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.
Expats have loved living in Ecuador for a long time, and that trend continues according to expats who responded to our "Best Places to Live in 2020" survey. Read on to see how satisfied and read some quotes about what it's like to live there.
Expats talk about some of the biggest challenges they've faced living in Latin America. Whether you're moving to Panama City or Punta del Este, this article is a must read to help you prepare (hint: you'll be much happier if you learn the language) and adjust your expectations (realities: the roads are rough, the pace of life is slower and bureaucracy is unavoidable). Despite all of the challenges, the list of what expats like about life in Latin America far exceeds the challenges.
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.
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.
An expat talks about living in the small fishing village of San Jacinto in Ecuador's Manabi province. With its perfect climate and low cost of living, San Jacinto might be the perfect place for those looking for a quiet beach town.
In Cuenca, this is a most welcome place for vegans. All of the dishes from pasta to grain filled burger, sandwiches and soups are served with colorful sliced vegetables, Barely wilted from their raw state. A tasty hummus on the side accompanied each dish with small slices of focaccia. The menus and photos are online at the website: A Pedir de Boca. Details: wine, tea and coffee, Great desserts.
CUISINES: International, Asian, Thai
SPECIAL DIETS: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options.
An expat in Cuenca talks about Ecuador's mandatory health insurance requirement, Moscosa Hospital and the cost and availability of prescription medicines.
An expat talks about moving to Salinas, Ecuador - the lower cost of living, beach life and what to bring to make it feel like home.
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.
A newcomer to Ecuador offers an honest view of what it's like adjusting to life in Guayaquil. From finding it hard to understand people, because they speak too fast to feeling depressed and thinking about returning home, she is truly in the midst of culture shock.
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 expat offers an immensely helpful view of what it's like living in Cuenca, Ecuador - from expat clubs to job opportunities.
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.
An expat in Ecuador talks about what she had expected life to be like vs. the reality of living in Salinas. She enjoys life in Salinas and appreciates the family-oriented culture, the beautiful weather and running her own business. Salinas has a small town feel where everybody knows what's going on in your life, but the positive side of that is that 15 people jump in and help if you are sick or need help.
A retired couple who landed in Cuenca, Ecuador with plans to rent a while and move from place to place is very happy with the decision to move to Ecuador. They appreciate the low cost of living in Cuenca, access to quality healthcare, clubs and activities. The one challenge has been the ever changing residency rules.
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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6 Tips for Expats in Guayaquil, Ecuador
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: Pros and Cons of Living in Ecuador
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!
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, Cigna Global Health.
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An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Guayaquil, Ecuador
A newcomer to Ecuador offers an honest view of what it's like adjusting to life in Guayaquil. From finding it hard to understand people, because they speak too fast to feeling depressed and thinking about returning home, she is truly in the midst of culture shock.
An Expat Discusses Living in Cuenca, Ecuador
An expat offers an immensely helpful view of what it's like living in Cuenca, Ecuador - from expat clubs to job opportunities.
Expat Survey: Ecuador Highly Rated By Expats
Expats have loved living in Ecuador for a long time, and that trend continues according to expats who responded to our "Best Places to Live in 2020" survey. Read on to see how satisfied and read some quotes about what it's like to live there.
Expats Talk About The Biggest Challenges They Face Living in Latin America
Expats talk about some of the biggest challenges they've faced living in Latin America. Whether you're moving to Panama City or Punta del Este, this article is a must read to help you prepare (hint: you'll be much happier if you learn the language) and adjust your expectations (realities: the roads are rough, the pace of life is slower and bureaucracy is unavoidable). Despite all of the challenges, the list of what expats like about life in Latin America far exceeds the challenges.
13 Expats Talk about Living in Ecuador
17 Tips from Expats about Moving to Ecuador
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