Telephone

Ecuador has a complete telephonic network that covers almost all the national territory including the Galapagos Islands. Big cities and towns have a good telephonic service so calling in and outside the country isn't complicated. You can find public phones in most of the public buildings in Quito, Guayaquil and the capital cities in each province. Also, there are call-centers in centric places where you can use the phone service at cheap rates. These call-centers are very popular in small towns and usually you may find fax service and sometimes internet. In Ecuador is very common to find telephones at small grocery stores located in each neighborhood. There aren't specific rates for these services, so it depends mostly in the owner of the phone.

Ecuador Phone Codes
593 is the phone code for Ecuador if you are calling from another country.  These are the phone codes of the 22

Ecuadorian provinces:

Important: Phone codes are not necessary in local calls

These are the phone codes of the biggest cities

Cellular and mobile telephones

There is an effective coverage of cellular phone service through the entire Country. Despite our difficult geography, it's possible to communicate from remote areas such as the Amazon jungle or the Galapagos Islands, but some isolated places like the highlands or the mangroves may be a little bit harder. At the international airports or at the cellular phone shops you can rent mobile telephones. Cellular phone cabins are also very common. They work with cards, and you may find these cabins and the cards at gas stations,
restaurants, streets, malls and airports.

Internet

The internet is also very popular in all the cities and towns. There are hundreds of "coffee-nets" in the commercial and tourist areas that offer net2phone, email, internet and fax services at very reasonable prices. Internet is expanding very fast and is easy to find at least one computer center at any neighborhood of a big city. These services are a bit better in touristic areas, and the rates may depend on the category of the computer center, but rates are cheap most of the times.

Mail

The traditional mail service is pretty good too. In urban centers it is faster and more effective rather than in small country-side towns so it's better to wait until you reach a post office to send a card or a box. Mailboxes are not very common in Ecuador, so you will definitely have to go to any of the post offices. Also at many hotels you will find this service. Mail is cheap compared to other countries in the region. There are also many private mail companies and their rates may vary depending on the service.

SECURITY

Safety Tips for Travelers in Ecuador

As you travel in Ecuador, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city.  You should read a few tips listed below that will keep you sane and safe while you travel through Ecuador.

Safety in Ecuador

Ecuador is considered one of the safer countries in the Andean Region, however, it is always a good idea to be cautious during your visit. Ecuador's urban centers, especially Quito and Guayaquil, are generally more dangerous than the countryside. The best way to prevent crime is using your common sense and reduces the likelihood of being a crime victim by following a few basic precautions:

Safety in the City

• Travel with trustworthy companions.
• Find out where the unsafe sectors are and avoid them. Find out which are the best hours to visit tourist sites.
• Keep all important documents in a secure place, such as an inner pocket or a pouch that is hidden under a layer of clothing.
• Make copies of your important documents, such as passport, travel ticket and card numbers. Leave originals in a safe box in your hotel. Keep always a copy of your passport with you
• Carry travelers checks and credit cards instead of large sums of cash.
• Carry a one day supply of cash in your pocket. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quite place, or in our vehicle.
• Walk confidently with your head up. Never stare at the ground, it makes you look nervous and weak.
• When you feel unsafe listen to your instincts. If you get that feeling grab a taxi or go into a place with lots of people.
• Be wary of people who are too friendly too quickly, or that offer to show you around. Use your judgement.
• Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your money belt.  Be especially careful at airports and train stations, where you may be easily distracted.
• If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers.
• Don't wear expensive jewelry or wristwatches. They make you a target.
• Your cameras are also valuable, take them inside your bag or keep them out of sight.
• Keep an eye on your carry shoulder-bags and purses. Take them in front of you in crowded places.
• Keep all bags and other valuables where you can see them in restaurants, ground terminals, and other public places.
• Change your currency in a bank or in your hotel. Don’t do it in the street
• If you rent a car, park it in parking lots, don’t leave valuable objects in the car.
• Don’t take hitchhikers.
• Safety Outside the of City
• Watch out for the security terms in National Parks. Use the paths.
• Before getting into the sea, ask if there is any dangerous zone. Ask about the tides. If you feel that a strong current is taking you apart from the shore, swim in parallel in relation to the coast until you reach the shore. Maintain calm.

Special recommendations

Emergency photocopies