Currency The Ecuadorian monetary unit is the US dollar. There are both US and Ecuadorian coins of 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, and 50¢. Paper money and $1 coins are the same as in the United States. Denominations in the thousands are signified by a (.) rather than a (,). Thus, $1.000 means one thousand dollars and $1,50 means one dollar and 50 cents. Handling Money Abroad Before departing for Quito, you should bring between USD$50 and USD$100 cash in order to cover incidental expenses during your first few days in Quito. During your time abroad, you should plan to obtain currency primarily using an ATM...

Commuting Daily commuting using the city’s public transportation system is a reality for all who live in or near Quito. Like local students, you will commute to classes, either at the Center or a partner university, using public transportation. Commuting time may take up to 70 minutes depending on the locations of your classes, internships, or other daily responsibilities. Public Transportation In Quito, you have access to the public bus system which can take you around Quito and Cumbayá affordably. You also could also hail a taxi, but be sure to get an offical taxi and negociate the price up...

Quito is known for its “Eternal Spring” climate. Despite the city’s proximity to the equator, its high altitude assures mild days and cool nights year-round. Temperatures range from the high 60s°F during the day to the low 50s°F at night. The two seasons are wet and dry. The wet season runs from October to May, though it does rain during the dry season as well. If you are planning to travel to different parts of Ecuador, you may encounter very different climates than in Quito and the highlands. In the coastal region, temperatures range from about 75°F to 90°F. From December to May, the weather...

Cumbayá is located twenty minutes away from the capital city of Quito with lots of restaurants, bars, and other things typical of big cities. San Cristóbal is an island in the Galápagos Islands. You will live in the island's main town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which has a population of about 7,000 people who are of middle to low income families. Aside from the stunning views of the beautiful beaches, there is not much to do in San Cristóbal compared to Quito! Most students love the safety, friendliness, and peacefulness of the town. Some students fill their free time with reading and other...

Ecuador’s electricity operates at 110 volts. You will likely not need to purchase a converter. Nevertheless, it is probably best to keep appliances to a minimum. You can buy a cheap hair dryer, alarm clock, etc., on-site instead of packing yours.

The visa is an offiical authorization affixed to your passport, which gives proof that you have the permission of the Ecuadorian government to enter Ecuador and study for the allotted time. ECUADOR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (updated 11/15/22) Ecuador eliminated its COVID-19 entry requirements in late October 2022. International travelers are not required to present COVID-19 vaccination cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry. Please note that your participation in an IES Abroad program does still require you to have received at least one series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally...

As the fifth largest city in France, Nice is the capital of the French Riviera and an international metropolis with more than 160 different nationalities living and working in the region. Because Nice is a European and Mediterranean hub to the world (its international airport is just 5 km from the city center), the city is host to a large number of international businesses and schools, a center for innovation, and a celebrity hotspot. The region’s higher education system is renowned for its innovative capacities and international influence. International business is important in Nice, in...

Students are able to receive letter-sized mail to the IES Abroad Center. If you are shipping a debit or credit card, we recommend that you disguise it as regular mail (i.e., put it in a birthday card or use a cardboard FedEx or UPS envelope). Mail should be addressed to: IES Abroad Cape Town ATTN: Student Name 24C Main Road Rosebank 7700 Cape Town, South Africa We urge family and friends not to ship any packages to you while you are abroad. However, if necessary, packages should be sent to the address above. Please keep in mind that items may get stuck in customs or could be heavily taxed if...

Meeting Local People South Africans, especially the student population in Cape Town, are very outgoing, welcoming, and curious about other cultures. Passersby on the street will often greet you with a “Howzit,” and it is polite to return the greeting. You should also expect to receive very direct questions from locals about your country, politics, culture, etc. Joining clubs, or volunteering is a great way to meet new people, and get a deeper glimpse into South African society. In South Africa, you will be exposed to conditions and surroundings that might be completely foreign to you, such as...

Cape Town, known as “The Mother City,” is a place where change is visible. It is a city of contrasts. In many ways, Cape Town, which is the second most populous city in South Africa (over 3.7 million people), could be defined as both developed, and yet under-developed at the same time. It is home to a cosmopolitan city center, comfortable neighborhoods and suburbs, but also to modest bungalows and impoverished suburban townships with informal housing. Due to its multi-ethnic background, Cape Town is a diverse city which offers a wide selection of foods, arts, and activities, all influenced by...