Staying Safe in Ecuador
Local Laws
Make sure you have your photo ID on you at all times, as you could be held if you don't. Be aware that drug offenses carry very serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Foreigners are not permitted to engage in political activities, such as participating in protests, and doing so could result in being detained or deported.
If you're arriving by land or river from Peru or Colombia, you might need a police certificate from the last five years that has been apostilled. Tourists can stay for up to 90 days without needing a visa, but be careful not to overstay, as this can lead to fines and prevent you from traveling there in the future.
You might need a yellow fever vaccination if you've spent more than 10 days in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, or Peru before arriving in Ecuador. It's a good idea to have health insurance for your trip. When you meet people, it's polite to greet them, and a handshake is customary when meeting someone new. For friends, a light kiss on the cheek or a hug is common.
In restaurants, it's customary to tip 10% for good service, provided a service charge isn't already included. It's also appreciated to tip tour guides and drivers.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Traveling through Ecuador reveals a progressive legal landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals, where same-sex sexual activity and marriage are legal, and the constitution protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Transgender individuals also have the right to change their legal gender on documents based on self-identification.
Despite these significant legal advancements, societal attitudes can remain conservative in many areas, particularly outside of major cities, meaning discretion is often advisable in public and rural settings. While cities like Quito and Guayaquil offer more welcoming environments and a visible LGBTQ+ community, challenges such as individual discrimination and insufficient investigation of hate crimes still persist, exacerbated by the current security situation.
Scams
When traveling, it's good to be aware of a few common tricks people might try to pull. Sometimes, criminals will try to distract you, maybe by "accidentally" spilling something on you, while someone else takes the chance to grab your wallet or bag. Taxis can also be a bit tricky.
Drivers might say their meter isn't working, take you on a much longer route than necessary, or even work with criminals who might force you to withdraw cash from an ATM. You might also find that bus drivers or ticket sellers try to charge you more than they should. On top of that, keep an eye out for credit card scams, debit card fraud, and people asking for donations to fake charities.
It's also worth noting that some tourists have unfortunately experienced serious assaults and robberies during Ayahuasca ceremonies, so it's wise to be extra careful if you're considering that type of experience.
Crime
You'll want to be aware that petty theft, like pickpocketing, snatching purses, or cutting bags, is quite common. This tends to happen more in busy spots where tourists gather, such as airports, bus stations, markets, and on public transport. Travelers carrying backpacks or laptop bags are often the ones targeted.
When it comes to more serious crimes, like armed robbery, breaking into homes, sexual assault, and kidnapping, these are also unfortunately prevalent. Your risk of experiencing violent crime goes up if you're traveling by yourself or out after dark.
A particular concern is what's known as 'express kidnappings.' This is where people are taken for a short period, usually by taxi, with the goal of forcing them to withdraw money from ATMs.
Sexual assaults have also been reported, with foreign women being particularly vulnerable.
There are certain areas you should be especially careful in, or perhaps even avoid altogether. These include regions close to the Colombian and Peruvian borders, some parts of Guayaquil, and a few coastal provinces, as these areas tend to have higher rates of violent crime.
