Driving in Ecuador as a foreigner: license, documents and tips

Can I drive in Ecuador with my foreign license?

Yes. As a tourist you can drive in Ecuador with the valid license from your country during your stay. If you are going to stay more than 180 days or live in the country, the National Transit Agency (ANT) requires you to validate or exchange your license for an Ecuadorian one.

Recommendations:

• Check that your license is valid for the whole trip.
• If your license is not in Spanish or the Latin alphabet, also bring an International Driving Permit, which will help you at traffic checkpoints.
• Rules can change: confirm the details with the ANT or your country’s embassy before traveling.

Documents to rent a car in Ecuador

To rent with Budget Ecuador, you will generally need:

• A passport that is valid.
• Driver’s license that is valid.
• Credit card in the name of the person making the booking, for the deposit.
• Meet the minimum age and the other rental conditions.

You will find the details in our guide to requirements to rent a car in Ecuador and about coverage in car rental insurance.

Traffic rules for driving in Ecuador as a foreigner

• You drive on the right and wearing a seat belt is mandatory for all occupants.
• Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited, except hands-free.
• Respect speed limits: they are lower in urban and school zones, and there are speed cameras on many roads.
• The alcohol tolerance is very low: if you are going to drink, don’t drive.
• For Quito the “pico y placa” restriction applies at peak hours from Monday to Friday, according to the last digit of the license plate. Ask about your car’s plate when you pick it up.

Practical tips for your trip

• Altitude: Quito and Cuenca are more than 2,500 m above sea level. Take it easy the first few days and choose a car with a good engine if you are going to the Andes.
• Weather: in the Andes there may be fog and rain in the afternoon; on the coast, heat and downpours in the rainy season.
• Navigation: download offline maps; in some rural areas the signal is weak.
• Fuel: in Ecuador there is “extra” and “súper” gasoline; ask which type your car uses when you pick it up.
• Tolls: several highways have tolls; carry some cash.

Where to pick up your car when you arrive

If you arrive by plane, you can pick up your vehicle directly at the airports of Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca o Manta. Book in advance with your flight number.

What driving is like in the main cities

• Quito: steep streets, heavy traffic at peak hours and the “pico y placa” restriction. Plan your trips outside the busiest hours.
• Guayaquil: wide avenues and overpasses; traffic builds up on the bridges to Samborondón and Durán. It’s hot all year: air conditioning is essential.
• Cuenca: a calm city to drive in, with a Historic Center of narrow streets. Leave the car in a parking lot and explore the center on foot.
• Manta: moderate traffic and easy access to the beaches and the Spondylus Route.

What to do if a traffic officer stops you

Stop the car in a safe place, stay calm and show your license, your passport and the vehicle documents we gave you at pick-up. If you receive a ticket, keep it and let us know so we can guide you on the procedure.

What to do in case of an accident

1. Get to safety and, if anyone is injured, call 911.
2. Mark the vehicle with the warning triangles.
3. Contact Budget immediately for assistance.
4. Don’t reach agreements with third parties without informing us.

Learn more about coverage in our guide to car rental insurance in Ecuador.

Recommended routes for your first trip

If it’s your first time driving in Ecuador, start with simple, well-signposted routes: from Quito to the Mitad del Mundo or Otavalo, from Guayaquil to Salinas or from Cuenca to Cajas National Park. Find more ideas in road trips across Ecuador.

Signs and habits that may surprise you

• Speed bumps: they are very common when entering towns and neighborhoods, sometimes without much signage. Slow down when you see houses close to the road.
• Buses and pickups: buses often stop anywhere to pick up passengers. Keep your distance and overtake only with good visibility.
• Motorcycles: in cities they ride between lanes; check your mirrors before turning or changing lanes.
• Roundabouts: give way to vehicles already inside and use your turn signals when exiting.
• Animals on the road: in rural areas it’s common to find dogs, cows or sheep near the road, especially in the Andes.

Tolls, fuel and payments

Several main highways have tolls. Carry small bills and coins to pay without delays. In cities, most gas stations accept cards, but in rural areas it’s best to have cash. Ecuador uses the US dollar, so you don’t need to change currency if you are traveling from the United States.

Parking in Quito and Guayaquil

• Quito: in several areas of the center and north, paid parking (Blue Zone) applies. Follow the signs and, for long stays, use private parking lots.
• Guayaquil: shopping malls and hotels have large, secure parking lots, the most convenient option for long visits.
• In any city, don’t leave valuables in sight inside the car and always lock it.

You can check the current rules on the website of the National Transit Agency (ANT).