Suggestions for volunteers coming to Ecuador

For everyone preparing to stay for a period of time in Ecuador, here is a list of helpful suggestions:

- Before leaving, contact a health services office to see if you need to schedule a particular vaccination (indicating that you can visit the Amazon or Coastal regions). Our projects are primarily located in the Sierra region.

- In reference to what to pack, we remind you that Ecuador is a country with diverse climatic regions, from the coast up to the 3500 meters in the Andes. We advise you bring light clothing for the coast, and heavier clothing for the Sierra. We remind you that the period from December to April, there are heavy rains.

- For those taking specific medications, we ask that you not forget to bring them with you. In whatever case, there is no problem finding general medications here in Ecuador. Please bring sunblock (solar radiation is very strong, both on the coast and in the sierra).

- Ecuador uses the US Dollar. We advise that you bring and convert your money before you leave, usually in smaller bills (it’s difficult to get change for bills larger than $20).

- The major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Diners) are accepted in urban areas, often with extra charges.

- The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. It is preferable that you know a little bit of the language so that you can become better involved.

- For stays of three months or shorter, a valid passport is sufficient. However, for longer than three months, a visa is necessary. For driving, a foreign license is sufficient, but only valid for one month in Ecuador.

Referring to your stay in Ecuador, after having contacted our office and informing us of your length of stay, it will be possible for you to stay in our volunteer house in Quito or in an apartment. The rooms in our volunteer house are shared with other volunteers. In addition, responsibilities such as shopping, cleaning, and household chores are shared with volunteers in the house. It is necessary that one is open-minded and flexible in order to create a positive environment in our volunteer house.