Safety Tips for Travelers in
Ecuador
A few tips to keep you sane and safe. You should read them all before
embarking on your journey through Ecuador.
Safety in Ecuador
Ecuador is considered one of the
safer countries in the Andean Region, however, it is always a good
idea to be cautious during your visit. Ecuador's urban centers,
especially Quito and Guayaquil, are generally more dangerous than
the countryside. The best way to prevent crime is using your common
sense and reduce the likelihood of being a crime victim by following
a few basic precautions:
TOP
Safety in the City
- Travel with trustworthy companions.
- Find out where the unsafe sectors are and avoid them. Find out
which are the best hours to visit tourist sites.
- Keep all important documents in a secure place, such as an inner
pocket or a pouch that is hidden under a layer of clothing.
- Make copies of your important documents, such as passport, travel
ticket and card numbers. Leave originals in a safe box in your
hotel. Keep always a copy of your passport with you.
- Carry travelers checks and credit cards instead of large sums
of cash.
- Walk confidently with your head up. Never stare at the ground,
it makes you look nervous and weak.
- When you feel unsafe listen to your instincts. If you get that
feeling grab a taxi or go into a place with lots of people.
- Be wary of people who are too friendly too quickly, or that
offer to show you around. Use your judgement.
- Don't wear expensive jewelry or wristwatches. They make you
a target.
- Your cameras are also valuable, take them inside your bag or
keep them out of sight.
- Keep an eye on your carry shoulder-bags and purses. Take them
in front of you in crowded places.
- Keep all bags and other valuables where you can see them in
restaurants, ground terminals, and other public places.
- Change your currency in a bank or in your hotel. Dont
do it in the street
- If you rent a car, park it in parking lots, dont leave
valuable objects in the car.
- Dont take hitchhikers.
TOP
Safety Outside the of City
- Watch out for the security terms in National Parks. Use the
paths.
- Before getting into the sea, ask if there is any dangerous zone.
Ask about the tides. If you feel that a strong current is taking
you apart from the shore, swim in parallel in relation to the
coast until you reach the shore. Maintain calm
TOP
Special recommendations
Avoid travelling by yourself if you plan to visit the Ecuadorian
northern border (limit with Colombia). We recommend to use a travel
agencys service. At this moment subversive groups operate
in Colombia, a few miles from the Ecuadorian border. Even though
there hasnt been known any cases of assaults lately, is better
to prevent.
TOP
Passports
Always carry your passport while
traveling in Ecuador. Police checks are semi-frequent and it may
be a problem if you are caught without your documents. However,
if you are staying in Quito, Guayaquil or another large city for
an extended period, it is advisable that you carry only a copy of
your passport. Most foreign embassies provide their citizens with
an "official" copy of their passport that is recognized
by Ecuadorian law. Report lost or stolen passports immediately to
your embassy or consulate.
TOP
|