Get your travel vaccinations. Most gringos tend to look for apartments in or near the old certer of Cuenca, but I personally think that the out lying areas are safer. Safety in Quito and other parts of Ecuador is also increased by being careful with public transport choices. Your email address will not be published. Pickpockets in Ecuador work in crowded places, as they do in many countries all over the world. You can also change some of your preferences. Generally, the police donât pursue thefts of property worth less than $500. Taxis waiting in line outside the airport or bus terminal have been validated by the attendants and are generally safe for expats. Hiking in the Altiplano? It now contains a Low Budget Cost of Living option. Here are some of our tips for safety in Ecuador while travelling in this South American country. Considering that this country is situated in an active seismic zone, earthquakes are likely to happen. Peaceful protests can turn violent on a dime, so itâs best to avoid any large demonstrations.Â, Don’t leave any valuable items on the seat of your car or in plain sight. Ecuador has a tourist police division that can help travelers in need. Bump and Grab – you’re bumped while being passed in close quarters like a bus or mercado and your pocket is picked. Active Tours Yes, Ecuador is safe for vacations, especially tours that revolve around nature and outdoor adventure — most of Ecuador’s crime happens in the cities. Some of those places include Vilcabamba, Cuenca, and Cotacachi. Required fields are marked *. Some people report their luggage stolen from the overhead bins in buses traveling between provinces so keep your bags in your lap or next to you on the window side. How safe is Ecuador for tourists when it comes to natural disaster risks? Land Based Programs, Ecuador Much of what you may perceive as graffiti, is actually commissioned and paid for by property owners or local governments.Â. Ecuador is a wonderful place to take part in all kinds of fun, outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, climbing, mountain biking, rappelling and lots more. If you behave as an smart tourist, nothing will happen to you, apart from the possibility to get bag slashed, mustard scammed or pick pocketed. I wasn’t worried if Quito was dangerous. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists on the streets, too. Or step into a restaurant or store. Powered by, New Digital Services Tax in Ecuador Starting September 16, 2020, Ecuador State of Exception Ends on Sunday (September 13, 2020). If you’re travelling with Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders we can offer you tips before you travel, and our guides are happy to give advice when you’re on your tour to help ensure that your trip passes off without incident. Traveling or moving abroad may be uncomfortable at times, but it’s probably safer than you’ve been led to believe. Ecuador is named after the equator that runs through the country. For some visitors to Ecuador these may be the main reason for going. Many cities and sites in Ecuador are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The U.S. Embassy doesn’t allow its employees to use un-vetted taxi services because there have been instances of robberies. Talk with an expert insider. If you have to travel through a city, itâs better to use apps like Azutaxi (in Cuenca), Uber (in Quito and Guayaquil only as of 2020), private recommended drivers (we have several) or shuttle services provided by your hotel. Travelers must have a safe passage document (Salvoconducto) issued by the Ministry of Tourism, and your pre-booked tour operator or accommodation provider is responsible for arranging this. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. However, news, laws, guidelines, rules, regulations, etc. Ecuador is a popular destination for travellers and expats. Again, safety in Ecuador is not an issue for most travelers to Ecuador, and most visits occur without incident. If you are at a restaurant or bar, it is better to get that establishment to call you a taxi. Ecuador is not bad as some "tourists" believe. Pickpockets in Ecuador are likely to be tempted by items that can be seen. Follow us. Is Quito safe right now? One of the most common personal safety issues in Ecuador is pickpocketing or robbery in public places. Where possible try not to take buses late at night, and be sure to sit near the front, paying attention to your belongings at all times. Quito is considered as safe as any capital city in South America which attracts a large amount of visitors, however, tourists should always be vigilant and use common sense in public areas as pick pocketing is common in this region. So taking the proper precautions in public will keep you from being stranded in Ecuador without a phone or wallet.Â, The United States actually suffers from a higher homicide rate at 6 per 100,000 people (2019). They should also learn about the reasons behind these safety risks in order to better understand the culture of the area they are visiting. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. If you’ve watched any of our YouTube videos from Cuenca or some of the other cities in Ecuador, you may have noticed a lot of graffiti. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. Heading to the Galapagos Islands? As frustrating as it may be. You’ll also gain immediate access to our Ecuador Cost of Moving and Living Calculator to help you plan your life abroad. