Quito, Ecuador Report of what it's like to live there - 04/13/26
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?
This is my first post abroad through the Department of Justice. I am an EFM. Before my spouse's employment in the DoJ, I lived for shorter periods studying abroad in Morocco and working in Western Europe.
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?
Midwest U.S.: It’s a long trip home, usually from Quito to Miami, then Chicago, and then to a regional airport. It’s tiring. There is one complete day of travel with the first flight departing Quito at 5 or 6am and landing at my final destination at about 10pm. There is no time difference, which is great.
3. What years did you live here?
January, 2023-present.
4. How long have you lived here?
More than three years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Within Quito, the three most popular neighborhoods are:
• Campo Alegre: enclosed neighborhood consisting of conjunto-style homes, adjacent to Academia Cotopaxi (American school where many children attend), near the Embassy. It’s especially great with young kids for the security and park. Much of the Embassy expat community lives here. Commute time to embassy: 15-20 minutes.
• Monteserrin: mixture of apartments and homes, also near the Embassy and Academia Cotopaxi. Commute time to embassy: 15-20 minutes
• Gonzalez Suarez: high-rise, lots of shops and restaurants, more nightlife, commute time to embassy: 20-30 minutes
In the valley (2000 feet lower elevation at 7,500ft) is the neighborhood of Cumbaya, which also has some great school options, shopping, and a mix of single-family homes and apartments. The housing pool is expanding here. The commute is longer to the embassy as there are limited route options. Commute time to embassy: 30+ minutes
We live in Campo Alegre and we love the community feel, the park, and the security for our two young kids. We have a comfortable home with a backyard and a lovely view of the mountains.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Availability is generally very good. We shop the local tiendas/fruterias/panaderias for many goods and we also go to the big box store Supermaxi. The local markets are cheap in comparison with the U.S. and the variety of fresh fruit is one of my favorite things about living in Ecuador.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Cleaning products are strongly scented, but there is an eco-friendly refill shop, Ecoterra, near our home. We miss good cheese and beef.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
The local expat hangout near the embassy is the Bucket List. We also like Quito Pizza and Va bene cosi for pizza. There are many good Ecuadorian cafes and restaurants, many with outdoor playgrounds for kids. We occasionally use UberEats. There is another shopping and delivery service called Tipti. In general, we don’t eat out a lot. For a splurge, there are some lovely restaurants in Gonzalez Suarez or the historic center of Quito.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
We have had two scorpions and occasional spiders and ants. In general, homes here aren’t built to drain water well, ours included. We have had mold issues which we treat with a bleach/water spray. The homes here are made entirely of rebar and concrete.
During my time here, there have been two times in which the power was cut due to Ecuador’s dependence on hydroelectric power and weak electrical grid. These power cuts have lasted as long as 14 hours per day without electricity over a period of two to four months. The Embassy is working to provide gas and electric generators. Currently, every home has an electric generator and an UPS battery. Few properties currently have gas generators, but I think that within a year, most properties will have a gas generator. During these power cuts, I bought and installed two solar panels so that we would have a consistent source of power for our wifi, lights, and charging devices.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
There is no local Ecuadorian mail system. We use the Diplomatic Post Office (DPO). There are delays of several weeks during the busy Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday season. There is also FedEx International and DHL.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We employ a full-time nanny for household cleaning, meal prep, and childcare. Nannies are easy to find and often are recommended from expats leaving post. The minimum wage is $485/mo. We use the AERA services at the Embassy who help with the local contract, social security, and other bureaucratic elements of local employment. We are prepared to pay the required $2000-$3000 severance required through the Ecuadorian government when we leave post and terminate our nanny’s contract.
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?
In Campo Alegre, I feel safe walking and running, but not outside of our neighborhood vicinity. Since moving here, I’ve really gotten into hiking and mountain climbing. I take a local guide for mountain summits as I’m newer to the sport and the parking areas and trails are not well-marked. I’ve summited many of the mountains, including Chimborazo, the tallest in Ecuador. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is required to reach many of the trail heads.
There are many parks in the city that are very easy to access. The three largest are Parque Carolina, Parque Metropolitano, and Parque Bicentenario. All three are great for walking and running. It is possible to bike, but it is hard to find flat spaces except at the Parque Bicentenario. Potholes are common and there are few bike lanes. On Sundays, some of the main roads close except for biking. Mountain biking is popular and there is an embassy mountain biking club.
Quito is a sleepy city without much nighttime activity, especially since COVID. Crime increases at night and there have been incidents of theft at gunpoint or knife, car break-ins, and property theft among the Embassy community since I’ve lived here.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a small gym at the Embassy which I find convenient and adequate. The gym used to have a membership fee, but that fee has been canceled. I have also taken dance and reformer pilates classes, which are very inexpensive compared to the U.S. Others have local gym memberships or personal trainers which are inexpensive in comparison with the U.S.
