Ecuador is considered one of the safest countries in the Andean Region. The Ecuadorian government has increased police patrols in tourist areas, but travelers in resort areas along the coast and in Quito and Guayaquil should remain alert to their surroundings and maintain constant control of personal belongings. Public markets, restaurants, and crowded streets provide opportunities for pick pocketing and burglary of personal effects.

In Quito, travelers should be particularly alert on the crowded streets of south Quito. The Mariscal Sucre District is a popular tourist area in Quito with numerous restaurants, bars, hotels, and shopping sites, and has become safer over the years.

In Guayaquil, extra caution should be taken in the street market area of La Bahia, at the Christ Statue on Cerro del Carmen, and in the southern part of the city.
Criminals sometimes use incapacitating drugs on people in order to rob them. These drugs may be administered in drinks, cigarettes, chewing gum or by direct skin contact. Never allow a stranger to buy you a drink or leave your drink unattended. Avoid accepting flyers or papers from a person in the street, as it could be contaminated.

The best way to prevent crime is to use your common sense and reduce the likelihood of being a crime victim by following a few basic precautions.

What To Do

Upon arrival at your destination
- Adhere to advice on districts or regions to avoid when given by your tour operator. Such advice is usually based on prior experiences of someone just like you.
- Keep your passport locked in a safe and carry a photocopy. Keep your passport number and issue details in a separate place.
- Ask your hotel or colleagues upon arrival about common local scams and distraction techniques.

While out and about
- Lock your room before setting out.
- Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded stations, busy streets, or market places.
- Keep one hand free to protect yourself and your valuables. Specific targets for thieves are shoulder bags, outside pouches of backpacks, and cameras that hang from straps. Wear them under a jacket or shirt so they are less accessible to thieves.
- Use yellow taxis to travel within the city. They are usually cheap, depending on the length of the trip, and safe. Avoid crowded public buses.
- Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up when driving. Use cars with air conditioning.

While in your hotel
- Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Always sleep in locked and secured accommodation.
- Meet visitors in the lobby.
- When out of the hotel, leave your key with the concierge.
- Keep valuables in the hotel safe.

Public transportation
- Use only "registered" taxis, preferably radio taxis. Negotiate the fee before entering the taxi. In Quito, ask for the taxi meter.
- Carry money in small denominations at all times, so you have change for the taxi bill and don't need a large note where you may not receive change.
- Keep your luggage locked and in your view at all times.

What To Avoid

- Avoid carrying large sums of cash. Carry an ATM card and travelers checks, and change them as necessary.
- Don't wear expensive clothing or jewelry; don't carry expensive cameras or a portable computer.
- Don't accept food offerings; they may contain sedatives to induce sleep and allow you to be robbed.
- Avoid clothing that declares your nationality or political beliefs.
- Avoid alleys, poorly lit streets, and walking alone at night.
- Don't drive when jet lagged or tired.
- Don't drive at night.
- Don't pick up hitchhikers.
- Avoid overcrowded public transportation, when possible.