Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
An 11 PM to 5 AM curfew is in effect across nine provinces and four cantons through May 18. No safe-conduct passes will be issued. Here is everything expats need to know, from affected areas to the only exemptions that exist.
SENAE rolled back the duty-free alcohol allowance to three liters per traveler starting May 4. Nearly 700,000 liters entered duty-free in 2024, and the agency says informal commerce was the real beneficiary.
A mass movement struck the Nueva Aurora neighborhood in southern Quito on May 3. No injuries reported yet, but authorities say the area remains at risk and are urging residents to avoid unstable zones.
Ecuador slashed the sales tax on tourism services from 15% to 8% for the four-day Labor Day holiday. Hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and tours all qualify under Executive Decree 368. Here's what counts, what doesn't, and how to make sure you're getting the discount.
Ecuador's free trade agreement with China turned two on May 1. Imports from China surged 30% to $7.8 billion while exports barely grew. The non-petroleum trade deficit ballooned from $335 million to $1.9 billion. Here's what the numbers actually show.
Your IESS pension isn't based on your last salary or years of service alone — it's calculated from the average of your five highest-earning years. If your employer has been under-reporting your salary, you won't find out until retirement. Here's how the formula works.
The Superintendencia de Bancos just published a list of 14 unlicensed organizations illegally collecting money from the public. They promise high returns in short timeframes. Last year alone, 60 similar entities were detected.
Ecuador's tariff on Colombian goods jumps from 50% to 100% on May 1, effectively shutting down $2 billion in annual trade. Truck traffic at Rumichaca has already dropped to 30-40% of normal. Sugar, medical supplies, and medications are all on the list.
Ecuador's Attorney General is seeking to formally charge 21 people — including a former Celec manager and former Energy Minister — with embezzlement tied to emergency contracts during the 2024 blackout crisis. Estimated damages exceed $100 million.
Ecuador's health regulator found Listeria monocytogenes in a batch of La Artesanal chocolate ice cream made by Helados Novísimo. The lot has been pulled from shelves and the factory suspended. Here's the lot number and what to do.
Ministry data shows more than 20% of Ecuador's road network requires caution, and the government has flagged 14 specific highways as risky for the 4-day holiday. Here's the condition breakdown and which routes to watch.
President Noboa's latest curfew runs May 3–18 from 11 PM to 5 AM across nine provinces including Pichincha and Guayas. Azuay, Loja, and Imbabura are not on the list. Here's the full breakdown.
