LIVING IN QUITO

 

Local currency: U.S. dollar (USD).

GMT Time Zone : +6 (Greenwich Mean Time + 6 hours)

Quito is a city of 2.5 million inhabitants with about 700,000 settled in the central area.

Quito is at 2800 meters altitude and climate is very pleasant all year round, similar to spring in north Hemisphere. The nights are cool (about 10 degrees Celsius). During the day, there is about 20° degrees Celsius temperature (68° Degrees Fahrenheit). Temperatures can change abruptly depending on place or exposure to the sun.

In the highlands (Sierra), the season from November to April is the rainiest of the year although it is sunny almost every day.

The high position of the city may cause some discomfort in the first days: fatigue while walking and sometimes mild headache (additional to the time change). We recommend take it easy in the first days. These complaints disappear quickly.

The restaurants in the city’s downtown have a good general hygiene condition. We only recommend getting a good look before choosing where to eat in the popular markets or by consuming cold foods.

The living cost in Quito can range from the very lowest to sometimes higher than Europe. For example: a cup of natural fruit juice on the local market cost $ 0.60 while in the supermarket a liter of orange juice can cost more than 2.5 dollars. In small popular restaurants you can take a full menu for $ 1.50 while in the restaurant an Argentine barbecue can cost around $ 12. The taxi price for a 10 minutes ride may cost about 2 USD.

Tourists are allowed to drive with an international license for a month. If you decide to drive in Ecuador we recommend you to extend your existing insurance for abroad. In case to be involved in an accident with injured people you may be detained for 24 hours.

Although Quito is one of the least dangerous capitals in Latin America, caution is the basic rule while: walking alone on the streets, especially by night, in bus stations, in certain neighborhoods at certain hours, catching some taxis, etc. On arrival we will explain some basic rules to keep you safe during the visit.

If you have an accident or other medical emergency, hospitals will ask for a credit card or some proof of international insurance before any medical intervention, even if you life is threaten. We recommend you always to carry on the telephone number of someone who lives in Quito or your international insurance card with a 24 hour emergency telephone number indicated on it.

The standard for mobile is unusual 800 MHz. Quadriband phone normally is required outside the main cities.

We are at your disposal for all questions on preparations for your stay (visas, customs, etc). We also can help with Spanish while you are here.

 

 

 

 

- - - - - all pictures are from our house - - - - -