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Galapagos 4 Star Cruises All Rights Reserved, Check our, “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”, Galapagos Nature and Wildlife during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Guide to Organize a Galapagos Cruise Charter for 2021. Close. Exercise increased caution when traveling in Ecuador, and do not travel to the province of Carchi, the province of Sucumbíos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas province, including Esmeraldas city due to crime. You can opt-out at any time. Follow us to see what life is really like outside the hamster wheel. This certainly wasn’t the Ecuador that I knew of. This issue is likely to impact on traveler safety in Quito or in Guayaquil, or on busy buses or transport. Visitors should take specific precautions to protect themselves from harm. Below weâll go over some of the main tourist areas and examine their safety.Â, While the overall crime rate has been in steady decline since 2011, following the pandemic and the resulting economic fallout, there has been an uptick in theft related crimes, at least anecdotally. Ecuador is a country in Northwestern South America, with a Pacific Ocean coastline, lying on the Equator between Colombia, to the northeast, and Peru, to the south and east.. Cotopaxi is the world's highest active volcano. Install Ecuador’s tourism ministry's travel safety app on your phone. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Donât be afraid to make eye contact with others. Here are some of our tips for safety in Ecuador while travelling in this South American country. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. As tourists or embassy workers entered the taxi, a couple of men would enter the cab and force people to withdraw all the money at the nearest ATM. Ecuador is going to be safe providing you take an intelligent approach. Is strategically located in the center of Ecuador, between the Andes and the Ecuadorian Amazon, has a wet mild spring weather throughout the year, with an average temperature of 18 °C, is at an … The key in Ecuador is to travel smart, keep up with local news, and explore in groups or with a tour guide when possible. Safety is a relative state of mind, but we actually feel safer—as in less stressed and more relaxed—in Ecuador than we do when visiting the US. This couldn’t be further from the truth. New video! Quito now it’s really dangerous, Guayaquil is crazy dangerous… The thing is that here the police or government doesn’t open cases or tell how many foreign girls are murdered every year. Do NOT travel if you were exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, or you test positive for COVID-19. I always like to learn about a country on a drive from the airport. If you are not experienced travelling in Latin America or other third-world countries it can be hard to adjust to the Ecuadorian lifestyle and safety differences. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. One of the most common crimes against tourists in Ecuador is pickpocketing. After years of experience traveling South America, and taking thousands of tourists around the country we at Ecuador Hop can guarantee that Ecuador is a safe country for tourists. This isnât to say you should walk around Ecuador without taking common sense precautions. Public transport that costs only $0.25 is … Each Friday, we send out a newsletter with some expat-relevant news from Ecuador. However, social reform efforts such as rebuilding the police and criminal justice system, installing street cameras, and increasing vital social spending, has increased safety in Ecuador. Often foreigners are seen as being wealthier targets in their communities. In general, it is better to take a taxi than to walk, but flagging a taxi down in the street is not a good idea. Your safety in Quito is likely to be higher if you do not leave your bag on the back of your chair at a restaurant, or if you do not put your smartphone on the table for all to see. Donât stand around on a dark street talking to people, this can attract unwanted attention.Â. It’s ranked 3rd highest of all Latin American countries in the 2019 Global Peace Index and 71 out of all 163 countries. If you decide to travel to Ecuador: See the U.S. Embassy's web page regarding COVID-19. However, if you’re from the United States, Canada or other less graffiti-prone parts of the world, you may instantly picture gangs on a violent rampage vandalizing the city with cans of spray paint. Amazon 4 Star Lodges We do our best to provide timely and accurate information. The less you have on you, the less you have to lose if something does happen. Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Ecuador. In Ecuador, graffiti is viewed as an art form, which is why you’ll often see the artists real name embedded in the painting or below it. JP & Amelia, I just want to thank you for your YouTube vlogs and well-written articles. Land of Chocolate; BEanXPRT in Galapagos II; BEanXPRT in Adventure; BEanXPRT in Amazonía; Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. That will make it nearly impossible for a pickpocketer to steal anything without you noticing. If this is your first time travelling in Latin America, you might need a bit of adjustment to the Ecuadorian lifestyle and safety … Yet most tourists travel to Ecuador without incident each year, so safety in Ecuador is perfectly possible. There is a high risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. It's a great way to stay up-to-date with what's going on in Ecuador. MUGGING RISK : … With the Amazon rainforest, the Galapagos Islands, and the Andes Mountains all within its borders, there are … Customized Tours When people take common sense measures to avoid issues, most safety issues in Ecuador can be avoided. Most of them are not held in areas where tourists frequent. Don’t put them in overhead bins and don’t hand them to anyone offering to help you. Have any questions? Latin American countries do not exactly always get good press with regard to personal safety and security. Itâs also better to travel during the daytime since the robberies that have occurred on buses typically take place at night.Â. No official crime stats for the second half of 2020 are available as of the writing of this article, but you may want to use extra precautions to avoid theft and robbery.Â. Some of the companies vetted by the U.S. consulate include FastLine, Solservice, and Wayose. Rest assured everyone told me that Quito was safe. Before you travel to Ecuador, make sure you've got … In terms of overall crime, the city ranks on the lower end when compared to similar cities in the United States.Â, What this means is that you can enjoy the sights of Cuenca, like the Old and New Cathedrals or the Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion without having to worry too much about staying safe.Â, However, taking certain precautions like traveling in groups and avoiding traveling alone at night are always your best bet to stay safe in any major city.Â, If youâve been planning a trip to Ecuador, and youâre reluctant because of inflammatory news coverage, we hope this article provides more context to put your mind at ease. https://liveabroadnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Quitoview.jpg, https://liveabroadnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Live-Abroad-Now-v3.png, Is Ecuador Safe? Like Guayaquil, you shouldn’t walk around Quito alone, especially at night. Ecuador is somewhat safe to visit, though it has many dangers. Applying a bit of common sense is important to avoid running into issues – such as not carrying a lot of expensive valuables and if you are, not flashing them about. © Ecuador & Galapagos Insiders 2021. Because of this, travelers still ask themselves if Ecuador is safe. If youâre threatened with a deadly weapon, itâs best to part with your belongings. Ecuador is a relatively safe country to live in. Avoid walking alone at night, especially along dark streets and trails. Like any city, Cuenca has its safe and not so safe areas. However, pickpocketing is the main type of crime that most tourists and expats face. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Ecuador experienced just under 1,000 murders in 2018, setting its murder rate at 5.7 per 100,000.Â, The safest expat cities in Ecuador, such as Cuenca, Loja, and Salinas, pale in comparison to U.S. cities with the highest murder rates (per 100,000 citizens), such as Detroit (40.6), Chicago (20.7) and Baltimore (57). Due to government efforts combating violence, Ecuador is seeing a rate trending similar to that of the safest cities in the United States.Â, Like any country, there are common sense places to avoid in Ecuador. Despite a recent plateau, the Ecuadorian homicide rate fell from 15.4 per 100,000 in 2011 to 5.7 in 2018. View all posts by Melanie Cheng . By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. As well as being careful with money while out and about, flashing around expensive items, or being careless with them can lead to pickpocketing, petty theft or robbery. Ecuador & Galapagos Insiders is a leading travel company based in Ecuador and run by local If youâre using a car, donât store your valuables in plain sight. General precautions though will go a long way to keep you safe. However, there are tourist-targeting scammers and petty crime to be wary of. Classic Tours Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Thereâs also the risk of losing your belongings traveling throughout Ecuador. Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders works with reputable operators, but there are plenty of other activity providers, and not all are experienced or qualified. Sincerely, Boyd & Candy Wilson. shifted its approach to gangs by legalizing them. The primary threat to tourists is non-violent theft, so using anti-pickpocketing techniques like a belt wallet or clip zippers will help you keep track of your belongings.Â, If youâre planning to visit Guayaquil, itâs best to do so in the safety of a group or with a tour guide. Doing so will make you stand out as a target for robbery or other unpleasant situations. To put it in perspective, both Chicago and Guayaquil carry similar crime rates. In addition, you'll gain immediate access to our Ecuador Cost of Moving & Living Calculator after you opt-in to our newsletter. The same is true of expensive items such as jewelry, watches, electronics, cameras. Awesome article, thanks for the tips! Day Tours, Amazon Rainforest It’s very safe, but one place to watch out for is the airport because it’s easy to pick up unattended bags. As you stroll through the shops and historic sites, make sure you know where youâve stored your valuables and force yourself to remain alert about anyone trying to get too close to you. In fact, with jewelry and watches unless there is some compelling reason you need to bring them with you, they may be better left at home. no commitment fee involved. An Inter-American Development Bank study found that, by 2018, these government efforts âhelped reduce violence and criminality drastically.