Your tips to new expatriates in Quito

Well I had a bit of an experience at a resturant here in Quito. Before I left my home country I took a few doses of Dukerol. Just to help with any stomach problems. The dose is good for one year. I had been here for about 5 weeks and hadn't had any issues. One day without thinking, I ordered some shrimp from a resturant here. I was sooooo sick, it wiped me out for 2 days. After talking with locals and some of my teachers...they advised me to only cook seafood at home. Many times the seafood in Quito is not as fresh as it should be. So if your new in town, stay away from the shrimp and shellfish until your better adjusted or can cook it at home.

Living in Quito for over 2 years we found some interesting gourmet places.
(we are not afflilated with these places, we are customers only)

Specialty tea store
Tea from around the world
Le The'
Whimper N2958, entre Coruña y Orellana,
Edif. Elysee, PB. (junto a un Centro Infaltil)
Telef. 2555321
email [email protected]

Producto Gourmet con tradicion Artezanal Suiza
Specialty cheese store
La Maison du Fromage
(Casa de queso)
Rusia N3-21 y Av. Eloy Alfaro, Quito
Tel 02-333-2375
Lunes a Sabado 9:30 a.m. -9:30 p.m.

Carnicerías Argentinas
EL CORDOBES
Tumbaco
sector La Vina
02-2371-114/3540-016
Quito
Av Gaspar de Villarroel E9-130 y el Sol
02-2449-789

Federer
Eloy Alfaro y Belgica, Quito
2239558
Federer sells Quesos de Montana Yanayacu, different meat and meat products,
but the reason we are in love with this place - its parrilladas.
it works this way
you come over to the meat counter with pretty big selection
of sausages, meat, pinchos and so on
tell the worker what you want, how you want it prepared on parrillada, we usually go to the vine/beer stand (inside of the store) and get something to accompany our food
go to the cashier, pay, they have seats inside and outside.
meat are prepared right away and served with boiled baby potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce and every table has a bottle of their heavenly sause. The prices are low to moderate, very reasonable. Service are super.

Yes, you need to stay away from the rural areas.  I have just returned from the coastal areas.  Wonderful.  I would not want to go to the mountain areas for any length of time.  Although others love it.  The coastal areas are mild, the food is great, not to mention the people!.  We are moving to Manta in December of 2010.  Selling the house and taking the dog, off we go. 

Expat.com wrote:

If you're living or have lived in Quito, which tips could you extend to new expats?

We namely think of security: should any special precautions be taken (protection systems, areas to be avoided, etc.).

Do you have any particular advice regarding health: malaria is widely spread in tropical countries, is it also in Ecuador? Any other precautions to be taken?

Is tapwater safe in Quito? If not, which advise would you give to make it drinkable?

These are just examples: if you have any other, please add it!

Your help is appreciated!

Malaria is not a concern in the Andes region of Ecuador, just if you go to the inner Amazon region... the tap water is drunk by locals in Quito but I wouldnt drink it, but it is OK enough to brush your teeth, etc...

hope that helps,

Domenick

You'd want to use a bottled water to brush your teeth for the first few months until you get used to the fauset water. Even then, right out of the fauset water is NOT for drinking!

I have lived here for only 3 weeks and while I used bottled water the first couple of days for drinking, my local friends here said I should just boil the water.  I have been doing that ever since and had no problems.  I just boil a big pot, and once it cools I pour it onto a few pitchers and put them in the fridge.  Me, or my 3 year old daughter, have not had any problems.  I am knocking on wood right now, but really the boiled water tastes and looks better to me than some bottled waters that I bought here, and has not had any negative effect on my stomach.

Hi!

Well moving to Quito, is a great idea. It is important to know the places where you can go and what to do. Knowing that Quito is in the Highlands there is no danger with Malaria. The tab water it is better to boil. If you are planning to stay in the Turist zone of Quito you need to know wich places are better to stay, not all are in good areas. About food it is true that if you are planning to have any seafood it is important to know where! And there are good places for it! It is important to keep a copy of your passport with you more than carrying this document with you. A few dollars with you everyday it is ok! If you need more help, you can email me and I will help you better!