Safety update for Ecuador based on recent experience and community reports:
General Safety Level: Higher risk than average — stay vigilant.
Common Risks:
- Taxi overcharging — always use app-based rides
- Fake police demanding bribes — ask for badge number
- Room theft — use hotel safe
Areas to Avoid:
Avoid the area around the bus station at night.
Police Situation:
Police are generally helpful to tourists.
Stay safe out there.
Common scams in Ecuador and how to avoid them
Started by BristolBen · 16 Mar 2026 · 1415 views
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Location: Bristol, UK
16 Mar 2026 at 18:56
Bristol, UK | 16 countries visited
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Location: Vancouver, Canada
17 Mar 2026 at 22:56
Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.
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Location: Phoenix, AZ
19 Mar 2026 at 09:56
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Phoenix, AZ
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Location: Buffalo, NY
20 Mar 2026 at 06:56
Word of caution — do not carry too much cash. Other than that, great destination.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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Location: Newcastle, UK
21 Mar 2026 at 12:56
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Newcastle Nick
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Location: Dublin, Ireland
22 Mar 2026 at 07:56
First time was overwhelming but exciting. Second time was so much more efficient. Experience makes all the difference.
Dublin, Ireland | 34 countries visited
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Location: Denver, CO
23 Mar 2026 at 01:56
Agreed on all points. Make sure to get a local SIM.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Wanderlust Carl
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Location: Seattle, WA
23 Mar 2026 at 06:56
Did you use freelancers or find girls at bars?
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Location: Sydney, Australia
23 Mar 2026 at 08:56
Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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Location: San Francisco, CA
24 Mar 2026 at 05:56
Good info. Going during the week is much better — less crowded and better prices.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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Location: Cardiff, UK
25 Mar 2026 at 07:56
Spot on with the prices. Matches what I paid recently.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Cardiff, UK
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Location: Nashville, TN
25 Mar 2026 at 11:04
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Nashville, TN
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Location: Orlando, FL
25 Mar 2026 at 18:04
Word of caution — some online profiles are fake. Other than that, great destination.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Orlando Oscar
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Location: Glasgow, UK
25 Mar 2026 at 22:04
Quick question — how was the transport?
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Location: Montreal, Canada
26 Mar 2026 at 21:56
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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Location: Toronto, Canada
27 Mar 2026 at 00:04
Different experience for me. Prices were lower when I went.
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Location: Minneapolis, MN
27 Mar 2026 at 06:04
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
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Location: Washington, DC
27 Mar 2026 at 07:04
Different experience for me. Prices were higher when I went.
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Location: Portland, OR
27 Mar 2026 at 08:04
First time was a learning experience. Second time was 10x smoother. Experience makes all the difference.
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
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Location: Portland, OR
27 Mar 2026 at 08:04
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
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