reposting from travelalerts.info
December 19, 2007
There has been an increase number of sexual assaults by taxi drivers or as accomplices in Guayaquil. A number of these attacks have occurred after the fare was picked up in what are usually considered a safe area. These areas include Las Penas which is a high tourist destination and borders along a popular nightlife area called the "zona rosa" and malls such as San Marino. It is recommended if staying in hotels to use the taxis based at the hotel as in most cases they are better screened. Also, you can call taxi services to pick you up (Taxiamigo -222-2222 or 233-3333). When calling the service ask for the driver's license plate number. Also, many taxis in Guayaquil and Ecuador in general have converted their taxis to LP gas. Because of questions of installation and quality of systems there have been incidences of cars exploding resulting in injuries and deaths.