Expat Advice: Living in Salinas, Ecuador
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Salinas
How long have you lived there?
5 years
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
Hanging out around Score sports Bar owned by American Will Taylor also Rapa Nui Chilean bar on the front Malecon, Shopping center coffee areas, Gyms & sometimes Yacht clubs are the best place for Ex-Pats from my 5 years based here, even just walking on the main front, malecon one meets many foreigners and some nice locals.
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
Very wide berth to all cultures and races living in peace here and all skin types and belief systems.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
Tourism, fishing, sport and yacht clubs, ex-pats either open up their own clubs, shops, bars, restaurants, tour guides, internet based work or find imports attractive to import to Ecuador or have retired.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Do not listen to anyone initially, feel the place out first and make sure you enjoy the area.
When buying or renting a place such as apartments be careful of all Brokers, even the Licensed, who both I and our friends have seen on many occasions add 20% or more to the costs and who also try to get paid both sides, by in effect charging innocent foreigners much more, where as if you deal with owners directly you will pay less! Brokers means that they are more broke than you so be CAREFUL. I recommend either Tucasaecuador.com on line or their magazine you can buy in the main Shopping center or in Petrol stations.
Personally we bought from the Best Tower in Town the PHOENIX LUXURY TOWER who were in this magazine in front of the Banco Pacifico on the second street in Salinas which has over 9 nationalities based there and found that in dealing with the OWNER we got the best and fairest deal and no broker crap trap!
They have suites, medium and large apartments but are over 80% sold now.
Moving to Ecuador soon?
More Expat Advice about Living in Ecuador
Write a Comment about this Expat Report
Comments about this Report
93455545how much for a condo at the phoenix tower? 3 or 4 bedrooms. I hear they are great. thank you for your info. best regrads, Lawrence
guestthank you for your report on brokers. is there any more condos for sale at the phoenix towers? also, is the builder going to start an other project? good builders should keep building. thank you for your time. best regards, Lawrence
jungleHow safe is the city? Do you feel comfortable going about your day to day affairs? I'm considering retiring in Salinas along with my family.
guestare there jobs available in the trades. i have 25 years experience here in the US.
OceanHideawayYup ~ as a resort town attracting folks from all over, there is a distinctly noticeable police presence. That isn't to say that there is not petty crime. For the most part if you don't flash jewelry and wads of $20 bills you are fine.
OceanHideawayFew jobs for expats; especially in trade work. Best to come here as a retiree or invest in some property and realize even with a job you're going to make Ecuadorian wages -- that would be les than $600 a month.
guestWe are currently renting int eh Phoenix. While the Phoenix Luxury Tower is one of the best in town, I caution tentative renters/buyers about the noise associated with living in this tower. The bus station is located directly below and to the rear of the building. The tower is also backed by three other apartment buildings and flanked on one side by yet another. The front of the tower faces a relatively busy street where must noise drifts from the street to the top of the building. The windows are very thin, so they provide no noise block at all. I have been on all the floors, and realize that the higher you go, the better the view, but the noise is still abundant.
docbill57Do you think a psychologist could find work in Salinas? Thanks!
fred2000I live in Salinas, on and off, for 20 years - any help need someone, I amd at yr service fred
guestWe are still in the US and had, at first, been primarily focused on Central America. I recently started investigating Ecuador and it sounds like it might be the perfect place for us. We do have two adult children who are considering making the move with us, one has a young son. One of my daughters is a teacher and the other a nurse. They have little Spanish currently but will be working on that in the coming months. Would there be job opportunities for them there? I know wages are much lower there but we can help with providing a place for them to live.
krlee03There is a big push for foreign teachers right now.
