As its name indicates, Ecuador sits astride the equator in South America. It’s relatively tiny size belies its staggering geographical diversity-from the heights of the snow-capped Andean peaks down to the remote Amazon rainforest. The landscape is complemented by the colourful textiles and traditional costume still worn by rainforest Indians and highlanders alike.
Ecuador, which literally means, Republic of the equator, is a representative democratic republic. From the north it is bordered by Colombia, Peru on the east and south and from the west the Pacific Ocean. The capital city of Ecuador is Quito. Ecuador is a presidential republic and gained its independence in 1830.
View our guide to working in Ecuador for foreigners and English speakers.
Best Places to Seek Employment
Most foreigners find jobs in the larger towns and cities were most companies are located, including: Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Machala, Manta, Portoviejo, Durán, Esmeraldas, Ambato, Milagro and Ibarra.
Popular Jobs
• Travel and tourism
• Teaching English
Work in Quito
Quito has all the usual facilities of any large modern city that are needed, including banks, doctors, shopping malls, cafes and other amenities.
Working in Ecuador FAQ
Money
Ecuador is unusual that they changed their currency, from the Sucre to the US Dollar in 2000. Bring smaller notes if you can as larger notes can rouse suspicion and be harder to change. Money can be changed easily at the airport on arrival or in Quito. There are ATMs in Quito and a VISA card is the most widely accepted.
Climate
Ecuador has a varied climate. The average summer temperature in Quito is 16 Celsius. The night-time low is 9 Celsius.