Difference between revisions of "Ecuador"
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=Safety / Security Considerations= | =Safety / Security Considerations= | ||
==Driving at night== | ==Driving at night== | ||
| − | Driving at night | + | Driving at night generally regarded as safe enough. Quito and Guayaquil have some very rough neighborhoods and should be avoided at night. |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
==Vehicle parking== | ==Vehicle parking== | ||
| − | Parking vehicles on the street in smaller towns during the day is typically OK. Find a secure parking lot in big cities and at night. Cost is around | + | Parking vehicles on the street in smaller towns during the day is typically OK. Find a secure parking lot in big cities and at night. Cost is around <price cost="1" currency="USD" /> to <price cost="2" currency="USD" /> per night. |
==Special driving considerations== | ==Special driving considerations== | ||
| − | + | None. | |
| − | + | ||
==Security advisories and information== | ==Security advisories and information== | ||
| Line 127: | Line 123: | ||
=Camping= | =Camping= | ||
| − | Camping is not common or popular in | + | Camping is not common or popular in Ecuador, and very few hostels in touristy areas have camping to cater for backpackers. A few of the larger parks and reserves allow camping for a nominal fee. Roadside camping is generally OK away from the large cities. |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
==Camping guide books== | ==Camping guide books== | ||
| − | + | Unknown. | |
==Drinking water== | ==Drinking water== | ||
| − | Tap water in | + | Tap water in Ecuador is generally not safe to drink. Every corner store sells 1 and 2 liter bottles, and 20 Liter bottles can be purchased for approx. <price cost="6" currency="USD" /> |
=Navigation= | =Navigation= | ||
==Paper maps== | ==Paper maps== | ||
| − | + | The Military Geographical Institute in Quito sells a "tourist" road map with almost all roads marked for <price cost="4" currency="USD" />. For a high quality road map, buy before you get to Ecuador. | |
==GPS== | ==GPS== | ||
| − | * Open Street Map: Appears to have good coverage.<ref>[http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=- | + | * Open Street Map: Appears to have good coverage.<ref>[http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=-1.34&lon=-79.37&zoom=7&layers=M OpenStreetMap Ecuador]</ref> |
| − | * Garmin: No map of | + | * Garmin: No map of Ecuador.<ref>[http://static.garmincdn.com/en/products/010-D1138-00/g/cm-md.jpg Garmin coverage map]</ref> |
| − | * TomTom: No map of | + | * TomTom: No map of Ecuador. <ref>[http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9885/ TomTom Map availability]</ref> |
==Directions and GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc.== | ==Directions and GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc.== | ||
| − | *[http://www.dare2go.com/campingSA.html# | + | *[http://www.dare2go.com/campingSA.html#Ecuador Camping Sites: Ecuador] - Detailed list of campsites and propane filling with description, directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free. |
*[http://panamnotes.com/campsite-listing-south-america/ Campsite Listing - South America | PanAm Notes] - List of campsites, with directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free. | *[http://panamnotes.com/campsite-listing-south-america/ Campsite Listing - South America | PanAm Notes] - List of campsites, with directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free. | ||
| − | *[http://www.questconnect.org/ | + | *[http://www.questconnect.org/no_andes_camping.htm Andes Expedition camping Locations] - List of campsites, with basic directions and GPS co-ordinates. Mostly free sites. |
* [http://www.travelin-tortuga.com/Site/Camping_Log_2__South_America.html Camping Log 2: South America] - List of campsites, shopping, fuel, propane and border crossings with excellent descriptions and GPS co-ordinates. | * [http://www.travelin-tortuga.com/Site/Camping_Log_2__South_America.html Camping Log 2: South America] - List of campsites, shopping, fuel, propane and border crossings with excellent descriptions and GPS co-ordinates. | ||
* [http://www.hackneys.com/travel/index-gpssawaypoints.htm Hackney Travel SA Waypoints] - Raw GPS data (in gdb or gpx format) for waypoints (including campsites, fuel, repairs, propane and more) | * [http://www.hackneys.com/travel/index-gpssawaypoints.htm Hackney Travel SA Waypoints] - Raw GPS data (in gdb or gpx format) for waypoints (including campsites, fuel, repairs, propane and more) | ||
| Line 156: | Line 150: | ||
=Overland Travel Interest= | =Overland Travel Interest= | ||
==Special Overland interests== | ==Special Overland interests== | ||
| − | + | ? | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
==Guide Books== | ==Guide Books== | ||
| Line 170: | Line 162: | ||
=Buying and selling vehicles= | =Buying and selling vehicles= | ||
==Buying a vehicle as a foreigner== | ==Buying a vehicle as a foreigner== | ||
| − | A foreigner can buy | + | A foreigner can buy, register and leave the country with an Ecuadorian vehicle. The exact details are unknown. |
==Selling a foreign-plated vehicle== | ==Selling a foreign-plated vehicle== | ||
Revision as of 16:46, 29 October 2011
Currency to display:
Contents
At the border
Correct as of: April 2010
Required Paperwork
- Passport of registered owner (original and one copy)
- Vehicle registration (original and one copy)
- Drivers license (original and one copy)
Process at border
- The owner of the vehicle gains entry at Immigration (Migración), usually with a tourist card, including a stamp in their Passport.
- The owner must show the new passport stamp, original vehicle registration and original Drivers license to Customs (Aduana).
- The owner is issued a temporary import permit for the vehicle.
Cost of entry
Free.
Permitted length of stay
90 days.
