Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Quito, Ecuador
1. Taxis de Amberes Scam
Avoid taxi stands near Mariscal Sucre, use 'Taxis de Amberes' instead. This official taxi service ensures fair pricing and safety.
- Official Service: Operates only authorized taxis
- Fixed Rates: Offers transparent and pre-set prices
- Safety: Provides safety measures such as seat belts and GPS tracking
2. Counterfeit Money Exchange Scam
Be cautious when exchanging money in streets or with unauthorized vendors. Use authorized exchange offices like Banco del Pichincha.
- Authorized Exchange: Operates under official exchange regulations
- Secure Environment: Provides a safe and secure environment for transactions
- Legitimate Currency: Exchanges genuine currency only
3. Falsified Tour Operator Scam
Book tours through reputable agencies like Gulliver or Surtrek. Avoid street vendors offering low prices for highly-priced attractions.
- Reputable Agency: Has a proven track record and positive customer reviews
- Licensed Services: Operates under official tour operator licenses
- Quality Assurance: Offers high-quality guides and well-organized tours
4. Falsified Items Market Scam
Buy souvenirs only from La Ronda or El Ejido market. Avoid street vendors selling cheap, low-quality, or counterfeit items.
- Authentic Goods: Sells genuine, high-quality goods
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique and authentic local shopping experience
- Fair Pricing: Provides fair pricing for the goods sold
5. Overcharging at Restaurants Scam
Dine in popular restaurants like Zazu or La Gloria. Be cautious when eating near tourist attractions as prices may be inflated.
- Popular Restaurant: Has a good reputation and offers quality food
- Fair Pricing: Offers transparent and reasonable prices for the food and drinks served
- Safe Food: Serves safe, clean, and well-prepared food
6. Falsified City Tour Scam
Join guided tours offered by the Quito Tourism Board or Museo Inti Ñan. Avoid street vendors offering low-cost city tours.
- Official Tour: Operates under official tour operator licenses
- Quality Assurance: Offers high-quality guides and well-organized tours
- Cultural Experience: Provides a unique and authentic cultural experience
7. Unlicensed Street Vendor Scam
Shop only at authorized vendors in markets or stores. Be cautious when purchasing goods from unlicensed street vendors.
- Authorized Vendor: Operates under official vendor licenses
- Legitimate Goods: Sells genuine and high-quality goods
- Safe Transactions: Ensures secure transactions for customers
8. Overpriced Accommodation Scam
Book accommodations through reputable websites like Booking.com or Airbnb. Be cautious when renting from street vendors offering extremely low prices.
- Reputable Website: Operates under official accommodation booking regulations
- Reasonable Pricing: Offers transparent and reasonable pricing for the accommodations
- Safe Accommodation: Provides safe, clean, and well-maintained accommodations
9. Falsified Attraction Entrance Fees Scam
Visit main attractions like El Panecillo or Middle of the World Museum through authorized ticket booths. Avoid street vendors selling fake tickets.
- Authorized Ticket Booth: Operates under official attraction entrance regulations
- Legitimate Tickets: Sells genuine and valid tickets for the attractions
- Entrance Guarantee: Provides entrance to the attraction of choice
10. Overcharging in Shops Scam
Shop in popular stores like La Casa de Alabado or Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón. Be cautious when shopping near tourist attractions as prices may be inflated.
- Popular Store: Has a good reputation and offers quality goods
- Fair Pricing: Offers transparent and reasonable prices for the goods sold
- Safe Transactions: Ensures secure transactions for customers
11. Falsified Guide Services Scam
Book guided services through reputable tour agencies like Explora or Andean Trails. Avoid street vendors offering low-cost guide services.
- Reputable Agency: Has a proven track record and positive customer reviews
- Quality Assurance: Offers high-quality guides and well-organized tours
- Cultural Experience: Provides a unique and authentic cultural experience
12. Unsafe Food Scam
Dine in popular restaurants like El Chato or Café de la Roca. Be cautious when eating near tourist attractions as food safety may be compromised.
- Popular Restaurant: Has a good reputation and offers quality food
- Safe Food: Serves safe, clean, and well-prepared food
- Fair Pricing: Offers transparent and reasonable prices for the food and drinks served
13. Counterfeit Souvenir Scam
Buy souvenirs only from La Ronda or El Ejido market. Avoid street vendors selling cheap, low-quality, or counterfeit items.
- Authentic Goods: Sells genuine, high-quality goods
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique and authentic local shopping experience
- Fair Pricing: Provides fair pricing for the goods sold
14. Unlicensed Street Performance Scam
Enjoy performances only at authorized locations or during official events. Be cautious when encountering street performers asking for money.
- Authorized Location: Operates under official performance regulations
- Safe Transactions: Ensures secure transactions for customers
- Cultural Experience: Provides a unique and authentic cultural experience
15. Falsified Attraction Map Scam
Navigate using reliable maps like Google Maps or ask for directions at tourist information centers. Avoid accepting maps from street vendors.
- Reliable Source: Operates under official mapping regulations
- Accurate Directions: Provides accurate and up-to-date directions
- Safe Transactions: Ensures secure transactions for customers