Ecuador-Travel Warnings

Holidays and Days off

When traveling to Ecuador there are a few dates one might keep in mind. If your study abroad or internship program happens to be during some of the holidays you will have a great chance to learn even more about Ecuador’s culture and traditions. It should be noted that national holidays are rarely celebrated on a fixed date. The general rule is, if the holiday falls on a weekend, it is observed on the preceding Friday or Monday, making it a three day weekend. If the officially recognized holiday is midweek, it may be moved to the closest Monday or Friday. Sometimes the date is not decided on until the last minute. Banks or else governmental offices will have the most informed answer. Some of the celebrations happen on:
• New Year January 1st
• Carnival of Water February-March
•  Teacher’s Day April 12th
•  Labor Day May 1st
•  Independence Day August 10th
• All Souls' Day November 2nd
• Christmas December 25th

Customs Rules

When entering Ecuador while on your study abroad program there are few tips on how to make the customs control process less stressful. Drugs, fire-arms, ammunition, medicines, and radioactive materials would be considered as banned items of import/export. Import of a foreign currency is not limited. Import of 2 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes is allowed. Exports of objects of historical, artistic or archaeological value are prohibited. It is allowed to export wool, leather, jewelry, and other souvenirs, however you will be asked to show a receipt from the store where those things were purchased.

Tipping

When doing a study abroad program in Ecuador, it is almost certain that you will visit some of the local restaurants to taste the local cuisine. It is customary to leave a tip of about 10% at the bars and restaurants, unless it is already included in the bill. Do not leave tips on the table, because it is very unlikely they will reach the person who you intended to tip. Bargaining is appropriate in the souvenir shops and craft markets.

Health

When entering the country for a vacation purposes, no vaccination is required. However, if you plan on hiking in the jungles of the Amazon, it is recommended that you receive a vaccination against yellow fever. Some areas of Ecuador are at high altitude above sea level which may adversely affect the health of travelers who suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Drinking bottled water is recommended as safer than drinking tap water.

Emergency Phones

When you travel and study abroad, be prepared for any emergency. If it is necessary to notify proper authorities while you are in Ecuador, these are some of the numbers you can use:
The Red Cross - 131
Fire Protection - 102
Police - 101
Phone of rescue - 911