An Expat Talks about Retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Cuenca

Why did you choose to retire abroad?

We had always desired to live in a different culture and immerse in the language. We sold everything and moved to Ecuador sight unseen. After three years here, we are still trying to improve our Spanish, but love our adopted city.

Are you retired abroad all year or part of the year?

All year

Why did you choose the country you retired to?

We visited Panama and Costa Rica but felt they lacked the cultural feel we desired. In other words, lovely scenery but too Americanized. Ecuador, Nicaragua, Argentina and others popped up in our radar but retirement articles kept highlighting Ecuador, so we took the plunge. We also chose Ecuador for the ease of a quick return to the US if needed for family.

Did you ever live abroad before you retired abroad?

We lived in Sheffield, England for a year.

How long have you lived abroad since you retired abroad?

We have lived in Cuenca now for three years.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

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How many countries (other than your home country) have you lived in as a retiree?

Just Ecuador

What have been the most challenging aspects of being retired abroad?

We continue to take Spanish classes but struggle with the language. It’s been a longer and more difficult process than we expected.

What have been the most rewarding aspects of being retired abroad?

This is an easy question, the people. The Ecuadorian people are so loving, accepting of us, and generous. Pre-Covid I was the oldest and only gringa who went daily at 6:30 to the local park for bailioterapia (Zumba). The entire group hugged and kissed me everyday, we went for coffee, marched in parades and did competitions. The women and men were such a delight.

What would you do differently if you were just starting the retire abroad process?

We would do an exploratory trip to figure out what we really should bring, especially in relationship to the weather and housing. There’s no heat in any buildings and it gets cold in the Andes where we live. Warmer clothes would have been better than our shorts!

What is life like for a retiree in your city and its surroundings? (Is there an active expat community? Cultural Attractions? Recreation? Nightlife?)

There is a large expat community that is very involved in social projects like a soup kitchen, shelter for abused women, etc. There are also several that do game nights and other entertainments. Pre-Covid we had weekly fantastic free world class concerts, yearly guitar festival, lots of colorful parades, and hikes.

What residency documents or visas did you need to obtain to retire in your host country? How difficult was this process? (Please describe)

We received our 2 year visa in Chicago before we moved. In retrospect, it would have been easier to do once we were here as there are many facilitators able to complete the process faster and easier.

Did you buy a home or apartment, or rent one? Is this a difficult process? (Please describe)

There are many rentals and sale options, we have rented the entire time as we like the security of our apartment while we are traveling.

Financially, has living abroad in your host country met your expectations? Exceeded them?

We have been blessed with a senior benefit in Ecuador of discounted airfare. As a result, travel is more feasible than when we lived in the states. As a result we’ve visited Africa and Antartica, future trips are on hold for now.

What are the most important financial considerations for retiring to your host country?

How to get money into your hands. Do you want to bring a lot down and open an account or withdraw from an account still in the states. They both have benefits and drawbacks.

How much can a retiree live on comfortably in your host country?

We live on less than our SS income despite traveling. Our rent for a lovely 3 bedroom apartment within walking distance of everything is $450 plus utilities which are a few dollars a month. We do not have a car but do use our bikes and feet.

Do you have access to quality medical care? (Please describe - is it close? Expensive?)

We have the best doctor here we have ever had. I feel qualified to say that as I was a nurse for 46 years and know quality care. We pay $30/one hour visit. She actually listens and explains everything.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Is there a lot of crime where you live? (Please describe)

With the collapse of Venezuela’s economy, we have many desperate people who have come to Ecuador. As a result there are now beggars and crime has increased.

Describe available transportation where you live. Do you need a car? Is there access to safe public transportation?

We get senior discount on all public transportation, .15 cents to ride the bus anywhere around town. Half off out of town bus trips. We are still considering a car to give more travel options.

Is there high-speed internet access where you live?

Internet is fine, there are many providers. A good idea though is to have a VPN.

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share about retiring abroad?

Give it a try, stretch yourself. With zoom, Skype and other technology advances we are frequently in touch with our family.