Ecuador Travel Safety InformationLooking for information about Ecuador travel safety? Well, you’re in the right place. Not only do I live in Ecuador but I’m also an experienced law enforcement officer who specializes in travel safety. Click here to read more
about me.
Crime in Ecuador Let me forewarn you that crime in Ecuador’s larger cities such as Quito and Guayaquil is bad. There’s no other way to put it. What types of crimes may travelers encounter? Many of the same crimes that occur in your country, you may see in Ecuador. However, the most common crimes that affect tourists include armed robbery, pick pocketing, purse snatching, and sexual assault. Let’s take a look at some examples of how travelers can be victimized by these crimes. Most armed robberies occur outside hotels frequented by foreigners. Criminals often hangout around these hotels and rob foreign guests as the exit. Travelers often become victims of pick pocketing after taking public transportation, like crowd buses. Criminals use these buses because they know that it’s easy to distract foreigners and steal their belongings. Using maybe a problem if visiting Guayaquil. Many tourists have been the victims of robbery and sexual assault at the hands of criminals posing as taxi drivers. Many criminals use scams to victimize foreigners visiting tourist attractions in the larger cities. For example, in Quito criminals will squirt liquids (usually mustard, ketchup, or water) on tourists and steal their bags while “helping” to clean them off. So, watch out for this one if visiting the Old Town District in Quito. Many foreigners visiting are unknowingly drugged with scopolamine while hanging out at bars around Quito and Guayaquil. This drug is placed in the drinks of the victim and he/she is later robbed or sexually assaulted. Women traveling alone often are the targets of this crime and should use caution when visiting Ecuador. These are of few things that travelers to Ecuador should be aware of while visiting.
|
