Requirements to Rent a Car in Ecuador: What Tourists Need in Quito
Planning to rent a car in Quito? The documents you need depend on who you are: a foreign visitor, an Ecuadorian living abroad or an Ecuadorian who lives in Ecuador. This guide explains exactly what Go Car Rental asks for, so there are no surprises when you pick up the car.
Requirements for foreign visitors
To rent a car in Ecuador as a tourist or foreign resident, you need:
- A valid passport
- A driver’s license from your home country or an international driver’s license
- A credit card in your name
- A security deposit, held on your credit card or paid in cash. The amount depends on the car.
Driver’s license
Bring the valid driver’s license from your home country, or an international driver’s license. Either one works with us. If you’re not sure whether your license covers the type of vehicle you want, message us before you book.
Credit card
The credit card must be in the name of the person renting the car. You need it even if you plan to pay for the rental in cash or by bank transfer.
Security deposit
The security deposit is a guarantee, separate from the rental price. You can leave it as a hold on your credit card or in cash. The amount depends on the car you choose, and we confirm it when we send your quote.
Requirements for Ecuadorians living abroad
If you’re Ecuadorian but live outside Ecuador, you can rent with your Ecuadorian ID (cédula) and your Ecuadorian driver’s license. The same guarantee rule as for foreign visitors applies: a credit card in your name and a security deposit, held on the card or paid in cash.
Requirements for Ecuadorians living in Ecuador
Ecuadorians who live in Ecuador only need their cédula and a valid driver’s license, with no credit card and no deposit. If you’ve read “sin tarjeta ni garantía” (no credit card, no deposit) on our Spanish pages, that offer applies only to this group.
Payment methods
You can pay for the rental in cash, by bank transfer or by card. Our daily prices start at $90 for a sedan, $100 for an SUV and $145 for a 4×4 double-cab pickup, with unlimited mileage, basic insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance included. See car rental prices in Quito.
Age and driving experience
You need a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle you rent. If you have questions about age or license category, write to us before booking and we’ll confirm.
Arriving at Quito airport?
Bring all your documents in your carry-on. We deliver the car at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) for a flat $25, and you can return it there for a flat $25. There’s no airport concession fee, because we don’t have an airport counter. More on our Quito airport car rental page.
How to book in 3 steps
- Step 1: Send us your dates and the type of car on WhatsApp.
- Step 2: If we ask for them, send photos of your documents to speed things up.
- Step 3: Confirm where you want the car: the airport ($25 delivery, $25 return), our office in La Mariscal, or your hotel or address in Quito and Valle de los Chillos (available, with a fee that depends on the zone — ask us on WhatsApp).
Car rental requirements in Ecuador: FAQ
Can I rent a car in Ecuador as a tourist without a credit card?
No. Foreign visitors need a credit card in their name, plus a security deposit. Only Ecuadorians who live in Ecuador can rent without a credit card or deposit.
Do I need an international driver’s license?
Not if you have a valid license from your home country. We accept either your home-country license or an international driver’s license.
How much is the security deposit?
It depends on the car. We tell you the exact amount with your quote, and you can leave it as a hold on your credit card or in cash.
Can I pay for the rental in cash?
Yes. We accept cash, bank transfer and card. Foreign visitors still need a credit card in their name for the guarantee.
Ready to book?
Message us on WhatsApp at +593 98 988 7176 and we’ll check your documents and confirm your car. Office: Juan León Mera N26-61 y La Pinta, La Mariscal, Quito. Open Monday to Friday 9:30 am – 7:00 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 6:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am – 5:30 pm.
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