How's the crime in Ecuador?

Question

I am going to Quito next month and everything I read makes it seem like it is inevitable that I will be kidnapped or robbed. But thinking about it logically, the same type of crime is prevelant in the US; so it makes me wonder if it's just a warning or something I should be seriously concerned about. Anyone have any first-hand experiences?

Answer 1

My husband has been traveling to Ecuador every year for 20 years, and myself for 7. You will NOT be kidnapped. The crime rate is worse in Miami, Philadelphia and my town then in Ecuador. I've met travelers who were robbed, and mainly they were in Old Town at night and left their bag out while they did something else. Just be sensible! Ecuador is a beautiful country with wonderful people. Don't be scared--be excited!!!

Answer 2

i lived in quito for 27 years its true that there is crime but so is there everywhere else. i recomend that dont wear or have anything expensive that is hanging loose from you like a long bracelet or purse. also dont walk by yourself when its dark just to be on the safe side (in places where there are no people)

Answer 3

Based on personal visits and available evidence from newspapers and other sources in the city, the odds of kidnapping are very low, but those of robbery are somewhat higher. Quito has a reputation for lots of petty street crime, and more than a few unwary tourists have lost cameras, wallets and purses. Ecuador is neither the most dangerous country (Colombia or Venezuela probably merit that dishonor) nor the safest (Chile or Bolivia) in South America, and the rates of street crime are somewhat higher than in most US cities. That said, serious crimes like murder and kidnapping rarely have tourists as victims.

As is the case almost everywhere in the world, be careful in crowded areas and avoid conspicuous display of wealth. Do not carry large sums of cash, and use a photocopy of your passport when touring, leaving the original in your hotel's safe deposit box.The old city and the adjacent La Mariscal can be a little scary at night, but cabs are numerous and inexpensive so after dark hail a licensed cab instead of walking. A few places including the bus terminal area and el Panecillo should be avoided at night and in daytime visited with a guide, or at least a waiting taxi.

With reasonable precautions you are unlikely to be a victim of crime, and Quito is a fascinating and colorful city with lots of good restaurants, interesting sights, and pleasant people.

Answer 4

Crime rate is probably worse down there, but you are right, the same things happen in the U.S., so why all the warnings?  Because when you are unfamiliar with your surroundings, the language, and culture you become an easier target.  Be aware and smart and you won't have problems.  Clearly I can't guarantee that nothing will happen to you, but most people go to Quito without problems.

I've spent a fair amount of time in Quito without problems.  Visit, have fun, and just be smart.

Answer 5

well let me tell you i recently went to Manta, ecuador oin March.

I was going out dancing with my cousins then stepped out for a break and looked at one of their friends phones cause i was bored and  there was a guy around 21-23 looking at me and i thought he was just being disgusting but no he wanted the phone. so when we were abiut to go in the exact guy ran swiftly by me taking the phone away from but i pulled it back to me 3x until i felt that my foot was gonna twist and let go and he ran away.

the men in charge said should we call the police and we were like no but either they weren't gonna do anything. so i felt bad for the guy and gave him $10 which i was gonna eat with he didn't want to take it but i just put in his pocket.

i did go to quito for a day just watcho out and protect those with you cause ther ewas this guy in a red shirt nearby a train staion kept staring at the big purses me,my momand aunt were wearing  until we went inside a restaraunt and ate and when we came out he was still there even on the same train until he left on another stop and went safley to the placce we wanted to go-  la mitad del mundo

but other than that just be smart and not show off "precious things."

Answer 6

I go to Ecuador every summer, and I lived in Cuenca for the first few years of my life and I can tell you, you'll be fine for most part. Sure my Ecuador isn't the safest but it ain't the most dangerous. Don't flash cash, don't walk alone at dark (especially through parks in Quito), watch out with the cabs sometimes (they take advantage of tourists), care for your belongings (passport, credit cards, etc). The crime is avoidable, as long as you don't attract any unwanted attention to yourself, you'll be fine.

Answer 7

As long as you don't have money hanging off of ya, you'll be fine... just be smart.