ECUADOR SAFE OR NOT SAFE?

by Charles R Barrett
(Cuenca Ecuador)

Cuenca Ecuador - Safe or Unsafe? - By Charles Barrett - The frequent question asked by friends of expats, expats and visitors to Cuenca, “Is it safe?” The word “Safe” is a relative word, depending on what part of the world in which you live! So those of us who live in Cuenca feel “safe” but we have also learned to exercise good common sense and caution.

There is crime in Cuenca (as you will find in certain areas of most large cities)! Those of us living here have all heard of or even experienced petty crimes, the taking of money, jewelry, purses, or other personal property. There isn’t a person living here who doesn’t think about those things when out and about the city. In addition to being “vigilant” in observing those things around you, here are some additional “Dos and Don’ts”:

DON’Ts:
1. Don’t wear flashy jewelry or even fake jewelry that looks expensive - it makes you a target.
2. Don’t carry your back pack on your back. Carry it in the front and lock it.
3. Don’t store any valuables in over head bins on buses.
4. Don’t put your bill folds in your back pockets.
5. Don’t carry all your identification, credit cards and money in your bill fold. If you have to carry these things, try to use different pockets to lessen your loss if your pocket gets picked.
6. Don’t carry your passport around with you – leave in a secure locked up place in your hotel or apartment.
7. Don’t openly talk on the cell phone or text in public or at least not on the street.
8. Don’t lay your bags or purse down and then step out of the taxi to pay. Hold the items or pay before you exit.
9. Don’t walk down dark, seemingly deserted streets.
10. Don’t trust common locks on hotel doors.
11. Don’t hang your camera, purse, computer or back pack on your chair in a public place. If you place it underfoot, put your foot through the strap.
12. Don’t pay the first price quoted you.

DOs:
1. Do carry you computer and purse in front of you with strap over your head.
2. Do carry color copies of your passport for identification purposes. (You may need notarized copies for certain visa requirements.)
3. If you feel you are being followed or stalked, step into the nearest store or building.
4. Do check your Taxi for Government Identification and numbers and working door handles before getting in.
5. Do ask the price of a taxi before getting in – most rides around town should cost you $1.50 to $2.00.
6. Do plan where you going and follow your plan.
7. Do be careful of “cheap” hotels - a cheap hotel may not be cheap in the long run.
8. Do make copies of all credit and ATM cards in case you need to call the companies.
9. Do have the contact info for the nearest US Consulate in Ecuador in case you have problems

A friend recently had a worker steal his wife wedding ring while putting up new curtains in their apartment. They did not have proof of purchase so they could not file a police report.
When shipping or bring your personal valuables to Ecuador;
1. Take pictures of them.
2. If possible bring original invoice
3. Put you passport number on them
4. Have them appraised if you don’t have a bill of sale

For a 14 PAGE FREE HELPFUL FACTS REORT ON ECUADOR email me at president@bcsfinancialfirm.com .