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.

I wish I had brought: Electric blanket, Thermos, underwear, More vitamins. I wish I had left: Dress shoes, Dress clothes, Sweaters

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

Good idea to take a exploratory trip first, get an idea of the area and where you might want to live. Check out available apartments and rent cost. Many expats arrive here with a container full of stuff that they cannot live without which is an added expense considering you can have furniture made here at very reasonable costs. And then many of them move back to their country just after 6 months selling all their stuff here.

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

11th floor 2B/2B condo with river view and 24 hour security guards and underground car parking.

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

Found a high rise condo in the local paper for the right amount of rent.

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

Housing for expats seems to be going up mostly because new expats will pay the asking prices which are still much cheaper then in the US. Furnished apartments average $500-$700. Unfurnished $300-$500 http://gas2335.blogspot.com/2013/05/update-on-my-cuenca-ecuador-condo.html