â. That said, there ar… Such cities and best … Some other investments are uploading essential documents to the cloud and using zipper pockets with a fastener.Â, Most of these crimes occur in tourist locations, so staying vigilant in these areas and in crowds will help keep you from falling victim to theft. The risk of robbery, assault, and kidnapping still exists, just as it does in the United States and everywhere else in the world. Is it Safe to Travel around Ecuador? Ecuador does have beautiful landscapes but sadly they don’t invest in tourism, at least not the way they should. We have a supportive community of current and future expats on Patreon who are eager to share their experiences, answer questions and provide support. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. Overall, itâs better to avoid the un-vetted taxi services in Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Playas, and other coastal towns. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. are often open to interpretation, change frequently and sometimes we make mistakes, so please check the links we reference before making decisions or travel plans. Photo by Cesar Viteri. Nationwide, any danger to U.S. tourists and expats in Ecuador mostly consists of theft in the form of pickpocketing, purse snatching, and mugging. Ask providers of activities about their qualifications and experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Taking care to check out the situation is important. Objectively, yes, Ecuador is a safe place to travel. tour guides and travel specialists, we are happy to provide expert and free trip planning advice, While all of these activities are inherently risky, it is important to select a reputable provider to lower your risk of having safety issues in Ecuador. Other aspects of safety in Ecuador include safety when carrying out activities. The most common crimes in Ecuador by far are simple muggings and thefts. Like Us “Is Ecuador safe?” That’s one of the most common questions future expats have when considering a move to this small Latin American country. If you missed the other articles, you might want to Start Hereâ¦. Other factors, such as lack of judicial resources and weak border security, also played a role. Travelers can contact Ecuador’s tourist police if they need help. In the past, one of the reasons Ecuadorâs government struggled in combating crime had to do with limited police presence. Maybe a Day Trip to Banos? We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. If you must travel: Before you travel, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip. Always remain vigilant about your surroundings, especially in crowds and tourist locations. We'r, You only have ONE DAY LEFT to take advantage of ou, You only have a couple days left to take advantage, We missed the sunset tonight after a busy day of f, © Copyright - LiveAbroadNow.com. Other common-sense tactics weâve covered include avoiding nighttime travel and investing in safety products like cash belts, bags with zipper clips and personal safes.Â. Your email address will not be published. Safety and Security. One nice thing about Quito is their tourist police force who wear neon vests. Just say, “NO, gracias.”. The most common items stolen from tourists are phones, laptops, cameras, cash, and jewelry. Ecuador Safety for Tourists: 7 Things to Know Before You Go. Baños de Agua Santa is famous for being one of the cities that most attracts tourists in the Ecuador, is at 3 hours south of Quito. Galapagos 5 Star Cruises Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Today is the BIG DAY!!! If you have any other safety precautions, let us know about them in the comments below. Ecuador is likely a cheaper place than your country of residence, so don’t carry unnecessary money – our guides at Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders are happy to give guidance in this regard. You can opt-out at any time and we promise never to spam you. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Both, the ministry of Tourism and the municipality of Quito have joined forces to turn the city onto a tourism metropolis. Your safest option is to travel in a group or with a tour guide. For example, Calle Larga is an area where a lot of expats like to live and hang out, but that area is also know as one of the more … There are police officers at the old town and it is pretty safe to stroll around. In 2007, the government shifted its approach to gangs by legalizing them and provided grants for these groups to serve their neighborhoods.