During my prep for my trip, I’ve come across a lot of misconceptions about the country and city I’m going to. Most of the misconceptions came from other people I’ve talked to about my trip or anytone trying to offer travel advice. I figured I would clear everything up so everyone has a better understanding of where I’m going and what it’s like in Ecuador!

Misconception #1: “Oh, you’re going to have to convert your money into their currency before you go, aren’t you?”

Reality: Ecuador has been using American currency since 2000 when the inflation rates of the Ecuadorian sucre were crazy and more stable currency was necessary (at the end of the use of the sucre, 25,000 sucres equaled 1 US dollar). So I won’t have to convert money at all, but use gool ol’ U.S. greenbacks!

Misconception #2: ”It’s going to be so hot there! Be sure to pack shorts and tank tops!”

Reality: The temperature in the Andes Mountains where Quito lies is actually fairly constant and cool. A dry season occurs June through September and is considered summer, whereas October through May is the wet season and is considered winter. That doesn’t mean, however, Quito doesn’t experience rain in the summer; the forecast this whole week for Quito has been overcast and rainy!

Also, shorts and tank tops would not be considered appropriate attire for Quito! Ecuador is a conservative country, due to the religious and social history, so an outfit like that considered summer wear in the United States might be offensive and would also cause me to stick out as a non-native. Granted, my Spanish speaking skills might do that on their own, but the less I attract attention the better!

Misconception #3: ”You could just bring a lot of big bills, like $20’s and $50’s, while you’re there. I’m sure they can take them.”

Reality: The cost of transportation and food in Ecuador is lower than in the US, so smaller bills are more appropriate. In some areas, it can even be difficult to find change for a $10! Bringing plenty of smaller bills is important, but big bills aren’t completely useless; if I needed smaller bills in Quito for a day trip to, say, Otavalo (one of my many stops while I’m there!) or for around town, there are many banks that could make change if the stores can’t. 

Misconception #4: ”You’re going to have to adjust to the time zone there since it’s farther west than St. Louis. I bet it’s different than where you live.”

Reality: That might be true for some people, but right now my US time zone (CST) is the same as the time zone in Ecuador (called ECT for Ecuador Time) because of Daylight Savings Time. So while I would have to adjust if I lived somewhere else, right now I’ll only have to acclimate to the altitude change. 

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Well, that’s really all I’ve got for now. If I think of more I’ll add them in the comments

My flight leaves tomorrow! I can’t believe it’s already here! I can’t wait to be there, but I’m so nervous too. I haven’t had the proverbial “forgetting the entire foreign language you’ll be using for a month” dream yet, but there’s always tonight!

I think the best thing about planning this trip is I began the research fairly late in the game (late to me, at least, but then again I’m VERY Type A haha), but in the end it all worked out. Oh sure, there were a few more hoops to jump through than if I were studying abroad through my university, but not too many more. It was a bit more leg work and questioning on my own, but I’m really happy with my decision. Like I’ve said to people before, if you really want to go abroad but can’t find the time during the conventional school year, research and read as much as you can about alternative programs before taking the plunge. I’m glad I did!

That’s all for now. Time to pack and organize some more!

-Megan