'Security of Americans in Ecuador?' Expat

Brad (63.176.159.121) - 06/14/06 08:05

This is what the U.S. Embassy says about security of Americans in Ecuador.

What is the real story?

What are the real dangers?

Where are the safe places?

How much risk is there for expats?

The U.S. Embassy in Quito advises against travel to the northern border of Ecuador, to include the provinces of Sucumbios, Orellana and Carchi and northern Esmeraldas Province. U.S. Government personnel are restricted from travel to these areas due to the spread of organized crime, drug trafficking, small arms trafficking, and incursions by various Colombian terrorist organizations. Since 1998, at least ten U.S. citizens have been kidnapped near Ecuador's border with Colombia. One U.S. citizen was murdered in January 2001 by kidnappers holding him for ransom.

Political demonstrations occur frequently throughout Ecuador for various reasons. Protesters often block city streets and rural highways, including major arteries such as the Pan American Highway. Public transportation is often disrupted during these events. Protesters may burn tires, throw rocks and Molotov cocktails, engage in destruction of property and detonate small improvised explosive devices during demonstrations. Police response may include water cannons and tear gas. United States citizens and U.S.- affiliated interests are not usually targeted, but U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are in progress and to be prepared with backup transportation plans. Please see the following links for the local information in Quito and Guayaquil's Consular Districts, respectively: http://www.usembassy.org.ec/Espanol/CONSULAR/ConsuSP.htm and http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov/wwwhengacswarden.html U.S. citizens may also keep informed of daily happenings by following the local news and police reports. As there are no English language news outlets in Ecuador, English-speaking hotel personnel and tour guides can also provide information if you do not speak Spanish.

• travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1106.html

Comment #1 Gary from Ecuador development Group, Cotacachi - 11/24/07 00:01

We have lived in Ecuador for a year and have traveled extensively by bus between Ibarra, Cotacachi, Quito and the North coast. Some of what is posted in the state dept. item about security along the border with Columbia is correct. There is simply no reason for the casual tourist to go there. We went through San Lorenzo which is north of Esmeraldas once and it was not inviting, but quite interesting to view from the bus.

But most of the rest of the stuff in the post is either fear tactics by the us gov to keep people away from Ecuador, or it just hasn't been updated.

Ecuador does have a very effective form of participatory democracy--if the gov., local or national, does something the people don't like, they take to the streets and shut things down for awhile. For the most part the police just watch until it is finished. It is a fact of life and generally well accepted.

A few years ago, Ecuadorians were really upset with blatant corruption and kicked out several different presidents. It did get a bit violent when the presidents resisted the will of the people, but finally the politicians saw the light and left. Then the people went back to work. Refreshing, no? Now President Correa has a 70-75% popularity rating so things at the national level are pretty quiet.

Not once have we felt threatened in Ecuador. Generally, however, the mountains are safer than the coast, smaller cities and towns safer than large cities. Guayaquil particularly has a bad reputation. Of course, where ever you travel, it is wise to use common sense and be alert.

Check our website for travel safety tips and lots more. www.pro-Ecuador.com

Pleasant journeys

Gary

• Resources for expat success

Comment #2 Jimmy (63.176.159.169) - 09/28/08 11:05

Let's have the U.S. State Department prepare a report about the USA. If they were honest everyone would be afraid to visit.

Take your common sense along with your Ecuador and have a great time.

Comment #3 mark salerno (71.124.250.57) - 10/12/08 21:01

sitting at work in cape cod massachusetts and thinking about how nice it would be to live in ecuador so been doing a little research can you give me a few suggestions

Comment #4 Bill Tarpenning (24.136.197.82) - 11/02/08 07:52

Thinking of Ecuador as a retirement place - Altitude of Quito is not healthy for me. Heard bad things about Guayaquil. Is there a costal, city of some size, Where one could find a large apartment, in an area of shops, restaurants, pubs, etc, where one could walk safely.

