Ecuador (EC)
Ecuador is one of the most popular expat countries in the Americas in 2026, especially for retirees, remote-income households, investors, teachers, entrepreneurs and families who want US-dollar living, affordable private healthcare, varied climates and established foreign-resident communities.
Capital: Quito
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: USD ($)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 32)
Emergency: 911
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Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before you need them.
General Emergency
911
Police
101 / 911
Fire Brigade
102 / 911
Ambulance
131 / 911
Poison Control
Call 911 or the nearest hospital emergency department
Mental Health
Call 911 for immediate danger; private hospital and clinic crisis pathways vary
Domestic Violence
911 for immediate danger; ECU 911 and local support routes vary by province
Road Assistance
Insurer roadside assistance, ANT/AMT channels and private towing providers
Private hospital emergency departments and urgent-care clinics
911 emergency; hospital direct line for private care
Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca have the deepest private-hospital networks; Loja, Manta, Salinas, Cotacachi and Vilcabamba have more limited local options and may require transfer for complex care.
Emergency departments 24/7; clinics vary by city and provider.
How to call emergency services in Ecuador
Give province, canton, parish, street, building name, apartment number, landmark and WhatsApp location where possible.