An Expat Talks about Moving to Best thing to do is come for 6 months, tourist visa for 3 months and 3 month extension, and rent a place in a town that looks interesting. If undecided between beach and mountains, 3 months each. Rent is cheap and you can eat in local restaurant cheaply, $2-3 per meal of daily menu. Better to try before you buy, it may not be for you or you may find things that appeal to you that aren't mentioned by forum. Also you may find the town you chose is not right for you but the next one down the road is perfect. , Ecuador

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

Best thing to do is come for 6 months, tourist visa for 3 months and 3 month extension, and rent a place in a town that looks interesting. If undecided between beach and mountains, 3 months each. Rent is cheap and you can eat in local restaurant cheaply, $2-3 per meal of daily menu. Better to try before you buy, it may not be for you or you may find things that appeal to you that aren't mentioned by forum. Also you may find the town you chose is not right for you but the next one down the road is perfect.