Is Ecuador safe or dangerous? Safety Travel Tips

Is Ecuador safe or dangerous?

Ecuador is a peaceful country, considered a relatively safe country for tourists to travel or for ex-pats to live or retire. However, visitors should take the same safety precautions that they would take when visiting any other tourist destination. Ecuador is not crime-free, but that does not mean it is unsafe for visiting. Main Ecuador cities have beautiful and colonial downtowns, but they also have poor and dangerous areas, usually located far from the center of any city. Keep attention in areas that border with Peru or Colombia and practice common-sense precautions.

Safety Travel Tips

Here some safety tips that will help you avoid crime during your visit to Ecuador:

1. Do not go into unfamiliar areas alone, especially at night.
2. Do not carry large amounts of cash, jewelry, or other expensive items. Modern mobile phones are especially tentative for thefts.
3. Do not take out money from ATMs alone or late at night.
4. Do not carry things in your back pocket. In fact, keep items and bags to your front.
5. Do not carry all your documents and credit cards together. Make electronic copies of your documents.
6. Do not use your credit card at informal places such as restaurants or Internet cafes.
7. Do not take cabs that aren't registered with the city. Taxis are color yellow.
8. Do not join street demonstrations, protesters occasionally burn tires or fire handguns into the air.
9. Be discreet when looking at maps or when addressing people to ask for directions.
10. Be connected, get roaming service before traveling, or get a local chip to use on your mobile phone.
11. Dress ‘normal’, do not use clothes that scream you are a tourist.
12. Ask the locals for advice. The hotel reception is a good place to ask about which neighborhoods and places are safe or dangerous.
13. Let your family and friend know where you will be. Email them your itinerary.
14. Tell your bank what places you will be visiting and how long you will be there. Banks will be alert in case of any electronic fraud detection.
15. Write down an international emergency phone number where you can call in case a credit card is missing or stolen.

Natural Disasters

About natural disasters, Ecuador is naturally blessed, but located in a seismic zone. It has some risk of earthquakes, especially south of Esmeraldas and north of Manabí. This phenomenon may occur due to its proximity to the merging of the Nazca and South American plates. About the weather, Ecuador has a climatic phenomenon known as “El Nino” (the child). El Niño causes floods, rains, and temperature increases.

Potential Travel risks

1. Unwanted health issues are a top concern, especially if you are eating in a place that lacks hygiene. Conditions like stomach flu, vomiting, and diarrhea can quickly ruin a trip.
2. Travelers run the risk of becoming potential targets for scammers, especially if you don’t speak the language or are unfamiliar with the culture.
3. Be careful with pick pokers, nothing will spoil your trip like getting your passport, money, or other valuables were stolen.
4. Travelers may find themselves getting caught in a violent crime, particularly if you are unaware of the locations that you are venturing into.
5. Transportation problems can be another issue, especially if you are traveling during the season of heavy rains.
6. Although much less common than other issues, political manifestations could be a problem.