View source for Cash vs Card on the Coast

{{Infobox
| title  = 💳 Cash vs Card on the Coast
| label1 = Currency
| data1  = US Dollar (USD)
| label2 = Default
| data2  = Cash — always carry local currency
| label3 = Cards accepted
| data3  = Larger restaurants, hotels, supermarkets in Salinas/La Libertad
| label4 = Cards rarely accepted
| data4  = Markets, taxis, street food, smaller towns on Ruta del Spondylus
}}

ECUAWIKI › THE PENINSULA › LIVING & PRACTICAL › BANKING

Ecuador uses the US Dollar. This is a significant advantage for visitors — no currency exchange needed, no exchange rate confusion. The disadvantage is that the economy is heavily cash-dependent, particularly outside the main urban centres.

== The Short Answer ==

'''Always carry cash.''' Cards are accepted at a growing number of places, but you will regularly encounter situations — taxis, markets, beach food, small guesthouses, most of the Ruta del Spondylus — where cash is the only option.

== Where Cards Are Accepted ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Location / Establishment !! Card acceptance
|-
| Supermaxi, Gran Akí, TÍA (supermarkets) || ✅ Yes — Visa, Mastercard; usually Amex too
|-
| Larger hotels and hostals in Salinas || ✅ Yes — usually Visa/Mastercard
|-
| Paseo Shopping Mall (La Libertad) || ✅ Yes — most shops
|-
| Tourist-facing restaurants in Salinas || ✅ Usually yes; confirm before ordering
|-
| Pharmacies (main chains) || ✅ Usually yes
|-
| Petrol stations || ✅ Usually yes (Primax, Petro Ecuador)
|-
| Bus terminals (main routes) || ⚠️ Some now accept card; others cash only
|-
| Smaller hotels and hostals || ⚠️ Mixed — ask at check-in
|-
| Mid-range restaurants || ⚠️ Many do; many don't — ask before sitting down
|-
| Taxis || ❌ Almost never — cash only
|-
| Markets (Mercado La Libertad, Mercado Salinas) || ❌ Cash only
|-
| Street food and comedores || ❌ Cash only
|-
| Beach vendors and services || ❌ Cash only
|-
| Montañita accommodation || ⚠️ Mixed — cards sometimes accepted at hostals
|-
| Ayangue, Manglaralto, San José, Ayampe || ❌ Primarily cash — bring enough before leaving La Libertad
|-
| Dos Mangas, Las Tunas, La Rinconada || ❌ Cash only
|}

== ATMs ==

ATMs are your primary way to access cash. They are concentrated in Salinas, La Libertad, and Santa Elena city. '''North of Ayangue on the Ruta del Spondylus, ATMs become scarce and unreliable.''' Montañita has machines but they frequently run out during high season and feriados.

Rule of thumb: '''Withdraw what you need in La Libertad before heading north.'''

For safe ATM use see [[ATM Safety]]. For fees see [[ATM Fees and Limits]].

== Small Bills ==

Change (moneda/vuelto) is a constant issue. Businesses at every level have difficulty breaking large bills. When you withdraw from an ATM, you'll often get $20 bills. Try to break them at supermarkets first, and accumulate $1, $5, and $10 bills. Having exact change for taxis, markets, and local food is worth the minor effort.

Drivers and market stall holders who say ''no tengo cambio'' (I don't have change) are usually telling the truth, not refusing to sell.

== Sending Money to Ecuador ==

For long-term residents or those receiving money from abroad, see [[Sending Money to Ecuador]].

== See Also ==
* [[ATM Safety]]
* [[ATM Fees and Limits]]
* [[Opening a Bank Account]]
* [[Sending Money to Ecuador]]

[[Category:Living & Practical]]
[[Category:Banking]]
[[Category:La Peninsula]]