Visiting or moving to Quito, Ecuador can feel exciting but also a bit overwhelming. The city combines colonial charm with modern conveniences, and knowing a few practical tips will make your stay much smoother. From getting around to paying for services and ordering food, here’s a practical guide for beginners and tourists.
What is the Cédula and why it matters:
First things first: In Ecuador, the cédula is the national identity card, similar to an ID or social security card in other countries. It is required for most official transactions, such as:
- Registering for local apps and digital payment systems like DeUna
- Signing up for utilities, SIM cards, or subscriptions
- Opening a local bank account
Tourists usually don’t have a cédula, but that doesn’t prevent you from navigating the city, ordering food, or taking rides. For many services, you can use cash, international credit/debit cards, or apps that accept foreign users.
How to get around Quito: Buses, Metro, and Ride-Hailing
Public transport in Quito is affordable and widely used. The city has Trolebús buses, a growing Metro system, and smaller buses called busetas. Busetas are cheap but can be crowded and sometimes unpredictable. Apps like Moovit or Quito Bus App help you check routes and schedules.
A Tarjeta Metropolitana allows contactless payment on buses and metro lines, but registering it often requires a cédula. Tourists can still pay cash on busetas, which is simple and widely accepted.
For more comfort, ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Cabify, and InDrive are convenient. InDrive is especially popular because it lets you negotiate fares directly with drivers, and all these apps work without a cédula.
Tips for using public transport in Quito
Buses may seem confusing at first, but they are cheap and authentic. Tourists can pay cash on most busetas, while locals often use a Tarjeta Metropolitana, which requires a cédula. Always check bus numbers and destinations carefully, keep your belongings secure and leave them never out of sight, and ask locals if you’re unsure – they’re usually friendly and helpful.
Paying in Quito: DeUna, Cards, and Tourist Tips
Many payments in Quito are digital, and DeUna is a common local system for taxis, buses, and small purchases. However, registering usually requires a local phone number and cédula.
Tourists can rely on cash or card payments, which are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and food delivery apps. Many platforms accept international credit or debit cards, making life easier even without a local ID.
Food delivery and everyday convenience
Delivery apps make Quito convenient for both locals and tourists. Popular apps include:
- Rappi: Order meals, groceries, or pharmacy items; payment can be made in cash or via card.
- Glovo: Similar service, also works without a cédula.
- Megabite: Local alternative, cash and card payments accepted.
These apps allow you to get food or essentials delivered to your door, often integrating seamlessly with card payments or cash, so tourists without a cédula are fully covered.
Final Advice for tourists
Even without a cédula, getting around Quito is easier than you might think. Apps like InDrive, Rappi, and Cabify make daily life simple, and most places accept both cash and cards. Allow a little extra time for public transport, and you’ll soon navigate the city as confidently as the locals. With the right apps and a bit of local know-how, you can explore, eat, and move around Quito effortlessly.
Ready to make the most of your stay – and improve your Spanish along the way? Join Vida Verde Centro de Español today and start learning the easy way in Ecuador!
Written by N. Mediavilla
