Ecuador Travel

Know what to bring with you – and what not

- You will need cash (not cards) to pay for almost everything you do or buy in Ecuador. Plan out how much cash you will need when you go out each day, & bring only what you need. If you need to withdraw money from ATMs do it in malls and banks and do not do it alone. Always check for people behind you. There is a typical tactic called “tarjetaso”. The robbers set up cameras at the ATM machine and check your code. Then they will distract you by talking or doing a demonstration. While you are distracted they will take your card and replace it for another one. They get your PIN from the camera, insert the card and extract money from your account. Always get money in the morning and carry just the necessary for the day ahead.

- Don’t carry big purses or bags, especially if you’ll be using public transit. Purses can be slashed open or grabbed off your shoulders. Keep your money close to your body (avoid back pockets) and stash bills in various spots so you won’t be left high and dry if the worst happens. The main city transports systems are the most common places to be robbed by pick pockets, so take extra care on these systems with your things.

- When you go out, don’t take anything that you are not willing to lose. Consider switching to a cheap watch for your trip, and bringing a small camera instead of a big SLR when you are touring around major cities. Always carry camera equipment on your front and in an older bag rather than in fancy new baggage, so as to not attract attention.

- Understand that the average salary in Ecuador is $200- 500/month – so your new iPod could double a family’s income. Avoid problems by not bringing valuables (including expensive jewelery and electronics) with you, or keep them tucked out of sight while in public.

- Always carry a copy of your passport with you.

Be Aware of your surroundings

- While riding in cars or taxis, keep purses and bags on the floor and out of sight, and keep windows rolled up when stopped.

- Only use yellow taxis with company names and meters activated. The Ecuadorian taxi industry always tries to fool travelers. To get around this, always tell them “Por favor prenda el taximetro” (Turn on the taximeter please). Almost 90% of taxis in Quito use these during the day, but at night (usually 8 p.m.) they turn it off. At these times ask the hotel to call you a metered taxi, to avoid being ripped off. Taximeters start at 0,35 Usd and the minimum rate is 1 Usd.

In Guayaquil the taxis usually do not use taximeters so you need to negotiate the fee with the driver, Cuenca works in the same way as Quito. In 2009 “taxi ejecutivos” (private car without yellow color and marks) were made legal, but 90% of them are just people using the family car to ferry people around, so take care.

- Avoid walking alone after dark.

- If you are a woman traveler, know that machismo is a reality here. Be aware that Ecuadorean men may assume that you’re promiscuous just because you are a foreigner. Be clear about your intentions when chatting with men, and know that wearing short-shorts or revealing clothes will invite whistles, stares, comments and attention that you may not want.

In an Emergency:

- If someone asks for your money, or anything else – give it to them. Resistance can lead to violence, and nothing you own is worth your life (or anyone else’s). These people work in teams of two, searching for small amounts of money. Almost 80% of them are drug addicts and they usually carry knives. Keep yourself alive by giving them your money or anything else they ask for.

- If you are the victim of any crime, contact your embassy immediately.

- You will need to report crimes to the police (although the likelihood of getting stolen goods back is very low). Emergency numbers: 101 (police), 102 (fire), 911 (emergency medical services). However, response can take at least 15 to 30 minutes, especially outside of major cities.

- If your have problems calls these numbers that operate in the major cities:

911 Emergency Phone
105 Police
102 Red Cross

Back to "Safety Travel in Ecuador, part 1"