The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar (USD).
Please note that in Ecuador automatic money machines often limit the amount you can withdraw. This can be $100 or $200 per day depending on your card.
ACCESSING MONEY WHILE YOU ARE IN THE GALAPAGOS:
ATM's are available in Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla San Cristobal however there are no ATM's in Puerto Villamil, Isla Isabela.
Credit cards are accepted in some shops and stores in Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo and Puerto Villamil.
For boat trips only:
On board the Galapagos voyage, alcoholic [beer and wine] and soft drinks are available to purchase in cash and if you wish to tip the crew this will also be paid in cash.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than others, others prefer to visit more optional sites. Remember that alcoholic beverages are expensive compared to other foods locally. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities.
We recommend you carry at least US$100 to allow for additional meals and snacks. There is a bar on board where the settlement of the bill is by US$ cash only. The boat doesn't have credit card facilitites.
Please make additional allowance for bar expenses, however you will find the drinks to be moderately priced.
All prices are quoted in US$.
Cocktails: $6 - $8
Wine*: $30 - $40
Spirits: $6 - $10
Beers: $3 - $5
Softdrink: $1.50 - $3
*Red, white and sparkling wines are available by the bottle only.
It is not possible to take your own alcohol on board.
Please refer to the tipping section for additional information with regards to recommended amounts for tipping.
During stops in Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela Islands, you will have the opportunity to visit souvenir shops and internet cafes.
NATIONAL PARK AND TRANSIT CARD FEES:
Before you check-in for your flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands you will need to purchase a US$20 transit card [which you will need to hold on to as you will need to present it on your return from the Galapagos].
On arrival in the islands you will purchase the Galapagos National Park entry fee, US$100.
Please make sure you have clean, unmarked notes to pay these fees.
WETSUIT HIRE:
Wetsuit hire is not included on the boat and can be organised on the boat at an additional cost. Depending on the length of time you spend on the boat, the cost will be as per below:
17 day trip (GMDE): US$90
10 day trip (GMDD/GMDA): US$50
8 day trip (GMDP) US$50
7 day trip (GMDC): US$30
6 day trip (GMDB): US$25
TIPPING
If you are happy with the services received, providing a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations.
Boat Crew:
If you have enjoyed the services provided by your guide and crew, a tip would be very much appreciated by them. As a guideline we recommend each passenger consider US$12-14 per day for the crew (there are 7 crew members) and US$8-10 per day for your guide. You can leave tips in envelopes that are placed in your cabin on the last day of your journey.
Restaurants:
Please check the bill and if there's an addition of 10% service charge, there's no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 10% of the total bill amount is appropiate.
Markets & local shops:
At local markets, shops & basic restaurants, leave loose change.
Hotel porters/local drivers:
We suggest US$1 - US$2
Please use the amounts listed above as a guide. Tipping is entirely a personal preference; of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip.
DEPARTURE TAX
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Galapagos National Park fee and Galapagos transit card.
Isabela island port fee (if applicable).
Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
Excess baggage charges.
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
Telecommunications charges.
The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
Wetsuit Hire.
CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.
