Expat Community > Ecuador

ameridorian1961
Joined 2010
Posts: 121

Holiday safety at the markets & stores on the streets

13 years ago

The thread on Guayaquil bus Safety is to be observed in all the major cities. The reason crime rises during the holidays is due due to more crimes of opportunity with the influx of foreigners and foreign family members.
This thread concerns petty crime. I have not had anything stolen because I remain aware of my surroundings most of the time. Once while shopping in the tourist area of the Quito Malecon I caught 3 young men following us. There is a reason the Embassey posts warnings for this area. Again, in Ahtacames, 3 young men were following us. Both times I made eye contact and made 'gestures' and they moved on. Both times were during the day.
Last year we escorted a 67 year old woman (stranger to us) to one of the street markets for an hour because her husband was too drunk at the casino to take her and she was going alone. That would have been a risk that should not be taken in Quito.
The majority of these crimes are to part you with your bag, backpack, wallet, camera, or other personal belongings. People get robbed because they don't pay attention to their surroundings. It also happens to younger folks so dont think they just target the seniors. To keep your self 99% safe from this type of crime is simple. Try to remain aware of your surroundings or if someone is following you. Look around you when your partner is paying for something to see if someone else is interested in their wallet appearing. There is no question that there will be those who are parted with their money or items this holiday. Dont be one of them. With that said I feel perfectly safe traveling around the country & experiencing many activities with my 75 year old mother and her friend when they come. But when we are at the markets or on the streets you can find me many times several feet or yards behind always watching them shop with my wife or just looking at the sights. Those of you traveling in controlled tours wont have anything to worry about as your hosts will take care of safety. I have heard many stories from Ecuadorians (my relatives) and my wife regarding petty crime in Ecuador. 99% of the time they 'allowed' or put themselves in a situation to be robbed. Dont allow a stranger on the street to distract you. Most Ecuadorians are polite & shy by nature.
I still feel, and am, safer in Ecuador than any larger city I have been to in the US.
Be aware and may your holiday season be happy and safe.

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