Destinations › Ecuador › Quito › Scams
Quito, Ecuador
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Quito, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
The 'spilled substance' routine in the old town, where a stain appears and a helpful stranger cleans it while an accomplice takes the bag.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching in the historic centre and on crowded trolleybus routes, often with a staged distraction.
Drivers refusing the meter and quoting inflated fixed fares, particularly from the airport and at night. Registered taxis and apps quote in advance.
Individuals presenting identification and demanding document checks and wallet inspection from visitors.
Guesthouse bookings not honoured on arrival, with guests moved to lesser properties at the original rate.
Restaurants in tourist areas adding undisclosed service charges and items not ordered.
Imitation 'Panama' hats and alpaca goods sold as handmade locally when mass-produced imports.
The ATM 'helper' approach with card swapping at street machines. Use machines inside bank branches.
Counterfeit dollar notes given as change by street vendors and small shops.
Galápagos and jungle tour packages sold by unlicensed agents where boats, permits or lodges are not actually booked.
