We have all at some time or another talked about the paradisiacal destinations in Latin America and Ecuador is one of them. In this opportunity we will give you the best and most timely information about the operation of driving Ecuador.
It is important to remember that this country is located on the equator, which makes it an interesting place with a unique driving performance.
What should be learned from driving Ecuador?
If you are a tourist coming from the United States and you are thinking of traveling to Ecuador, then you have come to the right place.
When traveling through this country it is important that you learn everything related to their guides, driving licenses, as well as how to obtain the International Driving Permit, a mandatory document.
Although the driving rules are quite similar all over the world, it is important to know and learn about them in each country. Only in this way, you will avoid getting into trouble with the law later on.
The Republic of Ecuador is a country that is attractive for many inhabitants of the United States, since it has beautiful places and is inexpensive. To give you an idea of how attractive Ecuador is, with only 1,800 dollars you could live very comfortably.
As we have mentioned, Ecuador has many tourist attractions, and also has a good level of English among its population. To pay your expenses you can use dollars, since in this country this currency is of official use.
Reasons for driving ecuador
If you are looking for reasons to drive and visit Ecuador, you should know that this country has an area of approximately 283,560 km2 and is divided into 24 provinces.
For a clearer understanding, we inform you that the rainy season is present from December to April in La Costa, while it is rainy from October to May in La Sierra.
From El Oriente, we tell you that rain usually arrives between April and July. As for the Galapagos Islands, this place maintains a good climate during most of the year.
This country registers at least 2.54 million tourists per year. To be able to drive in Ecuador, it is necessary to comply with some formalities.
Everything you need to know about the Ecuadorian driver’s license
If you are currently interested in traveling to Ecuador, do not miss the opportunity to get to know the country by driving through its roads. People have the possibility of obtaining a driving license under two modalities:
- The 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
- The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
This is in case you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have a U.S. Driver’s License. However, if you are from the United States, you will have the possibility to do it with your driver’s license.
Why is it recommended to obtain an International Driver’s License?
Beyond being a requirement, it can be an advantage. If you are not fluent in Spanish or if you have to communicate on the road with people who are not fluent in English, it will be a bit complicated to make yourself understood as a tourist.
If you want to know the benefits of having an International Driving License, we show you the benefits:
- You will have a very useful driving document regardless of your mother tongue.
- You will have an accreditation document to rent a car.
- You’ll obtain a driver’s license in an affordable way.
- You can drive legally in foreign countries.
- You will be issued a visitor’s driving license (which will quickly identify you as a tourist).
How can I apply for an international driver’s license?
In case you are interested in getting this international driving license, we inform you that you can manage it through an online system or even ask at the airport in Ecuador.
To contact directly with the authorities in charge of the driving license, from the airport, you simply have to enter the link of which we will give you information.
Below, we will also mention the necessary requirements to enjoy it:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence.
- Log in to the web portal and then access the section labeled “Start my application” and select the plan that best suits your needs.
- Subsequently, you must take care of sending your personal data and verify that your identity has the correct data.
- Have a passport-size photograph.
- This process can take as little as 20 minutes. In a matter of minutes you will be able to complete the entire process.
Duration of an International Driver’s License in Ecuador
This type of document is valid for about 3 years, from the moment it is made official. In fact, if you have the opportunity to enter and leave Ecuador during that period, the permit will not lose any kind of validity.
In addition, the driving license available in Ecuador will give you the possibility to use it in another country. Currently, this International Driving Permit has presence in more than one hundred countries, which makes it a really useful and versatile document.
I lost my International Driver’s License.
We have already told you that you will have the possibility to travel the country with a Driver’s License in Ecuador. However, in case you already have the IDP and you lose it, then you must generate a new document.
Do you have to report the lost one? Simply fill out the application form and explain the reason for the loss. This type of service is free of charge, the only cost that people usually face is to generate a shipping and receiving document. With one of the best customer service.
Benefits for driving in Ecuador
We have already talked about the driver’s license. Next, we will show you the main benefits that you will be able to enjoy by having this license:
- Rent a car in Ecuador. This will allow you to take road trips in a better way and even manage your own time. You can rent a car and move all along the equator.
- Contact rental companies. If you are interested in working as a driver during your trip in Ecuador, we tell you that you can apply for a job with this permit and you will not have any kind of problem.
In which companies can you enjoy these options? There are many companies that work internationally. In Ecuador it is possible to find companies such as Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar and AutoEurope.
In which companies can you rent a car in Ecuador?
The following are some of the most recognized companies in Ecuador that provide this type of service:
- Ribas Rent a Car
- Localiza Rent a Car
- Golden S.A. Rent a Car
- Zaruma Rent a Car
- Orlli Rent a Car
Of course, each company has its own policy regarding the car rental service, however, all of them must adapt to the current regulations in the country. Ask for different packages, rates and plans so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
We recommend you to generate this procedure from the web, otherwise you will have to wait to do the procedure in Ecuador. If you like to travel with all the permits in force, then do it quickly.
Types of vehicles for driving in Ecuador
In case you are interested in renting a car in Ecuador, we mention that the best brands are known as “all-terrain”. Remember that this country has dirt roads, hills and also areas with slopes.
Cars that work synchronously are the best because of the power they can develop. We recommend you some brands:
- Chevrolet Spark.
- The Kia Picanto.
- Hyundai i10.
- Nissan Versa.
- Toyota Yaris.
- Toyota Innova.
- Ford Ranger.
Choose, of course, the brand that suits you best or the vehicle you find most attractive from the ones we have mentioned.
How much does it cost to rent a car?
If you are in the United States, you should know that you will not have to spend too much money to rent a car in Ecuador.
The common price is about $10 per day, while high-end cars can cost up to $100 per day. Of course, everything will depend on your tastes and possibilities.
If you plan to leave Quito or visit several cities, pay for extended driving plans, these are more economical and generate greater comfort.
Every car rental must include insurance, cost and also some legal implications. That is why we recommend that you do not hesitate to sign a contract, this way, you will avoid problems in the future.
As you can see, driving in Ecuador is not too complicated. However, keep in mind all the implications and permits that must be up to date in order to drive with the best of comfort.
