Guayaquil - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
All major places take cards. We have had no problems. Most "mom and pop" places do not so we always carry some cash. - Aug 2022
A lot of places take credit cards, but it's a good rule of thumb to always have cash with you because some places only accept cash. There's an ATM at the Consulate you are highly recommended to use. It is not safe to use ATMs outside the Consulate due to how dangerous the city is. - Jun 2022
Yes and yes. - Oct 2020
Some businesses accept credit cards, but smaller ones won't. I'd only use ATMs in safer spots; always inside, never out on the street. - Feb 2019
I wouldn't recommend using them. - Jun 2013
Nor recommended. - May 2013
Don't use ATMs in public; if possible use cash and not your credit card. Too many issues with people swiping them. Use an ATM close to your house if possible. - Jan 2012
Credit cards are accepted at many places but be careful of frauds; Within two months of arrival, someone put an $800 charge on my Amer Express but luckily, Amex caught it and did not pay the fraudster and my card was promptly deactivated and replaced. ATMs are everywhere but I only only cash checks at the Consulate and have never had any problem. Many local businesses can't break a $20 bill but the larger shops can accept them. BTW, Ecuador adopted US current back in 2000 so no need to exchange anything. - Jan 2012
You can use credit cards at most places. - Aug 2011
