Ecuador currency guide

Heading to Ecuador? Whether it’s for business or pleasure, knowing that Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency will save you time when you’re planning your trip. Read on to find out everything you need to know in this Ecuador currency guide – from available payment methods in popular destinations like the Galapagos Islands, to how to buy US dollars ahead of your visit to Ecuador. And if you’re still in the planning stages and wondering when to go, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit South America.

What is the currency in Ecuador?

The US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador. USD replaced the country’s former currency, the Ecuadorian sucre, in January 2000. The currency code for US Dollars is USD, and the symbol is $. Every dollar is made up of 100 cents, and US dollars come as both coins and banknotes.

US dollar denominations

Coins include:

1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter), 50¢ (half dollar), and $1

Banknotes include:

$1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100

What is the current exchange rate for the US dollar?

Exchange rates fluctuate all the time, so use our currency calculator to check today’s GBP to USD exchange rate.

What was the Ecuador currency before US dollars?

Ecuador’s former currency was the Ecuadorian sucre, which had been the country’s national currency since 1884.

What is the Galapagos Islands currency?

The Galapagos Islands – an archipelago that’s around 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador – use the same currency as Ecuador: the US dollar.

What payment methods are accepted in Ecuador?

Cash

Cash is widely used in Ecuador, particularly in smaller towns and at local markets and family-run businesses where card payments may not always be accepted. It’s useful to carry a mix of smaller notes and coins for everyday purchases, taxis, local transport and tips. Cash can be especially important when visiting more remote areas and some parts of the Galapagos Islands, where payment options may be more limited. If you return home with unused US dollar notes, you can sell currency back at an M&S Travel Money bureau*.

Debit and credit cards

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted across Ecuador, particularly in cities like Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, as well as in hotels, larger restaurants and at popular tourist attractions. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted card networks, but you may find American Express is less widely accepted. It's also worth noting that many car hire companies require a credit card rather than a debit card to secure a deposit. Always check what overseas fees your card provider may charge before you travel, and carry some cash as a back-up.

Digital wallets

Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming more widely accepted in Ecuador, particularly in larger cities, shopping centres, supermarkets and international hotel chains. Many businesses that offer contactless card payments will also accept mobile wallet payments, although availability can vary depending on the location. In rural areas, smaller towns and some parts of the Galapagos Islands, digital wallet acceptance is likely to be more limited, so it's a good idea to carry alternative payment methods and not rely purely on your phone.

How much money should I take with me to Ecuador?

The amount of spending money you’ll need for your trip will depend on what’s on your itinerary in Ecuador. Entrance fees for Cotopaxi National Park, one of the country’s top attractions, are around $10 per person – whereas Galapagos day tours can be significantly more than that depending on whether you’re with a group or private tour guide.

At the time of writing, the cost of living in Ecuador is around 54% lower than it is in the United Kingdom, so you’re likely to find prices are almost half of what you’re used to paying. To give you an idea of how much money you might need, we’ve included some example costs in Ecuador vs the UK below* – just bear in mind these prices are illustrative.

A mid-range three-course meal for two: £65.00 in the UK vs £26.51 ($35.00) in Ecuador

A small domestic draught beer: £5.00 in the UK vs £1.51 ($2.00) in Ecuador

A regular cappuccino: £3.55 in the UK vs £1.95 ($2.58) in Ecuador

A one-way ticket on local transport: £2.50 in the UK vs 27p ($0.35) in Ecuador

*Example prices from Numbeo.com correct as at August 2026. All prices are illustrative.

Buying US dollars with Marks & Spencer Travel Money

Ready to travel? Don’t forget to take some local currency in cash to use alongside card payments. You can buy US dollars to collect for free from 580+ participating M&S stores*. 

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Sell-back only available at bureau locations.