Extension of stay
Extensions were previously permitted, they are currently not permitted. To extend your stay, you must exit Ecuador and return. Be careful, however, Ecuador is one of the strictest countries in South America with regards to how much time foreigners are permitted to be in the country in a calendar year. Check carefully with immigration.
Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country
Unknown.
Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.
Exiting with a vehicle
- The registered owner presents the temporary import paper to customs.
- The registered owner is stamped out of Bolivia at immigration.
Overland Essentials
Vehicle Insurance
Insurance requirements
Insurance is mandatory in Ecaudor, and Police will ask to see it. Like many South American countries, the insurance is called SOAT (Seguro Obligatorio Automóviles Transito). It is difficult, though not impossible to purchase because the vehicle will not be in the Ecuadorian computer system.
Cost of insurance
Varies with the size of vehicle. Around $60.00 USD for three months for a 4x4.
Where to purchase insurance
Insurance brokers are common in even the small towns. Ask around for "SOAT"
Driving license
Technically an International Driving Permit is required.
In reality, showing a license from anywhere in the world seems to be good enough.
Driving side of road
Right,
Right hand drive vehicles are permitted without problem.
Mandatory items in vehicle
None.
Roads
General Road quality
Roads in Ecuador vary greatly. Highways are all sealed and good quality. Small roads into the central highlands are cobblestone to prevent mud in the rainy season, and as such are extremely slow going. Gravel roads can be anywhere from very good to impassable mud-pits depending on the time of year.
Road signs
Road signs are common on highways and in towns. It's usually not too difficult to find signage to get where you are going.
Toll roads
The Pan American Highway is tolled through Ecuador. Expect to pay Error in price tag: The cost attribute must be specified. every 50km or so.
Bribery
Police bribery does happen in Ecuador, though it's by no means rampant, so don't assume Police are always trying to bribe you.
See the bribery tips page for advice.
Checkpoints
Police checkpoints are common in Ecuador. You will be asked to present your Passport, Vehicle registration, drivers license, the temporary import permit you were issued at the border and your SOAT insurance. Driving without the required SOAT insurance is a sure-fire way to encounter bribery.
Traveling with pets
Unknown.
List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.
Gasoline / Petrol / Diesel
Last updated: November 8, 2010
Price
Currency and unit to display:
| Gasoline Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| Regular | $1.47 USD per Gallon (US) |
| Premium | $2.00 USD per Gallon (US) |
| Diesel | $1.03 USD per Gallon (US) |
Gasoline Availability / Frequency
Gas stations are extremely common in Ecuador, and shortages are not common. There is a law that limits the amount of gasoline you can purchase in one transaction to $10.00 USD when immediately next to the Colombian border. You can get around this by going to a couple of different gas stations.
Gasoline Quality
Gasoline and Diesel are generally thought of as good quality, especially when bought from the name-brand stations like Shell. The sulfur content of diesel is unknown.
External information about gasoline
Unknown.
Link to external websites with price & quality information, if available.
Safety / Security Considerations
Driving at night
Driving at night generally regarded as safe enough. Quito and Guayaquil have some very rough neighborhoods and should be avoided at night.
Vehicle parking
Parking vehicles on the street in smaller towns during the day is typically OK. Find a secure parking lot in big cities and at night. Cost is around $1.00 USD to $2.00 USD per night.
Special driving considerations
None.
Security advisories and information
- Country Specific Information - U.S. Department of State
- Travel Reports and Warnings - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- Travel advice by country - Foreign and Commonwealth office (U.K.)
- Travel Advice for Ecuador - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Camping
Camping is not common or popular in Ecuador, and very few hostels in touristy areas have camping to cater for backpackers. A few of the larger parks and reserves allow camping for a nominal fee. Roadside camping is generally OK away from the large cities.
Camping guide books
Unknown.
Drinking water
Tap water in Ecuador is generally not safe to drink. Every corner store sells 1 and 2 liter bottles, and 20 Liter bottles can be purchased for approx. $6.00 USD
Paper maps
The Military Geographical Institute in Quito sells a "tourist" road map with almost all roads marked for $4.00 USD. For a high quality road map, buy before you get to Ecuador.
GPS
- Open Street Map: Appears to have good coverage.[1]
- Garmin: No map of Ecuador.[2]
- TomTom: No map of Ecuador. [3]
Directions and GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc.
- Camping Sites: Ecuador - Detailed list of campsites and propane filling with description, directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free.
- Campsite Listing - South America | PanAm Notes - List of campsites, with directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free.
- Andes Expedition camping Locations - List of campsites, with basic directions and GPS co-ordinates. Mostly free sites.
- Camping Log 2: South America - List of campsites, shopping, fuel, propane and border crossings with excellent descriptions and GPS co-ordinates.
- Hackney Travel SA Waypoints - Raw GPS data (in gdb or gpx format) for waypoints (including campsites, fuel, repairs, propane and more)
- The Silk Road Motocaravan Network - Raw GPS data for waypoints (camping, gas, propane, points of interest and more)
Overland Travel Interest
Special Overland interests
?
Guide Books
Vehicle Maintenance
List Garages &/or dealerships for major vehicle manufacturers (including motorbikes).
Trusted mechanics can also be listed here.
Buying and selling vehicles
Buying a vehicle as a foreigner
A foreigner can buy, register and leave the country with an Ecuadorian vehicle. The exact details are unknown.
Selling a foreign-plated vehicle
Unknown.
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'
File:Example.jpg
