Quito Travel Forum

How safe is for a single female to meet a single male adult from Quito from only internet and phone conversation. I have done much research on the safety issues for women traveling alone and have found most blogs state just be resonable and aware of the surrounds and city rules.

Do they have drug lords that kidnap women and put them into slavery in this area? I understand I will staying right across form the US Emabassy. Just trying to learn a little more about the culture and the possible dangers of such a scenario.

I appreciate any input.

Oooh, I'm a little bit worried about this question. If you have never been to Quito, not familiar with the area, and do not know personally anybody there (and don't even speak Spanish)---- it can be a little disconcerting. A lot of flights arrive at night and mine arrived at midnight from Colombia --- even I got a little uncomfotable riding the "group" taxi specially when I saw how dark the streets were and I was the last person dropped off to my hotel...

But even if you arrive at broad daylight and by chance the one you are meeting is not respectable, then danger is inevitable...So, please just be careful and use common sense....Norman :)

I haven't been in Quito yet but I travelled to many capital cities in South American (Bogotá, Lima, Buenos Aires, Săo Paulo). I'm a solo woman traveller and never had any problems. Use your common sense and, as you mentioned, be aware of the new surrounding.

I would suggest to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. Ask the hotel staff for a map of the city and a little explanation about the main places of interest and how to get there. About your single male friend, why don't you meet him in a bar or restaurant of the hotel where will you be staying? That's sound very safe to me.

Good luck and have a marvellous trip!

mira

I have travelled on my own on public busses through Ecuador and stayed in small places (Lonely Planet recomendations or similar) and have had no issue at all. People were friendly, helpful and made me feel very welcome.

As for meeting a stranger: Meeting in a public place is an excellent tip in my view. And if you are concerned, leave the contact numbers of this person in a closed envelope with reception and tell them to open it, if you don't return and retrieve it within a certain time.

Thank you for the great input. The one thing I failed to mention is he is inviting me to stay with him. We have been online "dating" for almost 4 months and from what he has told me and what I "feel" he seems very nice and respectable. Good education, good job and many, many pictures. My instinct says it will be find but of course friends and family think I am crazy.

Well, I guess one has to take a leap of faith and trust instincts. Time will tell if it is the right decision.

In any case, take care

I would absolutely NOT make plans to stay with this guy. Book a reputable hotel and stay there--you can meet him in public places and get comfortable with who he is before you get yourself in any deeper. The whole thing just sounds like a recipe for major trouble. "White slavery" sounds a bit extreme to me, but what is far more likely is just an extremely unpleasant week if you find out that he's not the person you've built up in your mind. Based on my experiences with internet dating, this is a very high probability.

Quito is a city with tons of great sightseeing, so you'll have lots to do even if the relationship part doesn't work out. I will say that of all of the places in the world that I have traveled, Quito is the ONE spot that I personally experienced crime (my travel companion was mugged on the street in broad daylight). Be vigilant.

Do you have a suggestion of hotels in Quito or the name of the one you stayed in?

Please see my Quito page for tips: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/2690a/1839db/

Agree wholeheartedly - get your own hotel, meet there in the lobby bar or restaurant and test the waters out. This is more than just meeting someone over the Internet and deciding to meet them. You are in a different country and a different culture. I wish you a fun, safe and pleasant adventure with the major emphasis on safe. Please stay in neutral territory. If you want to stay with him after a few days, go for it, but don't give up your ability to retreat to safer territory.