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?
Cash is king in Ecuador, but venders have trouble making change for a $20 bill. Credit cards are widely accepted but the machines don’t always work when there are power outages. I have a local bank account through Banco Guayaquil. I can pay via bank transfer (transferencia) with my local bank account. I use the banking services and ATM at the Embassy and when traveling, I use the ATMs. While my local bank account was a pain to set up as a non-Ecuadorian, it’s been worth it as I pay for most of my expenses (nanny, preschool, extracurricular activities, restaurants, lodging, travel, delivery services, haircuts, dry cleaning, etc.) through transferencia. It is very convenient that Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I have heard that it is difficult to find English-language religious services.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
A good base of Spanish significantly increases ease of living. When I first arrived, I took intensive Spanish classes at Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador (PUCE) and I currently take classes through the Embassy. Others take classes at UDLA, another university. Local tutors will come to your home. The classes and tutoring are quite affordable in comparison with the U.S. and I have found them to be of high quality.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, this city is difficult for people with physical disabilities. There are no ADA regulations. Many buildings do not have elevators, or they may not always be functional, especially if there are power outages. There are many stairs, potholes, uneven sidewalks, and cobblestone. No automatic doors. Parking lots are tight/small/nonexistent.
Despite this, Ecuadorians are very warm and helpful. When I’m traveling with my small children, people will gladly help them on stairs, hold doors, offer their seats, etc. They help their senior citizens in the same manner, as I personally witnessed when my grandmother, 86 years old, visited.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The local buses are crowded, and I hear stories from the locals of petty crime/pickpocketing. The metro is great! It is clean, safe, fast, and I especially recommend it when going to the Centro Historico.
I have taken many taxis and Ubers, which I have always found safe and very affordable. The same protocol applies when taking taxis anywhere: know the route you’re going, don’t flash valuables, ensure that the doors are locked, insist on the meter being used, and in Ecuador, there may not be seatbelts. Car seats are rarely used by Ecuadorians. A ride to the airport from Quito costs $20-$30 and within the city, rides are typically $2-$10. At night, I reserve my taxi or have the restaurant/hotel call a taxi for you.
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?
While a smaller vehicle is nice in Quito due to small parking lots, narrow streets, and tight turns, a higher clearance vehicle is more helpful in navigating speed bumps, potholes, and the uneven/washed out terrain in the rural areas. A 4x4 vehicle is helpful for camping, hiking, and visits to the rural communities. I’d recommend something like a Mazda CX5, Subaru, or Toyota Rav4. For car parts and repairs, we typically order the parts we need from the U.S. and then bring them to the mechanic. Labor is cheap here, but high-quality/authentic parts are expensive.
Electric vehicles and charging stations are becoming more popular here. However, with the weak electrical grid and power outages, I would not recommend as the sole means of transport.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We have Netlife high speed internet included as part of our AERA contract through the Embassy. It was installed prior to our arrival at post.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
While not typical, we kept our American phone plan, and we also have a local contract through AERA. Service is unfortunately spotty in our home, so we rely on wifi for connection. Many others use GoogleFi. Ecuador would not function without WhatsApp.
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?
We have a cat which we adopted here in Ecuador and have been very satisfied with the ease and quality of veterinary care. Our vet comes to our home for an extra $5 fee… can’t beat it!
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?
There are limited local job opportunities, mostly at the local schools with local salaries, which are very low ($15,000-$30,000/yr.). I worked a local job at a school for a year and a half before finding employment at the embassy.
There are also some job opportunities at the embassy for eligible family members (EFMs). However, right now competition is very high for those positions, and many were cut in early 2025. A good number of EFMs also have remote employment with U.S.-based employers. One challenge for remote/teleworking spouses is the electrical cuts which are often unannounced.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are many volunteer opportunities! There is no shortage of need in local hospitals, orphanages, and animal shelters. I volunteer for the Awaken Foundation, which focuses on providing services to underprivileged children and families in Quito, the Amazon, and the coast.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
In Quito, people tend to dress a bit more conservatively with closed-toed shoes, pants, long sleeves, and hats to protect against the strong sun. Formal dress is required at the Marine Ball and 4th of July embassy events. Ecuadorians sometimes get very dressed up for events such as weddings, birthdays, and work celebrations.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
As with any country in South America, applying street smarts is important. Drive with the windows closed and doors locked. Keep valuables out of sight or leave them at home. Petty crime/grab and flee crime is common. Unfortunately, violent crime in Ecuador is on the rise, but tends to be concentrated in certain areas, especially along the coast.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
For some, the altitude can present health issues, especially upon first arriving. Headaches or fatigue are common. The quality of medical care seems good at the private hospitals. Cancer treatments and unique surgeries require medical evacuation. Some women choose to evacuate for delivery of a baby while others stay and deliver in Ecuador.
