Quito, Ecuador Report of what it's like to live there - 05/07/25
Personal Experiences from Quito, Ecuador
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
From the United States. United, American Airlines, and Delta have frequent flights here from the U.S. Many foreign airlines like Copa and Avianca have connecting flights all over the country and nearby countries. Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport is like any other international airport. Many flights get here very late, around midnight, especially if you’re flying United, most come from Houston. Lots of taxis at the airport, around $25 to get into the city, 45 minutes. Uber is also available and inexpensive. Most short rides are less than $3.
3. What years did you live here?
2024 to the present.
4. How long have you lived here?
Six months.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We have a nice apartment in Sierra del Moral neighborhood in the North of Quito. Three bed, 2.5 bath, about 1,400 sqft. It’s a gated neighborhood within a larger gated neighborhood so it’s pretty safe, really beautiful views of the city and mountains. Many other embassy workers also live nearby in houses and apartments, as well as in the valley Cumbaya. Commute to the embassy is around 20-25 minutes with traffic from here.
City roads are not that great, new pot holes seem to form everyday, and many roads are cobblestone like. Speed bumps are everywhere, most are fine, others are really tall, having a vehicle with high clearance helps. I have a compact car that’s low to the ground so it’s a struggle. That being said… the highways are fantastic. Night and day compared to the city roads. Very smooth and easy to drive out of town.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
It depends on what you’re buying and where. The grocery stores here are very comparable to Walmart and Kroger. Most things you can buy, but brands you’re used to from the states will be a lot more expensive since they’re imported. I would bring sauces. I’ve paid up to $9 for a simple bottle of spicy mayo/bbq sauce that would cost $4 from the U.S. The good things is that most organic fruit and veg are very inexpensive. You can buy a pound of regular tomatoes for $1. Many people also sell groceries from mini markets spread all over the city, even cheaper. Cleaning supplies are abundant, you can find the same brands as the U.S. If you like spicy, bring your own spicy snacks. They market many items as ‘spicy’ but they are NOT. Spice is not normally used in Ecuadorian cooking. The Ají they use here or ‘salsa’ as I know it has a very strong onion flavor and low heat.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Peanut butter, cream cheese (no Philadelphia brand here, their brands taste different and the texture is different), sauces of all kinds ( I have not been able to find sriracha (the brand with the rooster on it), Mexican chorizo (if possible) the chorizo here tastes more like regular sausage, Kerry gold butter, buttermilk (if possible), hot Cheetohs (the ones here are not spicy), and all Trader Joe’s snacks since they don’t ship.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
You can order anything to your home. Very convenient. I use Uber eats, but there are local delivery services like Tipti. Food, household items, vet care, grooming, massages etc. Many good Neopolitan pizza shops here as well as Korean food, bakeries, burgers, and sushi which is surprising. I like Noe sushi.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Quite the opposite, we have not seen any cockroaches or rodents. Very few mosquitoes, some small spiders around the apt. We leave the door open every night for fresh air.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We receive all mail at the embassy. Not sure about the local postal facilities.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help is very inexpensive from what I have heard, we don’t have a house keeper but many embassy employees do. Housekeepers typically make minimum wage which is just under $500 per month. They do everything from cleaning, child care, dog care, cooking, etc.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
I feel very comfortable walking around our small neighborhood and the larger neighborhood. I wouldn’t do running outside of the neighborhood at least not early morning or night. There have been reported muggings from motorcycle riders. Hiking opportunities are available everywhere, there’s many parks within the city including Parque Metropolitano and up on the mountain using the Teleférico (cable car). There is also supposed to be a nice long bike path in Cumbaya called Chaquinan.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
I’ve seen gyms all over the city. I would assume facilities are not as nice as the U.S. We have a gym at the embassy and a small one at our apartment. We don’t use it much, but I imagine it’s adequate for working out.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I use credit cards everywhere, especially the grocery store and established restaurants. Everyone excepts cash though and it’s probably preferable especially at local markets. Since the U.S. dollar is the official currency you don’t have to worry about exchange rates. Local coins are still excepted though. Most change is in the form of $1 coins and half dollar coins. I have only used the atm at the embassy.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
I spoke Spanish before joining the Foreign Service, as does my spouse so we naturally speak Spanish to everyone we meet. Not sure how much English people speak. I would assume not too much. Also most services and goods are very affordable here, I would imagine classes and tutors are inexpensive compared to the U.S.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, sidewalks are not standard/ very high/ uneven/non existent. Pot holes everywhere. People also do not make complete stops at stop signs. I guess it depends on the disability but def not wheelchair friendly. Altitude sickness is also real. It took me sometime to adjust with less oxygen as we are 10,000 ft up.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
