The Galapagos Islands are a magnificent chain of islands located off the coast of Ecuador. Famed for their incredible animal population, travelers trek from all over to catch a glimpse of the islands’ extraordinary creatures. 

From giant tortoises to marine iguanas, it comes as no wonder why the unique wildlife captures the attention of so many. However, one of the most common questions people ask before arriving is what currency is used in the Galapagos Islands.

You may also be worried about whether you’ll be able to use your credit card and what the tipping etiquette is like. To help you get prepared, we've put together the ultimate guide on all things money on the Galapagos, from the currency to cash machines.

Where Are The Galapagos Islands?

Before we begin, you may be wondering where the Galapagos Islands actually are. The archipelago lies approximately 1000 kilometers from mainland Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean and is situated on either side of the equator.

The islands’ remote location is to thank for the remarkable evolution of its wildlife. Having been isolated from the mainland for millions of years, many of the creatures on the archipelago have not changed very much since prehistoric times and cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. This unique array of Galapagos animals includes giant tortoises, small penguins and albatrosses.

How Many Galapagos Islands Are There In The Galapagos?

The Galapagos archipelago consists of 18 main islands, 3 smaller ones and over 100 islets and rocks. They cover a total land area of 8010 square kilometers. The area has been a protected wildlife sanctuary since 1935 and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.

How Do I Get to the Galapagos Islands?

The journey for most travelers heading to the Galapagos Islands begins in the capital of mainland Ecuador. There is plenty to see and do in Quito so you may even wish to spend a few days there first, before beginning your journey to the archipelago.

There is only one way of getting to the Galapagos Islands from the city. Catch a flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport which takes around two and a half hours, including a stopover in Guayaquil.

You will land into one of the archipelago’s two airports: Seymour Airport which is located on Baltra or San Cristobal Airport on San Cristobal. From here, your Galapagos adventure begins.

What Currency Is Used in the Galapagos Islands?

As of the year 2000, the official currency in the Galapagos Islands and the rest of Ecuador is the US dollar. The country once used the old Ecuadorian Sucre. However, it became very unstable as inflation rates rose.

This caused huge issues for those living in Ecuador whose money and savings were dropping in value more and more every day. In response, the Ecuadorian presidents and politicians came to the agreement that the best way forward for the country would be to scrap the currency entirely and switch to the US dollar.

The news of the US dollar being the official currency of the Galapagos Islands will come as music to the ears of American tourists looking to head to the archipelago as you won’t need to worry about converting your travel money.

One thing to bear in mind, however, is that Ecuador’s banking systems and commercial sites do not accept $100 bills. In fact, many shops, taxi drivers and cafes on the islands will accept nothing larger than a $20. 

So, you should definitely opt for smaller cash notes. This might involve some pre-planning and organization. If you’re first arriving in Quito, you might consider visiting a large chain shop or supermarket to break up any large bills before venturing onto the Galapagos Islands.

If you need to exchange your currency, you'll be pleased to know that the Galapagos Islands accept other commonly used currencies, including Euros, Peruvian soles, and Colombian nuevos soles.

Credit Card Use on the Galapagos Islands

Be sure to bring cash to the Galapagos Islands, as very few businesses accept cards on the archipelago. This includes high-end restaurants, hotels and tourist shops. Even when you can technically use your card, you might want to avoid doing so.

Credit card transactions can sometimes add a hefty 10% surge charge to your bill, so keep this in mind!

Benefits of Carrying Cash and Using Cash in the Galapagos

Having cash with you on the Galapagos Islands is likely to make things a whole lot easier for you. While it might involve a bit of advanced planning and budgeting, having money to hand is going to come with a lot of advantages on the archipelago. We have listed a few below.

Saving Money

Bringing cash to the Galapagos is also likely to save you some money while you’re there as it will limit your spending to how much you have in your wallet. Plus, while getting bills out, you are likely to have made a rough estimate of the amount that you will need each day.

As a consequence, you will have a ballpark figure in mind of what is reasonable for your daily spending. This will stop you from accidentally splurging. As another benefit, you won’t have to worry so much about withdrawal fees from the ATM or surge charges added to bills.

