Ecuador Volunteer Vacation FAQs
Global Volunteers started working in Ecuador in 1996. The Fundacion de Damas Calderonenses (the Ladies of Calderon Foundation or FUNDAC) was started by a group of local mothers who needed child care for their children while they were at work. Given their extraordinarily difficult economic conditions, commercial child care wasn't possible, so they cooperatively started their own day care facility using volunteers to care for the kids. Today, FUNDAC provides pre-school children from families of meager means a nurturing, stimulating and safe daytime environment. Our investments of volunteer service, program support and international recognition are hallmarks of our commitment to our partnership with FUNDAC.GETTING THERE
When should I arrive in and depart from the host country?
Plan your flight to arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador (airport code UIO), anytime on the first day of your service program. Global Volunteers provides two group transfers from the airport to the hotel. Plan your departure from Quito for anytime on the final day of your service program. Global Volunteers provides two group transfers from the hotel to the airport. This coordinated schedule will assist in assembling the team for transportation to the host community. Global Volunteers official service program commences on the first Saturday of your service program with the evening meal.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you send your flight itinerary to Global Volunteers at least two weeks in advance of the service program arrival date. Your team leader will meet you within the prescribed arrival window, and will be displaying a Global Volunteers logo sign in the public area outside of Customs. If you become disoriented, please do not exit the airport complex.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Please notify Global Volunteers as soon as you confirm your new arrival plans so your team leader can arrange your transportation to the program site. If you make last-minute changes to your itinerary, or if you don't inform us of your flight plans, you must arrange your own transportation to the host community.
How late can I arrive in the host community?
Our orientation sessions are a critical component of the preparation for your assignments. If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from reaching the program on the first day of the program, then we ask that you arrive no later than 9:00 AM on the following day.
What should I do if I arrive before the scheduled arrival date?
If you arrive early you can proceed directly to the hotel, which is only a short distance from the airport. If you check in early, you will be responsible for your hotel accommodations prior to the scheduled arrival date. Please inform the hotel staff that you will be joining a Global Volunteers team.
FOOD AND LODGING
What kind of lodging is provided?
Your team will stay in a cheerful and very comfortable, tourist-class hotel in Quito, double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an extra fee. Guest rooms are air conditioned, with private baths, hot and cold running water, telephones, and TVs.
What are the laundry arrangements?
Laundry service is available at the hotel for a fee.
What is the electrical power?
The current in Ecuador is the same as in the United States - 110V. Outlets are usually for two equal-sized prongs, so if your appliance has one prong larger than the other, (common in the United States), you'll need an adapter.
What is the local cuisine?
Ecuadorian food is delicious and varied. Breakfast will usually consist of eggs, cereal, rolls and toast. Coffee and tea are available as well as soft drinks and juices. Lunch and dinner usually include soup and/or stew, rice, vegetables, fried potatoes, and an appetizing main course of chicken, seafood, pork or beef.
Can special diets be accommodated?
It is not possible to accommodate a strict vegetarian diet at the work sites. Please bring food to supplement your diet if you have special low-salt or vegan requirements.
Will potable drinking water be provided?
Bottled water will be provided to all volunteers both at the hotel and at the work sites.
HEALTH TIPS
What are the principal health risks?
At higher elevations, you must take care to avoid altitude sickness indicated by headaches, dizzyness and low energy, which can become life-threatening if not treated.
What health precautions should I take?
For general recommendations, consult the following sources:
Centers for Disease Control
Health Canada Online
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Travel Health Online
Is the water safe to drink?
We recommend that you bring a water bottle with you, and keep it filled with bottled water that will be provided to you by the team leader.
Is it safe to eat food purchased from street vendors?
We strongly recommend that you do not purchase food from street vendors.
What type of insurance do you recommend?
We strongly recommend medical insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Global Volunteers will provide you with emergency medical evacuation insurance.
MONEY MATTERS
What is the local currency?
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Ecuador.
What is the current exchange rate?
For currency conversion information, refer to the following website: FXConverter
Where do I exchange money?
At the airport: There is a bank and ATM at the airport.
In Quito: There are a number of banks located throughout Quito. Some facilities are open on Saturday. ATMs are a good source for money if you know your PIN. Cirrus and Plus ATM cards are widely accepted.
Can I use cash, credit cards or checks?
Credit Cards are widely used in first class restaurants, hotels, gift shops and travel agencies.Travelers Checks are safe, but since the conversion to the U.S. dollar, banks have added additional charges when cashing traveler's checks; they can also be difficult to cash. Cash is definitely the easiest option, but old or torn bills will be rejected. New US$20 bills are the easiest denomination to break.
How much money should I bring with me?
The amount of money you bring depends on your personal spending and shopping habits. Global Volunteers service program fee covers all meals, lodging, transportation and work project expenses during the service program except free-time expenses and alcoholic beverages. Many souvenir items can be purchased for less than US$10.00. Weekend tours can cost between US$100 and US$250. c
COMMUNICATIONS
How can my family contact me while I am in Ecuador?
In the event of an emergency, your family should refer to the Emergency Contact Sheet you will receive about a month prior to your departure. Please be sure to leave a copy with anyone who might want to reach you.
Can I make international phone calls?
You can call from your hotel room using an international phone card.
Is internet service available?
Yes. Internet cafes near the hotel charge $2 to $3 per hour for Internet access.