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- SAFETY TIPS
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Ecuador is considered to be a relatively "safe" country for
international travelers. The country is a highly recommended travel
destination by many prestigious travel magazines and tourist boards
around the world.
Most places frequented by visitors are safe and protected by local
police and other authorities, however, Ecuador's urban
centers, especially Quito and Guayaquil, are generally more
dangerous than the countryside. The best way to prevent crime is
using your common sense and reduce the likelihood of being a crime
victim by following a few basic precautions.
We highly recommend anyone interested
in visiting the country to do so but do so through a qualified and
profesional tour operator. Our operators in Ecuador, contracted by
Latin Tours Online for local services, are licensed and have many
years of experience in international inbound tourism.
During our tour and travel packages, programs, cruises etc. you will
be accompanied by profesional local guides who will help you in any
way possible, however, common sense is always the best way to go and
we suggest visitors to stay close to the guides, hotels and other
places of interest to be visited during the trip.
A few tips:
- Travel with trustworthy companions
- Find out where the unsafe sectors are and avoid them. Find
out which are the best hours to visit tourist sites.
- Keep all important documents in a secure place, such as an inner
pocket or a pouch that is hidden under a layer of clothing.
- Make copies of your important documents, such as passport, travel
ticket and card numbers. Leave originals in a safe box in your
hotel.
- Always keep a copy of your passport with you.
- Carry travelers checks and credit cards instead of large sums of
cash.
- Walk confidently with your head up. Never stare at the ground, it
makes you look nervous and weak.
- When you feel unsafe listen to your instincts. If you get that
feeling grab a taxi or go into a place with lots of people.
- Be wary of people who are too friendly too quickly, or that offer
to show you around. Use your judgment.
- Don't wear expensive jewelry or wristwatches. They make you a
target. In other words,
do not exhibit or use "flashy" or expensive "looking" jewelry, this
is only an invitation for pick-pockets.
- Your cameras are also valuable, take them inside your bag
or keep them out of sight.
- Keep an eye on your carry shoulder-bags and purses. Take
them in front of you in crowded places.
- Keep all bags and other valuables where you can see them in
restaurants, ground terminals, and other public places.
- Change your currency in a bank or in your hotel. Don’t do
it in the street
- If you rent a car (not recommended), park it in parking
lots, don’t leave valuable objects in the car
and don't take hitchhikers.
- Do not use "local" taxis. Use special "tourist taxis" which can be
found outside most of the hotels or ask the concierge of your hotel
to arrange for transportation if needed. These taxis charge a little
more but are safer and drivers normally speak at least English.
- Do not get into conversations with strangers who want to talk to
you "in private" in secluded areas.
- Do not accept any illegal merchandise from anyone.
- Do not buy or use any type of drugs. Remember this: If something
is illegal in your country it probably is in Ecuador too, and the
laws apply to locals and foreigners alike.
Outside the cities:
- Watch out for the security terms in National Parks. Use the
paths.
- Before getting into the sea, ask if there is any dangerous zone.
Ask about the tides. If you feel that a strong current is taking you
apart from the shore, swim in parallel in relation to the coast
until you reach the shore. Maintain calm.
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