs are available at most banks in urban areas. On the Galápagos Islands, currently only Mastercard is accepted.
Traveller's ChequesTraveller's cheques are generally accepted in the larger cities and can be exchanged into currency at most banks and
casas de cambio.
Banking HoursGenerally Mon-Fri 0830-1600/1700; Sat mornings.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | US$1.45 |
| €1.00= | US$1.37 |
Next Page »
