ATM Fees in Ecuador
US Dollar (USD) • Updated April 2026
Ecuador uses the US Dollar as its official currency. Cards are accepted in cities and tourist areas. ATMs are common but may charge fees. Cash needed for markets and smaller towns.
Tips for Ecuador
- • US Dollar is the official currency - no exchange needed
- • Carry small bills - breaking $50/$100 can be difficult
- • Cards accepted in cities, cash needed in rural areas
- • Counterfeit bills exist - learn to spot fakes
- • Tipping 10% is appreciated at restaurants
Airport tips
- • Quito and Guayaquil airports have ATMs
- • Bring USD - no exchange necessary
- • Taxi fares typically cash
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Ecuador, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
USD/day
≈ $35.00-75.00 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
USD/day
≈ $110-220 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
USD/day
≈ $290-640 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Ecuador.
Credit card acceptance
ModerateCards accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash essential for markets and rural areas.
You'll need cash for
- • Markets and street vendors
- • Local buses
- • Small restaurants
- • Rural areas
- • Tips
Cards usually accepted
- • Hotels
- • Larger restaurants
- • Shopping malls
- • Supermarkets
- • Tourist services
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco Guayaquil | $1.50-3 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~1.50 USD | 180 | Often lowest fees |
| Banco del Pacífico | $2-3 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~2.00 USD | 200 | State-owned, good coverage |
| Banco Pichincha | $4-6 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~4.00 USD | 300 | Largest private bank - now charges fees for most foreign cards |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco Pichincha | $4-6 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~4.00 USD | 300 | Nationwide - fees have increased |
| Banco del Pacífico | $2-3 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~2.00 USD | 200 | State bank, better rates |
| Banco Guayaquil | $1.50-3 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~1.50 USD | 180 | Major cities - often cheapest |