Is travel in Ecuador more dangerous for gringoes than other latin american countries?

Susan Simko: Is travel in Ecuador more dangerous for gringoes than other latin american countries?
I read some in a travel book and the warnings were so scary concerning assaults, weapons and kidnapping. I am now a little shy of travelling there and yet would like to go if it is safer than what I read. Anyone help?

Answers and Views:

Answer by chuchi
No where is safe, just be careful. And have fun.

Answer by HouAnswerGuy
I travel extensively thruout latin America and find most places to be fine as long as you travel smart…blend in as much as possible…no wearing expensive jewelry or watches (or even fakes that might look expensive)…no goiong out partying all night and tryin to find your hotel dead drunk or going home with that hottie you just met…no flashing wads of money or piles of credit cards…Just use common sense and you will be fine…enjoy learn and hopefully make some new friends.

Answer by rentech68
Ecuador is safe, the stories you hear in the travel books I found them to be a bit more then what you are really going to experience, i was there last year for 5 weeks and going again in three weeks, just be aware be smart and you should be fine , most crime in ecuador is of the none violent type meaning pick pocket, cameras stollen from bag ect…. have a good time in one of the most beautiful country in the world….ren

Answer by Beer is good for breakfast
You have to be smart wherever you go, but Ecuador is not any more dangerous than other places. I was there last week and never felt threatened. But always keep your guard up while traveling. Listen to other tips people give you about staying safe.
Enjoy Ecuador. It is a beautiful country with lots to see and do.

Answer by taigboland
I lived two years in ecuador,it is very safe if your reasonably careful in the big cities. All the kidnappings of foriegners were employees of the oil companies.
If your out late in guayaquil or Quito,use a taxi.
and take plenty of small bills. Even changing a ten can be hard for some of the businesses.
Banos was a very nice,and safe town

Answer by apple e. m
There is no real safe place in travel.At airports around the world crimes are committed even at the counters.If you are not careful at a glance your belonging is gone.So put in your mind ‘SAFETY’ at all times.

Traveling with a local in any country is always safer than traveling by yourself.Should you need a travel guide be sure he or she is from the travel agency. Always travel in groups.Avoid going into dark and secluded places.If you have a camera and you want someone to take a snapshot of you,let your companion do the shooting.Don’t make the mistake of letting the” guy in the area” do it or he will take a shot of you and he will also take your camera and ran!!

Always remember that danger is always present.Even at home!!

DON’T GET COZY WITH THOSE SWEET TALKING GUYS! IF YOU DON’T WANT TO HAVE PROBLEMS!! STAY AWAY FROM THEM.THEY ARE AFTER SOMETHING.

Answer by trishy-trish
I’ve been to Ecuador twice and traveled there extensively. If you travel smart and are aware of your surroundings, I don’t believe it is dangerous. Of course, you have to be aware, especially of pick pocketers (and in Quito many young street children are the worst) so just make sure you keep your money and valuables close to you.

I heard a few stories of people being held up, but all of those people were carrying too much (one for instance had 4 cell phone and 2 cameras). Someone mentioned blending in and not wearing anything too flashy, that is good advice. In the time I spent there (over 2 months) I did hear of one story that occurred on the Columbian-Ecuador border, where rebels boarded a bus and robbed the riders. This is not meant to scare you from traveling Ecuador, as all of my experiences were WONDERFUL! I just wanted to give you all of the info I had.

Some things that would make your travels safer and easier:

Be able to speak some Spanish
Do not walk alone at night
Travel by taxis at night (especially in the cities)
Keep your valuables secure, but do not carry more than what is necessary
Walk around with your head up and confidently

Most of all, enjoy the beautiful place that is Ecuador, there are so many beautiful things to see and experience and Ecuadorians are such wonderful people.