Money

I was told that you can change the large bills at the local banks. Yes it is very hard to be carrying so much cash in small denominations. And I wonder why the credit cards are so much charged to merchants. I live in USA and have no problem finding one or five dollars bills but the issue is to carry them on your belt money. In case I would stay at the same hostel, I would hand large bill for all my stay. At least I won't have to visit money changer shops as in Argentina or Colombia. Cannot have the cake and eat it, right? I am reviewing all those old postings to get documented for my incoming trip to Ecuador. Thanks all of you!

Eliyakim, there's no need to carry a lot of cash. Just withdraw what you need from the ATMs.

In Ecuador and a number of other countries, merchants often pass on the fees they have to pay for credit card transactions to the customers. Merchants in the U.S. are charged these fees as well, but of course prices are higher there to make up for it. To them, it's the cost of doing business. The markups on goods and services is not very high in Ecuador, and for a small merchant the cc fees would eat into already-slim profits. Thus they pass the fees on to the customer.

We are here now. We've had 1 week in Ecuador and 2 in Galapagos, including a last minute 8 day cruise. Just arrived in Puerto Ayora from Isabella. No Problems at all drawing money anywhere. All going well.. Some people don't like the 50 dollar notes but no problem paying for rooms with them.

o.k. thanks. i would have to pay my debit card advance cash fee anyway 3% or $5.00 for each transaction. i always carry some cash with me and spend it first.

hello and thanks for taking the time to write. when you will have some time can you share your trip in the islands regarding accommodation, boat tours, cruise. we can all benefit. how much cost your last minute 8 day cruise? name of the ship? how many passengers? was the sea rough? was the water temperature cold? thanks a lot.

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