Best experience in Quito was with Banco Pichincha and Banco Internacional -zero ATM fee and a cap of $300-$400 per withdrawal. Other banks like Banco ...

Do yourself a favor and avoid Banco Pacifico for frequent withdrawals-they will charge you $6.16 for 1 transaction and sometimes only let you pull $10...

My Amex Platinum worked at some big-name hotels and a few airport shops, but that’s it. None of the local markets or cafes took it. Also didn’t work a...

Used an ATM once at night near my hostel in Cuenca and honestly didn’t feel safe. It worked fine, but I kept looking over my shoulder.

It’s pretty common. My Wise card got swallowed by a Banco del Pacífico ATM. I went to the bank but they said they don’t return foreign cards. Ended up...

I stayed in hostels in Manta and they took cards no problem. But I saw others leave a note that they preferred cash payments to avoid fees.

In Cuenca the new tram system uses smart cards too. You top up with cash at a booth or vending machine, then tap in.

Decline is the better choice, even if the screen makes it look risky. Accept is just the ATM taking a cut off your withdrawal with a bad exchange rate...

I landed in Santa Cruz and tried both just to compare. ATM gave me 15 percent more than the counter, even with fees. Airport booths are super convenie...