Â, Other social reform efforts included rebuilding the police and criminal justice system, as well as increases in vital social programs. An employee at your hotel can tell you where they are being held. Galapagos Islands Also, make sure you check out the equipment before setting off on your adventurous activity, or it could end up being a lot more exciting than you anticipated or wanted. Amazon 5 Star Lodges We help people just like you Live Abroad Now through this blog, our educational and entertaining videos, and our vibrant Patreon community. Overall, Ecuador is a very safe country, but crime is a still a risk, just as it is across the globe.Â, The key in Ecuador is to travel smart, keep up with local news, and explore in groups or with a tour guide when possible. Avoid walking alone at night and avoid shortcuts through alleys, especially if youâre unfamiliar with the area. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Even in developed cities like Berlin, graffiti is common. Like anywhere in the world, there are ways to avoid dangerous places and situations. Quito is safe they said. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. Visiting the historic sites of Quito is a must when visiting Ecuador, but the city draws large crowds making it the perfect hunting ground for pickpocketers. Registered taxis also have a taxi cooperative logo. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. I appreciate you attention to detail, your love and kindness to one another, and your helpful information. U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency … To browse reputable Galapagos Cruises and the best Galapagos tours you can follow this link and choose the best option for your particular case. It’s generally safe to store large bags in the luggage compartment under the bus because an attendant monitors it while the doors are open and you must present a claim ticket to take a bag. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. These officers can help you out in an emergency, such as a personal injury or to report a crime.Â, The city of Cuenca is one of the safest in Ecuador with one of the lowest murder rates in Latin America, according to Governor Xavier Martinez. You Dropped Something – someone points to the ground behind you and says you dropped something, then steals your bag while you look away. Google Reviews This is common throughout Ecuador, Latin America and the rest of the world. Travelers should avoid all travel to Ecuador. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM Transportation is not very safe … Ecuador is the perfect destination for adventure. South America is an unbalanced region politically, and Ecuador is no exception. The city of Manta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ecuador with great beaches and great tour operators offering water sports and a variety of trips and activities. Political demonstrations in Ecuador are common, and the police often retaliate using water cannons and deploying canisters of tear gas. Gangs used to be a major problem in some parts of Ecuador, such as in Guayaquil and Quito, but government efforts over the past 10 to 15 years have made gang violence virtually non-existent. Taking care with your personal belongings can help with minimizing any impact that these individuals or groups can have on you. 0. If you do get caught up in a political demonstration while in the city, you should be safe as most of them are nonviolent. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Despite repeated government efforts, crime persists in the form of robberies, car break-ins, and homicides due to limited resources, a large wealth gap, and dense population.Â, Many crimes go unsolved because the police donât have the time or resources to pursue every robbery or case of pickpocketing. Just like anywhere in the world, it’s common for car windows to be broken when items of value can be seen through them.Â, Guayaquil is both the largest and most dangerous city in Ecuador. When you take off your jacket or bag, they grab it and run. Gracias! Overall, Ecuador is a very safe country, but crime is a still a risk, just as it is across the globe. Before your trip here, study the current hazard level from these risks and take appropriate measures. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. But you never know these days. This will help make sure you can safely enjoy the sights of Guayaquil, such as shops and restaurants along the Malecón 2000 or the gorgeous Parque Seminario and its iguanas.Â. Take public transport during rush hour. I have probably watched over 30 of your videos. You can usually trust taxis that are registered, which are yellow with identical unit numbers on both the windshield and the doors. If you feel unsafe or suspicious of someone, keep walking until youâre in a safe, open, and public place. In this article, we’re going to shed some light on the real crime stats in Ecuador by comparing them to the United States, and we’re going to give you some common sense safety tips to help you avoid experiencing crime in Ecuador. Eating Grubs in the Amazon? Jobs … They generally speak English and can deal with the typical crimes a tourist might face. When people take common sense measures to avoid issues, most safety issues in Ecuador can be avoided. Keep expensive items tucked away where you can keep a close eye on them, and be aware of where they are. In crowded areas such as markets, make sure that any bag you are carrying is held on your front rather than your back, so you can keep an eye on it.
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