Quito, Ecuador 🇪🇨
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is known for its well-preserved historic center, vibrant culture, and stunning mountain scenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2.8 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average broadband speeds are around 20-30 Mbps, with some areas offering higher connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is the local currency, widely accepted, and ATMs are available throughout the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are popular mobile providers offering good coverage and prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like Banco Pichincha and banks like Revolut are popular among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from traditional apartments to upscale hotels, with sites like Airbnb and Booking.com widely used. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards are accepted in most places, though cash is still preferred in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms like Vrbo are widely used for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hospedaje El Mirador and La Casa Sol, providing dorms and low-cost private rooms. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Quito, offering flexible workspaces and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Cultura, known for its good coffee and strong Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Attend events through Meetup.com at locations like La Ronda or ImpactHub Quito. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Quito Facebook Group hosts regular meetups and events for international residents. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used and reliable for getting around Quito. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from Quito Bici or through local tourism offices. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Montañita Beach, approximately 6 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca operates domestic flights across Ecuador. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM Airlines and Avianca connect Quito to numerous international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Pan-American Highway allows connectivity to various regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Casa de la Cultura is a central point for both buses and cultural activities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Quito's bus system is affordable, with a prepaid Smartrip card available for unlimited travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to other cities like Cuenca and Baños can be booked at terminal terrestre. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de los Valles, known for high-quality medical care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Casa Yoga offers various classes for different skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Smart Fit and Bodytech are popular among locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava y Plana offers affordable laundry services throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is widely popular and covers many local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Hornado' (roast pork) at La Ronda. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Maple offers a great selection of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería SanAugustin is famous for artisanal ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central is the best place to get fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Linio is a popular online shopping site in Ecuador. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi and Tía offer online shopping and delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Mariscal is known for its vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | La Trattoria Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine House Quito has a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Plaza de San Francisco features numerous vendors selling local treats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza, sushi, and Italian cuisine are available in areas like La Floresta. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit La Basilica and Plaza de la Independencia for stunning architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de la Ciudad showcases Quito's rich history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Francisco is one of the oldest churches in Ecuador. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Quito Fest in November celebrates local culture and music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | La Ronda is a historic street filled with artists and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Sucre hosts various plays and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal has local crafts and artworks. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | El Quijote is popular for live music events and performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The streets of La Ronda feature vibrant murals and local street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | La Cocina de Nela offers local cooking classes for tourists. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | HOMI Gallery features contemporary Ecuadorian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Palacio de Carondelet serves as the presidential palace. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ecuador's indigenous heritage is reflected in the art and festivals across the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Parque Metropolitano offers great hiking and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Quito is near Cotopaxi National Park, home to the active Cotopaxi volcano. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The La Carolina park has dedicated bike paths and walking trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cruz Loma offers stunning panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Quito Botanical Gardens is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Consider areas like El Ejido Park for casual bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega and DHL provide reliable package shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tecno Solutions specializes in electronics repairs across the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Club de Tenis de Mesa Quito is popular for playing ping pong. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Ecuadorian Language Academy offers Spanish classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Eugenio Espejo is a great public library for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Metropolitano provides community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers Paradise offers a variety of video games and a comfortable setting. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Boulevard offers a range of games and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Ecuador operates a worldwide income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply to expatriate-owned companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property is taxed at a rate of 1.0% of assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 1% applied during property purchases. |