What about money?
The local currency is US dollars. MasterCard and VISA are widely accepted in Guayaquil and Quito. Please note that there is often a service charge added on to credit card payments within Ecuador, and/or a minimum purchase amount required. Many banks are only open Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm. In Galapagos there is only one bank and you can only get cash with MasterCard or Cirrus. The islands are a cash and traveler’s check-oriented destination.

Are there any additional fees that I need to know about?
All international flights charge an airport departure tax that must be paid in cash after checking in at the airport. The tax is: 26.00 USD if departing from Guayaquil or 38.00 USD if departing from Quito.

What are the recommended tipping policies?
We suggest you to follow international guidelines of 10.00 USD per person per day for the ship's crew and 7.50 USD for the guide.