An Expat Talks about Moving to Cuenca, Ecuador

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.

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

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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.

Expats living in Ecuador interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. Get a Quote

Expats living in Ecuador interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.

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

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Ecuador from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
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Join our Ecuador Expat Forum

Visit our Ecuador Forum and talk with other expats who can offer you insight and tips about living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

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Write a Comment about this Expat Report

Comments about this Report

Sueetta

Feb 3, 2015 10:40

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.

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Ecuador from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

Guide to Living in Cuenca

Healthcare in Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.

Restaurants in Cuenca

Have you eaten at A Pedir de Boca in Cuenca? Learn about this and other restaurants in Cuenca in our new Cuenca Restaurant Guide.

Moving to Cuenca

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.

Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare in Cuenca

Living in Cuenca

An expat offers an immensely helpful view of what it's like living in Cuenca, Ecuador - from expat clubs to job opportunities.

Living in Cuenca

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.

Retirement in Cuenca

Culture Shock in Cuenca

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.