Whether you're already living in Ecuador or preparing to move to Ecuador, our Expat Guide to Living in Ecuador offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in Ecuador. For answers to specific questions, visit our Ecuador Forum to talk with expats in Ecuador.
Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city, but still has a small-city feeling. Expats share 11 things they wish they had known before moving to Cuenca from packing sunscreen to being aware of gringo gouging.
Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.
We asked expats in Ecuador for advice for newcomers. From cost of living to what to bring to culture shock, their insight is a must read for anyone thinking about moving to Ecuador.
Expats in Ecuador talk about what its like living in Ecuador. From the lower cost of living to its wonderful climate to the focus on family, Ecuador is a popular destination for retirees and other expats.
Expats in Guayaquil report a variety of opinions regarding what it's like to live there. It offers a very warm and humid climate for sun lovers, but others find the heat stifling. Similarly, crime is a major concern of some, while others find that it's perfectly acceptable with proper precautions.
Expats in Ecuador share some of the pros and cons of living in Ecuador. Topics covered include where to live, the bureaucracy, the people and more. Expats in Ecuador seem to all agree that you'll have to come down and explore the country to find the perfect place for you!
An expat in Ecuador talks about why expats move to San Clemente - with it's laid back beach lifestyle, low cost of living, hot & dry climate and low crime rate. There are a few things that San Clemente is missing.
An expat in Cuenca talks about Ecuador's mandatory health insurance requirement, Moscosa Hospital and the cost and availability of prescription medicines.
An American woman talks about the ups and downs of moving to Cuenca. She had limited Spanish when she arrived, but a local woman helped her in the apartment search and she found the perfect place in a lovely Spanish-speaking neighborhood. Her apartment is 3-4 times less expensive than in the US.
An expat in Cuenca, Ecuador advises others to take an exploratory trip before committing to making the move. Then, if you do move to Cuenca, leave your furniture at home since it's very expensive to ship and furniture is very reasonably priced in Ecuador.
An expat living in Guayaquil has found that the people are friendlier than in the United States. He dislikes the high cost of cars and appliances -- and lack of food options.
An American expat and his Ecuadorian wife, who initially lived with family in Quito, moved to Cuenca and enjoy life there. The expat husband advises anyone considering a move to Ecuador to learn Spanish, realize that you'll have to travel home see your family (most won't visit you) and know that homesickness happens in random moments that sneak up on you.
An expat in Cuenca, Ecuador appreciates the beautiful environment and people. He advises newcomers to get learn Spanish and meet locals instead of socializing with other expats.
I'd say if you are retired and wanting a nice beach area where the views are exceptional. Yes this maybe the place for you. But there are many cities along the coast that you may like better.
An expat couple explains how the negative reviews of Manta, Ecuador made them initially overlook this "working-class city." After visiting several others cities, they gave Manta a chance and realized that it was the perfect destination for them!
A retiree talks about what it's like living in Cuenca, Ecuador - she enjoys the slower pace of living, lower cost of living, climate and that she has friends from all over the world.
What's it like to find a job in Ecuador? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats in Ecuador? Help others following in your footsteps by filling out our Working Abroad Report.
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10 Best Places to Live in Ecuador
Expats share some of their favorite places to live in Ecuador from beautiful colonial cities to affordable beach towns.
9 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Ecuador
Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.
8 Tips for Living in Cuenca, Ecuador
Many expats in Cuenca, Ecuador love the city's climate, friendly people and low cost of living. Other expats find that this developing city's bland food, dirty streets and noisy neighborhoods are too much to take.
Ecuador Check-In and Help Needed Thread
The earthquake in Ecuador has impacted many areas where our members reside. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Ecuador. We have setup a Check-In and Help Needed thread for our members in Ecuador.
Top 10 Reasons to Consider Ecuador for Your Retirement
Retirees in Ecuador enjoy an incredible number of benefits in their expat life abroad. Here are ten of the best reasons to consider this South American country when you look abroad for retirement.
Thanksgiving in Ecuador
For American expats looking to dine out on Thanksgiving, here's a list of several restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinners in Quito and Cuena.
Expat Ecuador: 10 Tips for Living in Ecuador
Expats in Ecuador appreciate the cost of living, the friendly people, the beautiful weather and warm culture. The bureaucracy can be very trying, petty theft an issue and driving downright dangerous. But, if you ask most expats who are retired or working in Ecuador, they don't regret the move to Ecuador.
