crime

[Nick Name]

Greetings Posters,
I want to visit Ecuador with an eye to moving there. My wife has been looking at websites that say there is too much crime there and that we should not even visit. What do you say? We are Americans.

[LopezPrtrcmm]

unfortunately, there is too much crime.. one thing i'll tell you... is that when you get there (at the airport) try to get a security/body guard or something to watch you and your family during your visit. The reason i'm telling you is that "robers" know who is a turist and they'll follow you and try to kill you or rob you.!! i havn't been to ecuador "yet" hopefully by next year.. and when i go, i'm going with my girlfriend and her mom... so since family are going to pick us up at the airport we dont need to worry too much about robbers.. i hope this helps..

[Nick Name]

OK that does not sound good. I don't like the idea of having a bodyguard. Thank you for the information.

[LopezPrtrcmm]

you're welcome! since anybody answered you i figured i should.. take care.. and good luck...

[chalomora]

I don't agree..........crime is everywhere and compared with america's crime rate...........this is heaven
In regards to bodyguards..........that advice comes from someone who has never been to Ecuador yet.
(I hope he does not come) we don't need people that comments without bases to do so.
You should listen to people that experienced The beautiful Ecuador.

[PattyAC2002]

I can't believe that someone who has never even BEEN to Ecuador would DARE come onto this board & sit there & tell someone that you need a body guard. That is ludicrous!!! I lived there for 5 years & used to walk around w/ a purse clipped onto my belt loop w/ $500 to $600 in cash in it & no one EVER EVER looked cross eyed at me.
The big cities like Quito & Guayaquil are another story altogether. Like any big city anywhere there are a lot of people, foreigners, travelers & thus there is crime - pocketbooks stolen, pick pockets that sort of thing. I am not saying that there is NO crime in Ecuador.
BUT once you leave Quito or Guayaquil & go to a regular city/town for example Loja (population 140,000) in the south of Ecuador where I lived crime is MINIMAL. I always felt very safe & comfortable there. As opposed to here in the U.S. where my child can't play outside alone or go to the store he CAN there in Ecuador. And if he is out playing for hours I don't even have to give it a thought. Whereas here I can't even be relaxed when he goes to the mailbox.
And I am not talking years ago either. My son & I went back for a visit from June 2009 to August 2009 & we had no problems.
A friend & some relatives picked us up in a van when we arrived in Guayaquil but when I was flying back home we took a bus over night. No problem. Arrived in the bus terminal in Guayaquil w/ our luggage. Obviously I am a foreigner. I am paper white skinned Irish. Came out of the bus terminal w/ all of my luggage & my little boy & rented a pickup truck to go to my hotel. Wasn't over charged or high jacked. Went shopping & out to eat in Guayaquil. Went visiting w/ no problems. Went back to the airport to leave to come home. Our plane broke down & our flight was delayed. A boy who worked at the airport was super helpful & kind. Brought me some place comfortable to sit & relax & have coffee & soda that wasn't crowded. And the lady who worked there was also extra nice. Allowed my little boy to plug in his Nintendo to recharge it (portable).
No I totally disagree. Not only is Ecuador quite safe but it is a very visitor friendly place for foreigners. Even if you move there they are very accepting of foreigners & helpful to them.
Couldn't say enough GOOD THINGS about visiting & or LIVING in Ecuador!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any questions please feel free to ask.