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Should I rent a car in Quito?
I am traveling to Quito, Ecuador soon. I have never been to Ecuador— or South America for that matter—so I don’t know the best way to get around. Should I rent a car in Quito?
Matt Nightingale · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If this is your first time in South America, renting a car in Quito is probably not a great idea.
There are a lot of differences between driving in Quito and driving here in the US. All the traffic signs are in Spanish, so if don’t speak the language you might have a tough time getting around on your own.
Another major difference is that speed limits are marked in kilometers, not miles. On top of possibly learning another language, you might also have to learn the metric system, which is not exactly what I would call a relaxing vacation.
To boot, the majority of vehicles in Ecuador have manual transmissions. Rental companies have some automatic transmission cars, but their inventory is limited, and you might be stuck having to learn how to drive stickshift if you don’t already know how to.
Fortunately, there are a few alternatives to renting a car in Quito that you can take advantage of:
- Metrobus: You can get just about anywhere you need to go in the city on the Metrobus, and a ride only costs about **25 cents
- Taxis. A cab ride in Quito typically costs less than **$5
- **Plane. Airfare in Ecuador is quite affordable, and you’ll avoid having to navigate the country’s not-so-well-kept roads
If you do decide to rent a car in Quito, you’ll need to purchase
car insurance
, since your American policy won’t cover you in South America.While you’re shopping for car insurance, why not download the
Jerry
? Just enter your info and Jerry will compare your current car insurance policy with quotes from over 50 top providers. You’ll see all the best rates available, and Jerry can help you switch carriers right in the app.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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