Emergencies in Quito

Calling Notes

• 911 works from any phone, including foreign mobile phones without a local SIM, and does not require Ecuador's +593 country code when dialing from inside the country.
• Operators are generally able to assist in English and other languages in addition to Spanish, though Spanish is the primary working language.
• Give your exact location first (street, building, nearby landmark) since this is treated as the most critical piece of information by dispatchers.
• Making a false or prank emergency call is a punishable offense in Ecuador (penalties can include fines or up to 30 days in jail).

Number

911

Description

Ecuador operates a single, unified emergency line covering police, fire, and ambulance services nationwide, including Quito, administered through the ECU911 platform. Quito was one of the first two cities (along with Guayaquil) to get an ECU911 center when the system launched.

Availability

Widespread throughout Quito; pharmacies typically present every couple of blocks in urban areas. Well-stocked with broad range of medications.

Operating Hours

Many pharmacies open 24/7; rotating system of farmacias de turno (duty pharmacies) ensures at least one outlet open overnight in major cities. Directory of duty pharmacy available by asking any pharmacy or pharmacist.

Language Barrier

Pharmacists in larger urban centers may have conversational English but cannot be assumed. Basic Spanish health/medication vocabulary essential. Some pharmacy chains have English-speaking staff, especially those near expat areas.

Quality And Safety

Pharmacies regulated; purchase from reputable chains. Major chains include Fybeca (most comprehensive inventory but 40% higher prices than competitors), with online ordering and home delivery available from larger chains.

OTC Medication Access

Most prescription medications available in US are available over-the-counter in Ecuador without prescription; pharmacists will dispense upon request. Cost typically half or less of US prices.

Common OTC Medications

Antibiotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin), blood pressure meds (losartan, amlodipine, enalapril), cholesterol meds (atorvastatin, simvastatin), diabetes meds (metformin), muscle relaxants available without prescription.

Compounding Pharmacies

Farmacias magistrales exist in Quito around Hospital Metropolitano area; can prepare custom formulations, topical creams, non-standard dosages. Wait time 1-3 days, cost 10-40 USD depending on formulation.

Side Effects And Interactions

Ask pharmacist about interactions ('Hay alguna interacción?'). Ecuadorian pharmacists trained to check for drug interactions. Antibiotic resistance growing problem due to overuse—use appropriately, not for every cold/cough.

Medication Regulation Differences

Ecuador's controlled substance laws narrower than US; majority of drugs requiring US prescription available OTC. However, ADHD medications (methylphenidate, amphetamine salts) classified as controlled and difficult to obtain—limited stock, few prescribers. Some medications difficult to source: strong pain medications restricted, some estrogen formulations unavailable.

Purchasing Notes

Pharmacist will dispense quantity you request rather than full package, so you pay per pill/unit rather than per box. Bring Spanish names of medications (generic, not brand). Use ARCSA sanitary registry or contact local doctors/pharmacists to verify specific drug availability before relocating.