Cuenca, Ecuador
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.
Cuenca
I wish I had brought: Electric blanket, Thermos, underwear, More vitamins. I wish I had left: Dress shoes, Dress clothes, Sweaters
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.
11th floor 2B/2B condo with river view and 24 hour security guards and underground car parking.
Found a high rise condo in the local paper for the right amount of rent.
Expats living in Ecuador interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get quotes our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Aetna and GeoBlue.
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
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Ecuador from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
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 share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.
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 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.
An expat in Cuenca talks about Ecuador's mandatory health insurance requirement, Moscosa Hospital and the cost and availability of prescription medicines.
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.
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.
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.
A semi-retired woman who relocated to Cuenca, Ecuador once her children were grown is enjoying life there with her husband. He has longed to return to Central America, since living there as a child.
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.
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.
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!
Expats share some of their favorite places to live in Ecuador from beautiful colonial cities to affordable beach towns.
Brought a really good space heater instead of an electric blanket since they have been found unhealthy to sleep under. Supplements are the only thing difficult to find here as we do in the US....things like cinnamon capsules, acidophilus, Fenugreek. Basics are available here. No canning jars are sold in Ecuador, apparently, so importing some of those with reusable rings as like making my own applesauce and apple butter. Also for storing salad greens to keep them fresh longer in the fridge. Very glad I brought my small appliances and tech equipment. Buy a printer here so can get toner easily and cheaply....my HP printer toner cartridges as from US have different magnetic strips on them. Bring sweat shirts and pants to wear at home for comfort during rainy season, too. Light jackets and rain gear needed too.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Ecuador from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
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 share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.
Have you eaten at A Pedir de Boca in Cuenca? Learn about this and other restaurants in Cuenca in our new Cuenca Restaurant Guide.
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 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.
An expat in Cuenca, Ecuador offers insight on his health care experiences there. A considerable amount information is shared about hospitals, costs, alternative therapies and more are convered.
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.
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.
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.
A semi-retired woman who relocated to Cuenca, Ecuador once her children were grown is enjoying life there with her husband. He has longed to return to Central America, since living there as a child.
Copyright 1997-2021 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.