General Tips in Ecuador

I will update this later on but as for now here are some simple tips that will help you enjoy your stay in Ecuador to the maximum:

1. Choose Claro as a cellphone provider as it has the best coverage in the country (Andes, Amazon, Galapagos, Coast) - You might need an ID from a local to get the SIM Card.

2. If your phone allows it you can also get an eSIM, which saves you time but it's probably a bit more expensive than a normal SIM Card.

3. In big cities, don't show you have expensive camera gear or cellphones since that will attract unwanted attention and may lead you to be robbed.

4. If you want to visit the Coast of Ecuador, it's not very advisable as of this moment 2 Dec 2023 to go northern than Mompiche. Esmeraldas is a bit dangerous due to the presence of drug-related problems.

5. If you're renting a car to explore the Andes, it's advisable to rent a 4x4 as most volcanoes don't have proper roads and because it does rain a lot, it might be full of mud and a 4x2 won't make it.

6. Be careful while driving and taking over other cars since there are usually potholes on the road and with heavy rainstorms it can be dangerous.

7. If you're renting a car in Quito be careful with the "Pico & Placa" (there is a specific day per week you can't drive your car in rush hours, it depends on the number of your license plate), if you're stopped by police in that day they will tow your car away and you'll have to pay a fine to get it back.

8. Always use sunscreen while outside, since this is the Equator you will get sunburned faster due to the stronger radiation.

9. Always carry cash with you as in some places, especially on the outskirts of the big cities they might not accept cards. If you're a local you can usually do a transfer or pay with the "De Una" app but as a foreigner is a bit harder.

10. To get a bus around Ecuador usually the most advisable thing is to go to the "Terminal Terrestre" - the main bus terminal in the big cities, and if you're somewhere in between you might signal a passing bus and ask if they can drop you off where you want to go, if it's in between bus stops they will adjust the ticket price.

11. If you're in Guayaquil or Quito I would 100% of the time advise you to take an Uber instead of a yellow taxi and Indrive. There have been many reports of kidnapping or theft in the last two. Uber is usually really safe. And as of yesterday, there is a Metro in Quito so it might be another nice solution to get to the historical center and around town.