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?
In general, the air quality is good. Of greater concern is the hole in the ozone combined with the altitude and the closeness to the equator resulting in high UV.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The overall climate is ideal; it feels like spring or fall year-round. Highs in the 70s with lows in the 40s. Due to the position near the equator, the temperature varies little year-round. The rainy season tends to be from December-April, but it rains year-round. The rains never last more than a few hours. During the middle of the day, the sun can be very strong with a high UV index.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Our two elementary-age kids attend the French school, La Condamine, and we have been very happy there. We find the academics quite rigorous and aligned throughout the world, making relocation to a new post’s French school easy. The bus picks up/drops off our children at our doorstep. There is a wide variety of extracurricular activities at the school.
There is also an American school, Academia Cotopaxi, where many embassy children attend, and is conveniently located next to embassy housing. Other embassy children attend Alliance Academy (Christian school), SEK (very close to the embassy), and the British school.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, there are several preschool options. Most children attend the preschool at Academia Cotopaxi, which is only part of the day. Nannies fill in most of the childcare needs. Another option is Mundo de Papel, which is very close to the embassy and offers both part and full-day care and preschool. We sent our child to Mundo de Papel and I think it cost about $350/month and $90/month for transport door-to-door. We were very happy with the care there. It took us a bit to get used to the spontaneous day trips and parent events with very little advance notice, which is common at all the schools here.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There are lots of extracurricular activities at school and in the community. We hire piano, swimming, and Jiu Jitzu instructors to come to our home for about $20-30/hr. Other children participate in gymnastics, art, dance, robotics, horse riding, and martial arts. There is a wide variety of affordable summer camps available for kids for any interest (computer science, dance, nature, indoor rock climbing, tennis, soccer, horses, etc.).
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
In general, morale is very good and the expatriate community enjoys their time at post. During the power cuts in 2023 and 2024, morale was low.
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?
The U.S. Embassy community socializes through a wide variety of clubs managed by the Community Liaison Office (CLO) through book club, hiking club, local beers club, running club, food club, dancing club, etc. Others get involved with local organizations to volunteer, their children's school communities, or recreational activities.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Regardless of your relationship/family status, if you enjoy outdoor activities and don’t need a robust nightlife scene, you’ll be sure to enjoy your time here. There have been incidents of scopolamine drugging and robbery among single men here in Quito. It is a great place for families with young children due to affordable daycare, good-quality housekeepers, and great schools near housing.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Ecuadorians are in general very warm and welcoming and a good level of Spanish helps to make friends.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I know several LGBT expatriates who are having a pleasant experience here. Ecuador has a strong Catholic heritage and traditional conservative family values, but this is beginning to change with the younger generations.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
So many highlights! For my kids, they would say our weekend trips to mountain haciendas, the Amazon, and the Galapagos. For me, I’d say my time mountaineering.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Within Quito, the teleferiqo up the Pichincha mountain, the historic city center, the Mitad del Mundo and Intinan museum, and the Panecillo are definite must-do activities. Mindo is located in the cloud forest about two hours from Quito. It is one of the most biodiverse locations in the world. A little farther out of Quito, I recommend Cotopaxi National Park, Cuenca, Banos, and the hike to Condor Machay waterfall.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Ponchos, blankets, leather goods, art, and indigenous crafts. The coffee and chocolate are amazing and we always bring them back as gifts!
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The warm Ecuadorian culture, the cheap cost of living, the weather, and the outdoor recreational opportunities make Quito a delightful post.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I wish I had known that I’d love it so much I’d want to extend my time here! At first, there were definite growing pains with the bureaucracy of Ecuador. When we first moved here, I had a local job at a school. Working on the local economy was very frustrating, but I eventually grew in patience. The power cuts were also very challenging, but we were eventually able to adapt.
Looking back, this post has taught me to be more patient, flexible, and creative in finding solutions. I now have fantastic local friends and am able to pursue hobbies such as dance and mountaineering. I became fluent in Spanish. The opportunities for our kids have been wonderful, as they are now trilingual and have made great international friendships! We will fondly remember our time here in Ecuador.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, despite infrastructure challenges and the local bureaucracy, Quito is a great place to live.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
expensive jewelry, oversized vehicle, lawn mower, and bills larger than $20.
4. But don't forget your:
solar-powered items, and hiking gear.
