Expat Community > Ecuador

Mikeisforfaceless
Joined 2012
Posts: 253

Ways to avoid "The RUNS" in Ecuador

11 years ago

I think all the expats who live here in Ecuador have experienced it at least once. You go to a restaurant and enjoy Almuerzos. The food is delicious but after your last bite you notice a funny taste in your mouth. An hour later your stomach starts to tremble and grumble. Two hours later you are out for the count! You spend a day or two vomitting and dealing with intense diarhea. You feel like you just might die.

I think everyone should share experiences here on what to avoid in order to prevent this from happening, so I will share a bit of what I know.

-If you even slightly lactose intolerant in your home country, DO NOT DRINK MILK HERE.

-Careful of restaurants that serve "Jugos" that are made with water from the tap.

-Be sure when you purchase bottled water that it hasn't been opened and filled with tap. This is kind of rare (at least here in Quito) but sometimes people collect the bottles and refill them.

-Medium or better for steaks here and well done for pork. The USDA standards do not apply from my understanding, plus just from personal experience the cuts are not the type you want served rare.

-if the Ahi on your table looks a bit old do not be afraid to ask for fresh Ahi. I've seen cased where the Ahi had old popcorn in it, and these were better dining establishments.

I invite all expats here to add any tips to help our future guests prevent a trip to the local hospital, or at the minimum have to down a whole bottle of pedialyte.

Mike
Quito Tours- Online Travel Agency dedicated to Ecuador:
www.themiddleoftheworld.com

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