Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
Quito has begun a 12-kilometer road rehabilitation package around five Metro Centro Norte stations. The contract covers 86 road segments, nine months of work, and a $6.5 million investment.
Ecuador issued Decree 441 on July 3, raising maximum values for certain social-interest housing categories. The change matters for buyers and developers watching subsidized housing, preferential mortgages, and lower-cost home inventory.
Interprovincial buses were operating normally Friday morning after Fenacotip called off its planned July 3 stoppage. Travelers should still watch the fare talks now moving to technical tables with ANT.
Guayaquil riders will keep paying 30 cents for the first 180 days after the ordinance is published. After that transition, fares depend on whether each bus unit completes the required modernization process.
Quito is adding a new Quito Wawas center in Atucucho for 100 children ages 1 to 3. The free service is aimed at vulnerable families and includes meals, early stimulation, pedagogy, and health follow-up.
Ecuador’s tax authority began a new RIMPE recategorization process on July 1. Small-business owners should check their RUC status because category changes can bring new tax obligations.
IESS transferred more than $63 million to 195 private health providers in June 2026, with Azuay, Guayas and Pichincha among the provinces highlighted. The payments are part of more than $616 million sent to external providers since December 2025.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of Ecuador’s Chone Killers as a foreign terrorist organization and specially designated global terrorist. Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry thanked the United States for the backing.
Ecuador’s 2026 vehicle-registration calendar moves to plates ending in 6 during July. Owners should check local transit-agency portals, pay pending values and complete technical review before the month ends.
Workers in Ecuador’s Sierra and Amazon regions who chose accumulated payment should receive the decimo cuarto salary by August 15, 2026. The benefit equals the 2026 unified basic salary of $482 for workers who qualify for the full period.
Ecuador's Registro Civil says citizens can continue going to agencies without a prior appointment for cedulas and passports through December 31, 2026. The agency says it issued 1.2 million identity cards and 217,201 passports between January and June.
Quito's technical vehicle review and registration calendar moves to plates ending in 6 during July. Drivers must clear pending obligations before booking an appointment, and late review can trigger fines.
