Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
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Ecuador's traffic agency says the SUIT platform is still affecting license issuance, appointments, web certificates and vehicle-registration processes tied to municipal GADs. La Hora reports Monday and Tuesday appointments will be reprogrammed with priority.
The militarization of Puerto Bolívar has surfaced the human cost: at least 300 families forcibly displaced, criminal group Los Lobos occupying up to 500 homes, and the terminal tied to 10.8 tons — 11.24% — of drugs seized nationally. Over 1,000 troops are searching 1,642 homes.
Executive Decree 383 shifts the Comisión Estratégica de Marcas to the Production, Foreign Trade and Investment ministry, replacing a 2011-era structure. The reframe moves Ecuador's international promotion away from a tourism focus toward investment and trade.
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.
President Noboa signed Decreto 368 cutting the tourism IVA from 15% to 8% for the May Day long weekend (April 30–May 3). Hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and travel agencies all qualify. Here's how it works.
Mayor Pabel Muñoz says Quito has completed 1,900 projects worth $2 billion since taking office. The Metro extension to La Ofelia is moving forward with an $80M study contract, and another $700 million in works is planned for 2026.
Ecuador's National Assembly approved a report (79-56-6) confirming organized crime has infiltrated municipal traffic agencies, weaponizing vehicle registration systems for 'legalizing criminal logistics.' Recommended reform: centralize registration under the national ANT.
After system intermittencies on April 20, Ecuador's SRI has extended the income tax, VAT, and currency-outflow tax filing deadline to April 23 for taxpayers whose RUC ninth digit is 5 or 6. Filing late during the extension incurs no penalties, surcharges, or interest.
Ecuador's tax authority SRI reported $267.2 billion in reported sales for 2025, a 9% increase over 2024, alongside $21.5 billion in tax collection (+6.8%). The online portal pulled in 167 million visits and 3.5 million access-credential transactions. Mobile service brigades jumped 226%.
Ecuador's military intercepted $50,540 in counterfeit $20 bills at Quito's Carcelén bus terminal on Sunday, April 12. The fakes — more than 5,000 bills — were handed to the National Police. Worth knowing if you handle dollar cash in Ecuador.
Power outages rippled through neighborhoods across Guayaquil, Daule, and Samborondón on April 12, with CNEL blaming transformer overloads from extreme AC demand during the heat wave. Residents are reporting four-hour outages or longer.
Ecuador's Semana Santa holiday generated an estimated 800,000 domestic trips and $70 million in economic activity. Manta led all destinations with 158,000 visitors and 80% hotel occupancy, while Amazon lodges hit 90%. A temporary VAT cut to 8% for tourism services sweetened the deal.
