Electricity
Ecuador operates on 110 volts [60-cycle], and uses standard United States flat, parallel two-prong plugs. If you’re travelling from a country not compatible with this shape, purchase an adapter before you leave. Some jungle lodges may use their own generators, in which case you should check with the managers before plugging in an appliance.

Water
Avoid drinking tap water in Ecuador, and stick to bottled water which is widely available. Three-star and up hotels provide jugs of mineral water and ice, and most hotels will supply them on request.
Care should be taken not to swallow untreated water when brushing teeth or showering.

Weights and Measures
Ecuador uses the metric system for all commercial, scientific and academic measurements.

Liquids are sold in liters, vegetables and fruits by the kilogram. Temperature is measured in degrees Centigrade.

Distance
1 km = .625 [5/8] mile
1 meter = 3.28 feet

Weight
1 gram = .035 ounces
1 kilogram [kilo] = 2.2 pounds

Volume
1 liter = 2.1 United States pints = 1.76 United Kingdom pints

Temperature
To convert Fahrenheit to centigrade, subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9. To convert centigrade to Fahrenheit, multiply by 1.8 and add 32.

Toilets
Always have toilet paper or tissues with you. Plumbing tubes are narrow and water pressure is often low in Ecuador. Many toilets have a wastepaper basket where you deposit your toilet paper. Flushing it often blocks the pipes. Toilets are banos.