Comment #5 Jakob (199.254.165.254) - 11/14/08 12:48

Ecuador is a very beautiful place. I personally think that it is one of the most exiting ries in the world, you never know what its coming next. I do think Ecuador is safe just dont put your safe into unesesary risks and you will be fine. If you go to this website you can look at beutiful pictures about Ecuador of all the experiences that ive had inn Ecuador.

• ecuador

Comment #6 Clare (63.176.159.240) - 12/18/08 04:02

Jakob, that link was pretty cool. I'm thinking of visiting Ecuador and I will defiantly visit some of those places on that link. Thanks

Comment #7 Jim Dailing (76.110.224.196) - 01/14/09 11:48

Although I am eighty I am considering the move to perhaps Quito or Cuenca. Would I be happy spending the rest of my life there?

Jim

Comment #8 Michelle (75.104.41.145) - 01/19/09 17:47

I am a 62 yr. old single widow lady. I have been reading about Ecuador for about one year. I am not at all fearful. I will use plain ordinary common sense and I know that I will be safe and very happy. I will visit there in March to find and buy a home for myself. I will move there in April. I plan to look in the area of Imbaburra. I feel very confident about my safety. I do invite those who are interested to write to me and I will pass on referrals of those you can contact to learn more. Ecuador is a beautiful & facinatingly diverse place to visit and to live. I invite you to concider traveling with me. I promise you a facinating adventure seeing Ecuador and it's people.

Comment #9 Michelle (75.104.41.145) - 01/19/09 18:01

Responding to Comment #7 Jim Dailing.

Jim I am marginally disabled. I am often in a motorized wheelchair. I have been in correspondence with those that live in Ecuador and I feel very comfortable going there. As I said above I will be moving there after my visit in March 2009. Contact Ecuador Living (google it) to learn more about the trip March 8-9. I checked with LAN Airlines today and learned that I can fly from Miami to Quito for less than $450.00RT. The hotel in Cotacachi is about $63.00 a night. Two meals a day in a fine restaurant is less than $10.00 a day. The cost of the session that will take me to Imbaburra to find the realestate I need is more costly - just less than $1000.00. But, they will put me in touch with those that will not scam me. They know where all the safe, reputable places are. They take us, teach us, help us, translate for us if needed. And much more. Check out Ecuador Living...you will be pleased that you did. For those that want to email me direct...mickie.mccall @gmail.com I will be happy to respond. Good luck in your quest Jim.

Comment #10 al porter (74.72.171.162) - 03/01/09 12:42

hello just would like to know how is the economy in ecuador because i would like to start a I.T firm over there that ceater to big and small companies in ecuador please feel free to add any commentsrelating toward and i thank u in advance to taking the time and reading this have great day .

p.s here is my e-mail remaatrixs@hotmail.com

Comment #11 al porter (74.72.171.162) - 03/01/09 12:44

please excuse my erro my e-mail is rematrixs@hotmail.com sorry iso please hope to here from u soon

Comment #12 Jerry Page from Alex. City, , Alabama - 05/09/09 18:55

I've recently become interested in Ecuador as a place to semi-retire and I'm attempting to obtain information through this website. I am interested in the Colonial District of Quito and wonder what is the possibility of renting in that area?

Comment #13 DC (186.66.74.186) - 06/01/09 18:59

I'm British, married to an Ecuadorian and have lived here for 13 years (in Quito). The security situation is not good. Petty crime is rife and increasingly violent in both Quito and Guayaquil. Express kidnapping is a particular problem in Guayaquil. Druggings of robbery victims are becoming more commonplace. I work in Security so trust me as I talk to law enforcement here on a regular basis. Armed assault on overnight buses is quite common. The entire northern border is a haven for drug runners and arm smugglers with a huge amount of illegal Colombian immigrants. Due to their inability to get work, many turn to crime - as do many Ecuadorians all over the country as the country struggles with difficult economic conditions. Ask yourself this...why does virtually every building have an armed guard? Why are there hundreds and hundreds of private security companies in such a small country? Ecuador can be visited but you do need to keep your wits about you at all times and be very wary. It is certainly beautiful and has many things very much worth seeing but do it fore-warned. This is the third world so don't entirely trust individuals or companies promoting it as the ideal place to retire for example - they have a biased view as they are selling you something and it is in their interests to paint a rosy picture.