5 Great Places to Retire in South America
Expats offered their recommendations for places to retire in South America. We know that this is a short list and hope you'll add your favorites below in the comments section.
Ecuador: A Primer for the First Time Visitor (or, why you don't need a tour)
Susan Schlesinger, our Ecuador Forum moderator and the Manager of the Ocean Hideaway, gives her primer for newcomers and visitors to Ecuador.
The Most Sought After Document in South America
Charles Barrett offers some helpful tips to ensure that you minimize risk associated with a lost or stolen passport.
Cotacachi, Ecuador - An Up and Coming Expat Destination
Cotacachi, Ecuador had only a handful of expat residents only three years ago. Now, expat-owned restaurants are opening, gated housing developments are springing up and expat social clubs are forming. It's an exciting time to move to Cotacachi.
7 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do in Ecuador
Alone, cheap cost of living is a bad reason to move to another country, that could change overnight! Buonamici shares 7 other reasons.
World's Top Retirement Havens 1 Through 9
Where are the best places to retire overseas? Which retirement haven is right for you? France? Ecuador? Panama? Nicaragua? Thailand? Kathleen Peddicord shares the pros and cons of the world's top 9 retirement havens.
The Dog Whisperers of Cotacachi, Ecuador
Lee and Peggy Carper are on a mission to spay and neuter the stray dogs of Cotacachi, Ecuador -- as well as to nurse and feed the ones who showed malnutrition or disease.
Strategies for Staying Safe in Ecuador
Strategies for staying safe in Ecuador from our Ecuador Forum and US Department of State.
Expat Advice about Crime & Safety in Ecuador
Advice from Expats in Ecuador about Safety, Security and Crime in Ecuador.
Ecuador Safety from US State Department
Ecuador Crime, Safety and Country Information from the US State Department.
International Schools in Ecuador
From the American School of Quito to Acadamia Cotopaxi, we cover the most popular international schools in Ecuador.
Life of an Expat in Cotacachi, Ecuador
Cotacachi, Ecuador is a wonderful place to retire. Former teacher, Gary Kesinger, describes life in Cotacachi.
2010 Ecuador Cost of Living
Living in Ecuador may not be an inexpensive as living in Mexico or living in Costa Rica, but it's still cheap. Ecuador real estate reporter gives a brief overview of 2010 Cost of living in Ecuador.
Visa Ecuador: The Best Way to Obtain a Residency Visa in Ecuador
What is the best Ecuador visa to have? How do expats obtain a residency visa in Ecuador? Many expats obtain a retirement visa or investment visa, but there's another visa that will save you time and money.
The Most Sought After Document in South America
Altered passports bring thousands on the black market in Ecuador. Keeping your passport safe and giving notarized, color copies to lawyers, customs and other officials is very important.
Moving to Ecuador: Tips for Newcomers in Ecuador
When it comes to getting an insider's perspective on expat life in Ecuador, our Ecuador network is the place to post! With hundreds of posts each month, members cover current events, moving and relocation advice and much more!
Ten Things You Should Know Before You Move To Central or South America
Lee offers ten tips for people contemplating a move to Central or South America.
City Profile: Quito, Ecuador
English teachers abound in Ecuador's capital city of Quito. With great night life, welcoming people, nearby mountains and active expat groups it might be just right for you.
Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador: The Paradise Peninsula
After years of exploring Central and South America, LaCoursiere found his paradise - Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador.
Expatriate Health Insurance
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Ecuador from our partner, Integra Global Health.
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13 Expats Talk about Living in Ecuador
11 Things to Know Before Moving to Cuenca, Ecuador
Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city, but still has a small-city feeling. Expats share 11 things they wish they had known before moving to Cuenca from packing sunscreen to being aware of gringo gouging.
Moving to Ecuador: 14 Things to Know Before Moving to Ecuador
Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.
An Expat Shares What it's Like Retiring in Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador
An expat who retired to Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador enjoys Bahia's very low cost of living, fresh uncontaminated food and warm climate. He wishes he had been more cautious with investments given the issues in Ecuador with the 7.8 earthquake last April. The experience has taught him a lot about buying property and property laws.
An Expat Talks about Moving to Cuenca, Ecuador
An American woman who moved to Cuenca 2 years ago advises other expats about how to avoid gringo gouging. She also recommends that others moving to Cuenca bring more rain gear and a space heater.
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