×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

WARNING to GAY TOURISTS/RESIDENTS of QUITO

13 years ago
I have been living in Quito now for about 5 months but have been preoccupied with my new job and learning my way around the city. Last weekend I decided to go out for the first time and try to meet some people at a popular gay bar here. (Tercer Mileneo).

I was approached by a very friendly, well-dressed, seemingly educated young man who was very sociable, attentive, polite, asked me to dance, etc. Toward the end of the evening he began sharing his drink with me (vodka and OJ). He asked if we should continue our conversation back at my place. I consented. After about 30 minutes of conversation there the next thing I realize is that it is about TEN HOURS LATER, I am waking up disoriented, the guy is gone and so is my laptop, ipod, camera, watch, alarm clock, etc. Obviously the drink he had so generously shared had been spiked with a knock-out drug.

OK, there are many lessons to be learned here : don´t accept drinks from strangers in a bar, don´t invite someone back to your place until you really get to know them. I don´t know how widespread this phenomenon is, but people should be aware that gringos can and are targeted in this country by thieves. I am living proof of this: the FIRST TIME I went out, this happened to me. Will it happen again? Who can I trust? It has not fostered good feelings between myself and Ecuadorians. I hope this will change in time.

If anyone out there knows more about this, please let me know. How widespread is this? Any further tips on avoiding becoming a victim? What kind of drugs are used and are they potentially dangerous?

Have fun out there but be careful! Don´t become paranoid but be aware that you very likely are being watched---and not in the way you would like. Don´t become another statistic!

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Ecuador GuideLiving in Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador share some of the pros and cons of living in Ecuador. Topics covered include where to live, the bureaucracy, the people and more.

Ecuador Forum Ecuador Forum
Join our Ecuador forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ecuador.

Contribute to Ecuador Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Best Places to Live in Ecuador Best Places to Live in Ecuador

If you're dreaming about living in Ecuador, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ecuador in 2023.

Healthcare in EcuadorHealthcare in Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.

Cost of Living in EcuadorCost of Living in Ecuador

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ecuador.

Moving to EcuadorMoving to Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.

Real Estate in EcuadorReal Estate in Ecuador

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Ecuador.

Pros Cons of Living in EcuadorPros & Cons of Living in Ecuador

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ecuador.

Retiring in EcuadorRetiring in Ecuador

Advice for people retiring in Ecuador.

10 Tips for Living in Ecuador10 Tips for Living in Ecuador

If you've recently arrived in Ecuador, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Ecuador.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Ecuador Network Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides