An Expat Talks about Moving to Cuenca, Ecuador

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Cuenca

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

We wish we would have brought a Leatherman, our Vitamix and a portable water filter. We could have done without so many clothes.

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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Get an agreement in writing, at least the basic rules and conditions. Compare and ask questions of expats living here. After paying far to much they demanded we pay for propane to cook, which was to be included. They turned off our gas so we could not cook. Ask if they own the house. They usually do not. If you are robbed or stolen from (it happens) they will not have insurance for you. Ask people living here about places to rent, not those under Air B&B.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

We are in a B&B and not typical as apartments are every where. You just don't know until you get here.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

Through the internet we found a person whom totally misrepresented the rental market, however not knowing we were taken advantage of.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Housing cost are substantially less than at home. We are moving into a real mansion with full use of the house and our own bath for $210 mo. $200-350 mo is very available. We were taken the first mo. at $550mo and was much less quality. Actually it was horrible.