Coronavirus Lockdown Ecuador

Since I am so far behind with this blog, I wanted to do a quick update given the situation around the world.

We tried to leave the country back to either NZ or Australia but were too late to get a flight. However, we were lucky enough to get back to the capital, Quito before all the intercity travel restrictions came into place.

We are currently content with staying in Quito, but we are always looking for a way out.

Below I will list some resources and information that we have found from several sources, in the hopes that it will help someone. Please feel free to give us your advise also.

Quito Airport

Quito Airport is in lock down with a few flights leaving per day. Currently they are only going to a handful of cities in Europe. The schedule can be found at https://www.aeropuertoquito.aero/en/internationals-flights/international-departures.html. The airport’s Facebook page also shows the schedule (https://www.facebook.com/AeropuertoQuito/) and other information, in Spanish though.

Quito City

The city is in lock down, which feels similar to the Chinese lock downs. Since the lock downs appear to work in China, I’m hoping they work here too.

In essence only Banks, Grocery stores and Pharmacies appear open. There is also a curfew from 9pm to 5am. Everything in stores appears well stocked and there is no violence that we saw or heard about in regards to supplies.

For surviving, the following Apps are useful.
Food Delivery – Rappi, Glovo
Getting Around – Cabify
Maps – MAPS.ME or Google Maps

Money

With the Aussie dollar falling rapidly, I thought I would list ATM fees that we have encountered in Ecuador to reduce your costs.

Bank	ATM Fee ($ USD)
Banco Del Austro	0.00
Banco Guayaquil	1.50
Banco Internacional	0.00
Banco Pichincha	4.48
Mutualista Imbabura	0.00
Produbanco	0.00

Sources: Friends recommendations, our experiences and https://cuencahighlife.com/government-adds-more-travel-restrictions-and-a-curfew-as-coronavirus-lockdown-takes-effect/