I was wondering if anyone knows if ecuadors a dangerous place? thinkin about teaching english any help?

Question

living in ecuador just wondering if its to dangerous for an american citizen to live?

Answer 1

I visited Ecuador, Quito to be exact, in 2006 and I can tell you that it's a very safe place. I found it safer than San Juan, Puerto Rico if you have been there. If you speak fluent Spanish and use common sense you should have no problems. The only issues (and I say that reluctantly) was when we were eye-balled by some rough looking people just east of old city (toward that angel on the hill) but nothing came of it as we just crossed the street and kept going.

    As a side note, beggers are pretty bad there and THAT was annoying but I don't think that was particularly unexpected. North Americans (and you should be careful about saying "American" as they are technically "American too, just SOUTH American) are usually regarded very well and usually just dismissed as tourists. Protests do flair up but  usually they don't extend much past a major square. They would rather have your money than your humiliation.

    I will say that working with the locals can be an exercise in patience, they tend to not be as assertive. If you are touring I would NOT recommend the "middle of the world," it truly is a tourist trap. Outside the city gets very remote but the hot springs are VERY nice. I would get some special tea that help with adjusting to the altitude as well.

    Basically, (Quito anyway) Ecuador is a safe place even when not in the tourist areas but with any city anywhere there are bad spots but common sense and a good head should get your out of (or steer you away in the first place) from most situations.

    Just a note about flying into the city, it's pretty rough so be prepared for that.

Answer 2

have lived here for the last two years and i would say there are dangerous areas but overall, it is really safe here.  it really just depends where you go and at what time.  mostly, common sense and preventive measures will help you out.  most of the crime that happens is not violent (pickpockets, etc).

Answer 3

I went there on a missionary trip as a teenager, was there for two weeks and had a wonderful time!  The people were friendly, we encountered no problems whatsoever.  But.. this was in the late 90's, before the Bush Administration caused the world to begin regarding America in a much less favorable light.  There are many places I would not be comfortable traveling nowadays, but I would have to say that Ecuador is probably still safe.  I would go there again, if I could.  Good luck, and enjoy!  It's SO beautiful there!!!

Answer 4

My father used to live in Ecuador, in Quito.  From what I've heard, it is fairly safe in the major, European style cities.  The people there respect (north) Americans and are freindly.  The only negatives that I know (in the modern cites that is) is beggars, the occasional pickpocket or theif, and the fact that most everyone speaks Spanish or a native language.  Highly educated people speak English, and a minority of people speak Dutch/German (which I speak somewhat).