ecbound
12/12/2016 23:47 EST
Curious as to whether I can get the following there (for a reasonable price):
--Artificial Xmas tree/ornaments
--Video games (PlayStation, Wii, or Nintendo 3DS)
--comfortable mattresses
--small appliances like crockpots, toaster ovens, high-speed blenders, mixers
--organic/heirloom seeds
I'll probably think of more later...
--
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kmoriarty45
12/13/2016 07:36 EST
Yes to most of your question. Don't know about the prices in Cuenca except that ( because of the gringos, among other reasons ) prices are slightly higher there, as opposed to where I live, in Machala.
Bought an really nice artificial tree ( lrg. one ) a few years ago for $65 . LED lights for the tree run between $5 - $8 for a large string ( 100 lights ). Ornaments ( nice ones ) run .25 - $2.00
Grandkids wanted the latest playstation for Christmas - on my budget, at $265 - Not A Chance !!( and that was the cheapest price I could find without going to Peru ).
Paid $49 for my Slow Cooker on sale, reg, price now around $69. Small electrical appliances are abundant and just slightly more than what you'd pay in the States - worth purchasing here, rather than schlepping you old stuff. Ditto for kitchenware ( pots, pans etc. ) The two exceptions I made were to bring back, on one of my trips, my good Wusthof knives and my favorite cast iron skillet ( which I use to make Sicilian deep-dish pizza in ).
I have no clue about "heirloom" seeds but I live in Ecuador's breadbasket and there are lots of places where you can purchase seeds and plants very reasonably. The Ministry of Agriculture (rightly so ) is very touchy about the introduction of foreign plants and vegetables, so I would check online before bringing something in. You might or might not get away with it ( that's a whole different thread ) but why run the risk when there is such a plethora of good things to grow or purchase here - including tomatoes that actually have a flavor to them !
PM me if you have any further questions.
Buenos suerte !
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maryanncrucitadelmar
12/13/2016 08:57 EST
Anything Electronic is very expensive. So bring those types of items and your small appliances. I brought my kitchen aid mixer this trip. I did buy a small hand mixer in Ecuador, but it was almost $50 and its a hand mixer. I would bring itemes like 1000 count sheets, nicer towels. They of course have sheets and towels but the quality is not as good.. I found a very comfortable mattress here so you wouldn't have to bring that. Mattress are big so that would give you more room for other items. Bring anything that you are attached to, if you like a particular name brand. Hope this helps.
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OceanHideaway
12/13/2016 12:47 EST
Check out the Swaps and Flea Markets especially in the Cuenca area on Facebook.
The average is now 2 years for expats to flip and turn back to the USA and they sell their stuff. See what is regularly available and plan accordingly.
Also ... you don´t ned heirloom seeds here...first, as mentioned, they are not legal...second... you can simply take seeds from the fruits and veggies you have and plant them...
For anything else...if you can´t live without it for 6 months, bring it
And always pack your specialty spices and herbs
Spices are what make dishes unique. And if you don´t know what spices you need, do a search of your favorite foods...Mexican, Indian, Japanese, and bring what you will need to recreate the tastes.
..until you locate those spices and herbs here.
Susan
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windshadow
12/13/2016 15:48 EST
Bring money. Plenty of it if you want to buy imported stuff. It can all be shipped to you.
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PACountryBoy
12/13/2016 16:37 EST
KMORE....HEY! What's your recipe for Sicilian deep dish pizza? I had it when I was there in Palermo, and Toronto. I have a feeling, yours is MUCH better!!!!
: >))))
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PACountryBoy
12/13/2016 16:41 EST
WIND....LMAO....great answer. It will buy: Everything but poverty!!!! : >))) You forgot to tell them...small, unmarked denominations...no 50's.
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ecuadorjoe
12/13/2016 18:42 EST
ECB..I would recommend the "Redneck Riviera" Cuenca is cold and no heating here...
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ecbound
12/13/2016 19:05 EST
Thanks Kmoriarty. Maybe I'll bring my tiny tree and wait for someone moving back home to sell a better one. Is there video games for the PS4, Wii (not Wii U), and Nintendo 3DS?
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jaym
12/17/2016 21:34 EST
Good news, EC signed the trade deal with the EU, so many items may be getting a bit cheaper and easier to find
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