Comment #14 cwemoy (63.176.159.76) - 07/14/09 06:58

Is there any safe haven for Americans apart from where they call home? What then makes them prone to such attacks? If indeed there is such a huge threat to American expats, does the US government put enough measures to safeguard its citizens. I came across a story of am American that was stabbed eighteen times. It seems that caution should also observed when considering investing in property

Comment #15 rejeanor (198.85.214.6) - 08/03/09 13:30

We are looking at renting a beach house near Salinas for Christmas. What are your thoughts on travel to this area of Equador especially coming through the airport?

Comment #16 Erin (96.224.234.215) - 08/18/09 13:48

al porter: why would you want to start a business in a communist country? Or soon-to-be communist? I certainly wouldn't start a business there as a foreigner; before you know it you'll be charged with theft and all your holdings will be confiscated

Comment #17 Michelle (200.93.221.131) - 08/25/09 15:14

Hi, this is an update..... I now live in Viilcabamba, Ecuador. I have been for 2 and 1/2 months. I love it, it is extremely beautiful, totally peaceful, economical and VERY SAFE. I find that it is not convenient for me to use my wheelchair here, but I feel so much better that it is only a problem on occasion. I live VERY well on $600.00 to $650.00 a month in a fabulous gated home. Check out my facebook for photos and write on my wall. I will answer if you ask questions. My email is mickie.mccall@gmail.com.

Comment #18 al porter (74.68.108.191) - 12/03/09 02:18

"any tip of way of life "

hello once agin to those how are living the good life in ecuador i would like to ask that iam trying or thinking about starting a business in ecuador in I.T but also in programmin software , graphic design , web ddesign for large and small companies , any advice any one can give that live over there , once agin thank you in advance for takimg the time in reading this post please feel free to anwser my questionj and have a great day

Comment #19 al porter (74.68.108.191) - 12/03/09 02:21

"this my e-mail "

sorry forgot to leave my e-mail rematrixs@hotmail.com, also my = 1347-968-2357 please only serious respones thank you

Comment #20 Sam & Sharon Burkhalter (166.203.41.131) - 12/07/09 12:20

"mr. & mrs."

Want to stay for 2 or 3 months and see how we like living there. Are there ex-pats whom we can communicate directly with for info?

Comment #21 Larry (173.134.137.26) - 12/15/09 23:05

"Income ideas"

I married a beautiful lady from Quito, Ecuador and we have been preparing to move there permanently. We travel there often during the year and in the very near future retire there.

However, my interests are to have an active lifestyle by which I can do business from there either online or country to country.

Is there anyone out there that may have any advice and suggestions while seeking retirement? Thank you.

Comment #22 Guayagringa from Guayaquil, Ecuador - 01/06/10 15:27

"Dont be frightened away"

I feel bad when I hear so much negative reporting on Guayaquil. Yes there is serious crime, but it is a huge city...close to a million people. I have been living here for years, and have never had a problem. I am a single woman with children. I take public transportation at night for my job, and feel safe. Guayaquil has a lot to offer, so please, see it yourself before making a judgement.

Comment #23 Jack (69.117.196.179) - 02/07/10 09:52

"Bringing my dogs to Ecuador"

How do I get my dogs into Ecuador when I move there?

Comment #24 sara (201.238.142.161) - 03/19/10 12:57

"Ecuador"

I live in Ecuador and it is a wonderful country. Its people are so nice and kind, they will give you the most warming welcome. I have put together a helpful fact sheet, and also an aricle on Ecuadorian manners and customs

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