Comments

panamajames

Betsy, I am very pleased to know more about you as the Expat Exchange is without a doubt, the best forum out there. I only spend time on the Panama one, but I will move to Ecuador one day and then Medellin Columbia, so it is good to know that there are quality forums out there as well. All the best..........Jim in Boquete, Panama

mike53

I like most of it, having lived here 10 years. The part that drives me crazy is the discussion of real estate prices. The insane, uninformed, foriegners have driven prices of property beyond the means of most ecuadorians. I was in country several years before we bought property, and an apartment in Salinas. Total for three good houses, land, and the apartment were less than a hundred thousand, and I dont think i got any real bargains, just bought what we wanted. There are still good opportunities if you avoid realtors and learn to use notario, registro, municipio, and have common sense. The main thing you may find is when you agree on a price they will raise it. Bad business, but a common practice. Patience and a firm conviction is critical in these somewhat crazy negotiations. BE VERY CERTAIN THE TITLE IS IN ORDER BEFORE YOU PAY!!

Mks112952

Betsy, Excellent information and I very much enjoyed this website & your wealth of knowledge on all aspects of life in Ecuador. The information that I am receiving is invaluable to my wife & I. We are scheduled to visit Cuenca to see friends of ours that have relocated there from the States. Our arrival time will be Jan. 6 - 28 , 2016. We want to visit different areas of the country to see if Ecuador is an option for us to relocate in next few years. I am 63 and I will be receiving my social security and a small pension from a previous employer in near future. Lots to consider but it sounds like a trip we are going to enjoy. Thanks again and God Bless! Mike & Nadia

Dukedriver

Thanks much for this article. I wanted to add a bit to the Medical Care segment. I have lived in Cotacachi for 4 years; have had a couple of medical challenges, both wonderful experiences with the medical personnel; in September, I had a total hip replacement. I can't say enough about the surgeon, the hospital and staff. Nearly completely healed, and at a total cost of 10% of what it would have cost in the US. I can't say enough good things about the heath care here. Oh yes, and we LOVE living in Ecuador, gets better every day.. Duke Driver

RandyD

I liked the article. It's full of good information. I'm amazed that so many expat-americans are living in Ecuador. I've been to Quito many times in years past but I'm sure things have really changed. I'd like to explore moving there around the Salinas area but can't get any information on conditions after the earthquake. Anyone have any information?

LDelaney

Thank you for this article ! We are planning to visit Ecuador in October and the more we know the better as we are planning on possibly moving to there in 6 years. I know things will change in 6 years but it's great to have as much information as possible now. thank you ! Laree

MPADAMS1

This is my first reading of Expat experiences in Ecuador. They were as diverse as the choices of places to visit or live! I am planning a trip to Cuenca in early 2017 to check it out myself and hope to meet up with Expats to get a firsthand vantage of the city and what it might hold for me/us down the road!