About icemeister

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Ecuador Welcome Forum: New FBAR deadline:

Here's a link to the IRS web page explaining the FBAR: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/report-of-foreign-bank-and-financial-accounts-fbar

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Moving to Farm:

Regarding the tractor and 4-wheeler, I suggest you check with your shipping agent in Ecuador. I used Sandra Baquero in Guayaquil for my container and she specifically asked if I had any type motorized wheeled vehicle, such as riding lawn mowers or 4-wheelers because I believe they are treated differently. Even work-related tools can be special cases too. I brought my refrigeration and A/C tools with me and she said they might require I show proof I am trained and certified in their use...such as a contractor's licence. Contact Sandra at sandy,baquero@gmail.com

Ecuador: IESS Waiting Period:

I have just signed up as an "afiliado voluntario" with IESS and have registered my wife as a dependent. As I understand the rules, I am fully eleigible immediately but a dependent must wait for 3 months before becoming eleigible. However I read somewhere that a dependent would be covered for emergency medical care before completing the 3 month waiting period. Does anyone know if this is correct or no? Also, reading the IESS web page on Health Services I believe it says new members over 40 years old must schedule an initial physical exam. Am I correct on this interpretation? Charlie B

Ecuador Welcome Forum: packages from the US:

I have used TransExpress in Miami for several years with zero problems. They have a very good website (in Spanish or English), membership is free and they have the lowest shipping rates available at $9.50 for the first lb and about $5.00/lb thereafter. You can group up to five packages under the 4x4 rule and only be charge the $42 once. They also have a handy calculator to estimate shipping costs and import taxes for shipments outside the 4x4 rule. They even ship any mail received twice a month at their regular rates at no extra charge. They contract in Ecuador with Laar Courier who handles all matter in Ecuador from Customs to delivery to your door. I have never had anything go missing and usually receive my packages within 10 days after they arrive in Miami. www.TransExpress.com

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Moving:

I have always flown economy class flights and found there's no savings to buy one-way tickets. I just checked Copa from Miami to Guayaquil and the one-way was actually a few dollars more than round trip for the same day and same flights.

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Ecuador DL/Auto Insurance:

When I full coverage for my car they never asked for a DL. But I'm pretty sure you would have a problem getting your claim paid if you had an accident and no DL. I don't know if the government insurance (SPPAT) would still pay though. http://www.ant.gob.ec/index.php/home-2/36-servicios/servicios-en-linea/1041-sppat#.WHt4UE6i5yg Charlie B

Ecuador Welcome Forum: E-mail's:

I agree with kmoriarty. I've had many locals ask me to reply on Whatsapp rather than email or even text.

Ecuador Welcome Forum: Fax machine(s) in Guayaquil?:

I have used FaxZero.com , a free online faxing service: https://faxzero.com/ It includes a cover sheet and allows you to upload your scanned document files to be faxed. Charlie B

Ecuador Welcome Forum: EU imports:

I saw a 750 ml bottle of 80 proof Smirnoff for under $11 at Mi Comisariato. Back in Florida at ABC that's going for $14 +tax. This level of pricing puts Smirnoff about even with the vodka made in Cuenca. I saw a bunch of new Italian wines there today too.

Ecuador Welcome Forum: This is not good...:

In Ecuador the water is not flourinated. The salt is flourinated, but doesn't contain iodine.

Date Joined:

12/21/2012

Total Posts:

213

Posts/Day:

0.14