Banks

Primarily, make sure your card is Cirrus compatible, Maestro too if you can blag it. People say the best bank is HSBC, but I was with the Royal Bank of Scotland, and didn’t have any problems. I take it you’ve brought traveller’s cheques with you, save them for when you have no alternative. Make sure before you go that they’re American Express, cos’ nowhere changes MasterCard cheques. Actually no I’m lying. There is a bank in Guayaquil that changes them, but it’s a bit of a trek away. The only bank outside of Guayaquil that will change American Express traveller’s cheques is the Banco del Pacifico. There is a massive one in Quito close to Quicentro, and one in Riobamba if you go along Daniel Leon Borja from the Terminal end, and take a left before you get to San Valentin. In Riobamba, you need to go upstairs and talk to one of the people in the offices, with your cheques and your passport. It’s a standard rate of $5.00 for each transaction, so I reckon you should change more than one at a time. Unless you are rich and have a swimming pool, in which case you can squander your money as you see fit. Cash points are all pretty safe, but you won’t be able to check your balance, or print a mini statement. This is why it’s advisable to sort out internet banking before you go. I’ve just had a thought. If you can, go to your bank and give them your Ecuadorian address, and the date you’re leaving. This way, if anyone needs a new cash card ordering (and I can honestly guarantee someone will), then there is no fucking around with “Hi mum, yeah I’m having a great time. I’ve lost my cash card; can you sort everything out for me please and get me a new one?” Both I and my mate had to do this, and I felt like such a rotten shit.

You shouldn’t use BanRed cos’ it charges a hefty fine to your account. If you speak shit Spanish, Banco del Pacifico ATMs can speak English. Well not literally speak it like. Imagine if they could though, that would be fucking class! Like Knight Rider, but different. Fucking hell.

My cash card got swallowed the other night in a Pichincha ATM. I went back about half an hour ago and there were no problems. I just showed my passport and she gave me my cash card back just like that. She also told me not to use my card there in future. It advertises that it is Cirrus compatible, but this is not always the case. She told me it’s safest to use Banco del Pacifico all the time. You’re alright going to the Pichincha in Riobamba in a pinch (yak yak) cos’ in the worst case, you can always go back to the bank the next day and get your card. Obviously it’s a bit daft going to a Pichincha in another area if you can avoid it.

Oh yeah, “Quick Withdrawal” means the machine will give you $20 and your card back.

If you’re a bit shit with money like me, you might want to give all your money to your folks, and ask them to set up a direct debit every month.