Can I use a Canadian Debit Card in Ecuador to draw cash?

8POSTS

11 years ago

We will be visiting Ecuador and travelling throughout the country for a five week period.聽 We would like to use our Canadian debit card at an interac machine to draw USD cash.聽 Is this possible?聽 If so, is there a specific bank in Ecuador that we should look out for re fees charged, etc.?

Any helpful advise would be greatly appreciated.聽 Many thanks in advance.

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EvaCanada Active member

34POSTS

11 years ago

Yes, you can use your candian聽 debit card, we used it last year in Ecuador and of course, as us$ is currency in Ecuador you will receive us dollars.
It is advised to notify your bank before you go, I never did, We generally use Credit cards in hotels etc, but you need cash for smaller purchases.
We are going again to Ecuador for three months and this time I will not be taking too much cash, so I will notify my bank.

PEI Red Contributor

147POSTS

11 years ago

We've had very little problems using our Canadian debit cards in Ecuador. Banca Pinchincha currently does not charge a fee for foreign cards, which saves some money, though your own bank may charge a fee on the other end. I recommend bringing a couple from different institutions, just in case, but I've used a card from a very small credit union as well as larger banks from Canada with no issues. You should be fine. Have a great trip.

cccmedia Ecuador/Colombia Expert

10285POSTS

11 years ago

EvaCanada wrote:
We are going again to Ecuador for three months and this time I will not be taking too much cash....

Don't skimp on bringing U.S. dollars into Ecuador.聽 Three months is long enough to encounter problems with an ATM card -- lost, damaged, stolen, not honored by bank(s) -- and it typically takes weeks to replace a card here.聽 I would feel more comfortable with a cash reserve.

cccmedia, Quito

kkppwilkinson New member

8POSTS

11 years ago

Many thanks to everyone for their help with this question.聽 We will be sure to contact our banks to let them know we are in Ecuador.

Can anyone tell me if $100 bills are a problem to cash when buying food and drinks?

Shawn Berry Member

15POSTS

11 years ago

kkppwilkinson wrote:
Many thanks to everyone for their help with this question.聽 We will be sure to contact our banks to let them know we are in Ecuador.

Can anyone tell me if $100 bills are a problem to cash when buying food and drinks?

Do not, and I cannot emphasize this enough, bring $100 dollar bills. You may get away with it in the larger supermarkets or when making larger purchases, but as a rule of thumb, anything over $20 is almost impossible to use, especially in the smaller towns.聽 I would suggest you bring plenty of tens and some $100 notes which you could change at a bank for smaller notes.

Regarding your atm card, you should not have any issues here if it is a Visa or Mastercard, but when using a credit card make sure to notify your bank in advance.

pensionado Active member

52POSTS

11 years ago

Just to add to the comments: note that some bank ATM's have a higher 'service charge' than others. So others living in the larger cities, I.e. Quito, Guayaquil May be able to specify which are the best ATM's to use.
Note that often, your home bank in Canada will charge $5 per transaction so if you do make an ATM withdrawal, do not do a bunch of $20 withdrawals but I suggest taking the max, usually $300.
Just my thoughts.

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