Expat Community > Ecuador

Royboy
Joined 2019
Posts: 76

Living and driving in Guayaquil

5 years ago

I have read a number of articles where the majority of expats use taxis and buses rather than own and drive their own cars. I agree that in many, maybe even most cases, that may be for the best.... For me though, driving is a necessity. I have lived in Guayaquil for many years and I drive the streets here and throughout Ecuador daily. I enjoy the freedom having an automobile gives me... Driving in downtown Guayaquil during high traffic hours is often challenging. But for me, owner if several businesses, it is a necessity. If you plan to own and drive an automobile in Ecuador here are several important factors to consider.
1. Very few drivers in Ecuador carry collision insurance.
2. Most drivers will leave the scene of a crash before the police can arrive...
3. In Ecuador, you are assumed guilty until proven innocent.. Very often when officers respond to an injury crash, both drivers are initially arrested and kept in custody for 'preventive custody' until things can be sorted out sometimes months later....
4. Police here are not often interested in justice. And if you really want justice here, that justice often has an 'additional' cost;) .......
If you do find yourself in a situataion where you really do need to own a car as I do. Here are a few suggestions.:
1. Hold and carry a current Ecuatorian Driver's License at all times.
2. Obey all traffic laws..Most of the streets have cameras and those cameras are used for traffic enforcement. Before renewing your registration each year you will have to pay any fines you have incurred during the previous years driving. Those fines can easily be in the thousands of dollars if you arent careful..
3.. Make sure your car is in good repair. You dont ever want to be broke down on the side of the road waiting for a good simaritan to help you..
4 be prepared to be stopped by Law Enforcement. Alot! They don't need to have 'probable cause' or even a 'reasonable suspicion' to stop you. There are often checkpoints set up to stop vehicles and check for violations.....
5. Always keep several five dollar bills in your vehicle. They can come in handy if you are stopped and there is some sort of violation and you prefer to work things out at the scene. And don't be easily offended by the Police.. Smile and hope for the best...
6. Buy a camera that mounts on you rear view mirror to record traffic ahead of you while you are driving..they can easily be found for less than a hundred dollars. If you are in a crash, the offender is unlikely to be truthful about the event. Protect yourself....
.7. Always wear your seat belt and require that all occupants of your car do the same. It's the law and might well save your life....
8. Make sure you have your Emergency Kit. Reflectors, Fire Extinguisher and First Aid Kit. You will be asked for it often.
9. While in downtown, keep your windows up and the doors locked. If another driver tells you your tire is low, don't stop and check it.
10. Stay alert, and be smart!....
The list is certainly not complete. But its the best I could do in a few minutes of thought.

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