What is the RIDE and how to read it?
The RIDE is the printable (or PDF) representation of an electronic document authorized by the SRI. It's what the buyer usually receives, but it is not the tax-valid document on its own.
What does RIDE mean?
RIDE stands for Representación Impresa del Documento Electrónico (printed representation of the electronic document). It is a human-readable version of a voucher (invoice, credit note, withholding, etc.) that actually exists as an XML file signed and authorized by Ecuador's tax authority (SRI).
Does the RIDE have tax validity?
The tax-valid document is the XML authorized by the SRI, not the RIDE itself. The RIDE gives the buyer a clear, verifiable copy; it includes the 49-digit access key and, usually, the data needed to look the document up on the SRI portal.
What information does the RIDE include?
A typical RIDE shows the issuer and buyer details, the document number (establishment-emission point-sequential), the date and access key, the line items with their taxes (e.g. VAT), the totals, and additional information. These must match the authorized XML exactly.
How does the RIDE relate to the XML?
Each voucher has an XML (the original, with the electronic signature and SRI authorization) and a RIDE (its readable representation). Anyone integrating electronic invoicing usually keeps both: the XML as the valid record, and the RIDE as a PDF to send to the customer.