I have not used the bus or the metro yet but I heard the metro is safe, clean, and inexpensive. Buses always look very crowded so I would be worried about pickpockets. We use Ubers, taxis, and drive using our car everywhere or walk if it’s nearby. Many people walk. Ubers are very inexpensive, $3 or less a ride usually, maybe $5-8 if it’s peak hours. Similar for taxis. They are yellow, just hail them down like any other city.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Not sure about electric cars, I have a compact Honda and it is not suitable for the city. Bring something with higher clearance. I’m constantly scraping the bottom of the car because of really high speedbumps. There’s all kinds of vehicle makes here from other countries like China and France. Brands I have never seen in the U.S. There’s a large Toyota dealership. I would imagine you can find parts easily with the most common U.S. makes.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We have Netlife. It runs fine, the embassy took care of installing it. We pay maybe $25 a month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use a local plan called Claro. We had T-Mobile but they don’t have plans for long term stays here.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Pets do not have to be quarantined but you do need an international health certificate from a U.S. vet. Vets care has been good here. My dog needed to get his teeth extracted and with the surgery/ meds/ anesthesia/ follow up, it was about $350. I considered doing the extraction in the U.S. prior and I was quoted 2-2.5k. Many dog boarding and walking/grooming services available. I boarded my dog for the weekend and it was $50. Many pet shops selling food/toys/accessories etc. Most places are pet friendly we have found.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Most spouses I know work at the embassy. Salaries are low in the local economy. Making 1.5k a month is considered a decent income here, but most people make less than that. If you can find a remote U.S. job, thats your best bet.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Not sure, many volunteer opportunities available at the embassy though.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business or business casual at work. Normal jeans and a top/ cardigan/ light jacket in public. No one really wears shorts or sandals. It gets chilly ever night ~ high 40s, to mid 50 degrees.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I’ve seen many locals dress flashy and drive high end cars with no problems but Ide probly avoid that. Don’t carry too much cash and watch your belongings. We have felt safe since we have arrived. Certain areas of the country we can’t travel to, and most avoid the south of Quito, but theres no reason to travel down there anyway.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Yellow Fever and whooping cough is prevalent right now, there is also lots of smog/ air pollution, but it’s not too bad. I have not had to use medical services yet but have heard the quality is not as good as the U.S. My husband has high blood pressure but he has done fine here considering the altitude.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is moderate, but it’s not too bad if you drive. If you walk a lot, your throat will hurt. It gets better once you are out of the city.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not sure. There’s a dry season and a wet season. Even during the wet season, the sun comes out. Since we’re at the equator, the sun goes down at the time time everyday.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is very dry and cool with nice moderate temperatures ~ 40s to 70s. Eternal Spring. Perfect place for people who hate to sweat since it’s chilly in the early morning and the evening/night every day. It can get very warm during the day if the sun is out so sunscreen/shade is very important since the sun is so strong here/high UV index. Just cover up, wear a hat and stay out of the sun/ have a light jacket at hand.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Not sure. Most people at the embassy that I know enjoy it here.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Many social clubs at the embassy.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I would say it’s a good place for families and couples. Not sure about singles.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
People are very welcoming/nice. Other than when you are driving. Most people will try to cut you off/ not let you in. Not sure about how others feel but we are comfortable here, although we are Hispanic, not Ecuadorian, but they can’t tell, we fit in.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I have not run into many LGBT people, not sure.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
This country is a nature lovers paradise. There are so many beautiful sights to see. Heres a few: The top of Quito Teleferico, Mindo, Cotopaxi, Papalacta, Baños, Mitad del Mundo, Lake Cuicocha, Lake Quilotoa, Cuenca, Lago San Pablo, Galapagos, the Amazon Basin. Many of these places are drivable from Quito or a short flight away.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
It’s not in the city but I would consider so far Lago San Pablo a hidden gem. It’s overlooked by the nearby crater lake, lake Cuicocha which is very popular. We visited the Cabanas del Lago resort on the lake and it was spectacular. Many activities for families and lots of water sports. Plus gorgeous Mountain View’s all around. Definitely worth a visit.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes, La Mariscal Artisan Market has many vendors selling all kinds of crafts, textiles, jewelry, and art.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The climate is awesome, many nature opportunities, inexpensive living/ inexpensive organic food, friendly people, relatively safe, dollar economy, easy to get around the country, pet friendly.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
You need to have your “Cédula” or national identity documents everywhere you go when purchasing items with your credit card. They usually ask for your cédula number or passport number. It took around one month for me to get my cédula, so take a copy of your passport everywhere you go, even buying groceries. Also, bring your own spicy snacks.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. It is a beautiful city with a lot of culture, history, and amazing sites.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
mower. Most people don’t have lawns. If you do, gardeners are very inexpensive.
4. But don't forget your:
humidifier. The air is very dry. Lots of stuffy noses.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Yes, Los 9 retos que enfrenta Ecuador.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Come with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and spicy food.