Saving Time

Smaller hotels on the Galapagos Islands are unlikely to take cards. So, you will definitely want to get cash out in advance to avoid being stuck in the awkward situation of not having to pay for your stay. However, when it comes to accommodation, the easiest approach is to opt for a package.

This way everything will be paid for in advance, saving you from having to bring a chunk of cash with you just to pay for where you’re staying. On another note, there is a very limited number of ATMs on the Galapagos.

It can quickly become quite time-consuming to have to trek to and fro the cash machine every time you need some physical money. To add an extra layer of hassle, your bank may have daily withdrawal limits for your card.

Tipping

Having some money in your pocket will make it very easy for you to tip during your trip, whether that be the restaurant staff, naturalist guides or boating team. 

There are few things more annoying than wanting to reward someone’s excellent work and service but not having the means to do so.

Are There ATM Machines in the Galapagos Islands?

There are just a handful of ATMs on the archipelago. So, you’ll definitely want to get a handle on where they are before heading out. The last thing you want is to miss out on any marvelous adventures on the islands by not having enough cash on you.

You’ll find one located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Luckily, the landmass is home to many of the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands so you are likely to be spending a significant period of time here anyway on your trip.

From the hustle and bustle of the local fish market to one of the best beaches on the archipelago, Santa Cruz is bursting with exciting attractions. There is another ATM in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in San Cristobal. This is one of the best places to go hiking in the Galapagos Islands so you are also likely to be paying a visit to this beautiful landmass for more than its cash machine during your stay.

As one of the best hiking destinations in the Galapagos Islands, it's likely that you'll visit this beautiful landmass for more than just its cash machine during your stay. The majority of ATMs on the archipelago Islands limit withdrawals to $300 a day. 

You’ll also want to check the fees for international transactions before getting any money out. The banking hours run from 9 am to 4 pm every weekday. Do note that there aren’t any ATMs on the popular Isabela Island. So, you will need to get cash out ahead of your visit. 

While planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, do your research on where the ATMs are to avoid being left high and dry on the remote archipelago.

Tipping Guidelines in the Galapagos Islands

It can be difficult to know what to do when it comes to tipping in the Galapagos Islands. While such courtesies are expected in the USA, it is highly unusual in many European countries. So, it is important to get clued up on the tipping etiquette in the Galapagos Islands before arriving. 

This will save you the stress of worrying about doing the wrong thing while you’re here. When it comes to tipping guidelines in the Galapagos Islands, it is customary for tourists to tip the naturalist guides, waiters, waitresses and boat staff. 

Also, be sure to check the small print of menus and bills to see if service tax has been included.

When Is The Best Time to Go to The Galapagos Islands?

Wanting to know what the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is? Consider traveling between December and May. This period offers pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it an excellent time for hiking and other outdoor activities.

June to November is also a wonderful time to visit the Galapagos Islands. While it is slightly cooler, you’ll also be treated to a wildlife show like no other as unique fish and bird species flock to the islands. In short, the archipelago offers a spectacular vacation destination year-round. 

Each month comes with its own unique draws, whether that be the weather conditions or the wildlife that comes out to play. One thing’s for sure: you are in for the time of your life no matter when you head to the Galapagos Islands.

Summary

The wildlife haven of the Galapagos Islands is a magnificent place to visit on an explorative vacation. Whether you’re looking to check out the best dive sites, the incredible wildlife or the extraordinary landscapes, this unique destination is brimming with incredible things to see and do.

However, planning a trip to such an extraordinary and remote set of islands often comes with a lot of questions. It’s only natural for questions such as what the currency of the Galapagos Islands is and whether you’ll need cash to arise ahead of your journey. 

All of the planning will be forgotten as soon as you step foot on this miraculous archipelago.

Planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands? Have a look at Touring Galapagos’ spectacular range of cruises and tour packages that will bring you to all of the most marvelous attractions on the archipelago. Get in touch to begin planning an unforgettable trip to the spectacular world of the Galapagos Islands.