Summary: 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!
If you are contemplating moving to Ecuador, we've compiled a list of pros and cons of living in Ecuador to help with your decision. Everything on the list comes from expats who are living in Ecuador and some who've lived there in the past.
In relation to expat safety and crime in Ecuador, one expat wrote that "I won't say Ecuador is absolutely perfectly safe, but it is far from the terrifying locale one would assume if you only rely on what you are reading. Use your common sense, don't flash your cash and don't wear lots of jewelry. If this makes you unfcomfortable, then perhaps Ecuador is not a place for you. But come and check it out and see how you feel. That is the only true measure... and that is the way it always has been."
Another expat in the same thread wrote: "I an an American currently exploring Ecuador. We have been here for 3 weeks and have visited Guayiquil, Cuenca, Lola and Vilcabamba. I have found that I have felt very safe in Ecuador. I have been out walking as late as 10pm and have seen families walking with their young children, couples and lies walking alone. It would be foolish to say their is no crime in Ecuador or that all places are safe at all times. The best advice is to use common sense and listen to the voice inside. If you feel nervous, catch a taxi."
An expat wrote about that the Bureaucracy in Ecuador "often gets bogged down, especially during this election times and the economy in recession, and new Directors of Immigration get changed around out like underwear, so getting authorized signatures often takes a long time. Any processing times they tell you [should be multiplied] by at least 2, preferably 3 times."
Another expat added, "I would STRONGLY advise you to use an Ecuadorian shipping agent, since all the complications will always be in the Ecuadorian side upon arrival of the container. If you use a foreign shipping agent, after your container gets to Ecuador - and if any problems occur (and they WILL occur!) - the foreign shipping agent will often simply wash his hands of the entire problem, since he already has your money and will leave you to deal on your own with the Ecuadorians.
However, by using an Ecuadorian shipping agent from the start you'll have that shipping agent right there holding your hand through the entire nightmare Bureaucracy of getting your container out of EC Customs and the port."
Another expat in Ecuador reported: "The people here are great. After five years I have no complaint. The culture and governmental Bureaucracy are things these people put up just as we expats do. They didn't invent it, it is the result of history.
Finally, another expat added about the Bureaucracy: "On a philosophical note, I would argue for transferring the visa as soon as possible after getting your new passport. Some people may have had happy experiences using two passports, but you're really rolling the dice when it comes to dealing with the Ecuadorian Bureaucracy, so play it safe and transfer the visa..."
Expats in Ecuador made the following comments about what they like - or don't like - about where they live in various places across the country: "I would recommend Cuenca. Not as big as Quito and easier to get around in. Cool at night though and rainy at times. Not all day but afternoons during rainy season. Somewhat European in nature. Rent is very inexpensive and a lot of choices to get you away from the noise. Drivers about like New York City but not as bad as you describe. Pretty clean city and a new trolley car system is replacing a lot of diesel buses," advised another expat.
"Cotacachi, Ecuador is a town on the move. While a few years ago, it was a little-known village that catered to tourists intent on buying leather products, it is now becoming a popular destination for retirees and others searching for a low cost place to live. The year-round spring like climate and mountain scenery are attracting expats from around the world.
An expat living in Quito said, "Be prepared for pollution and robbery problems. Quito also has a large traffic issue and makes it hard to get around at busy hours of the day. The altitude is sometimes hard for people with asthma or the elderly. In general, it's still a small city and has a friendly welcoming attitude.
One expat recommended Vilcabamba saying, "I suggest Vilcabamba, the valley of longevity, in southern Ecuador. The elevation is 5000 ft and its about 10 degrees warmer than Cuenca. The city of Loja is about 45 minutes away population 250,000 people... and it has all the modern conveniences..." Another said, "I've lived here over a year and have NO plans to live anywhere else.
One expat wrote: "They think we are rich, so untill you get to know the rules, do not buy any property. Do not pay the asking price on rentals. Offer half of what they are asking and you will find out what they are really wanting."
Another in Cuenca said: "If you have funds, you can afford to live anywhere in the world. Ecuador can cost almost as much as the U.S. because of 'gringo gouging.' Best way to find housing is not to read paid ads but to first find a neighborhood and buildings you might like, then look for signs and call the numbers directly. It takes an enormous amount of work to figure out which landlords are honest and fair and those who are not. Even if they seem correct, they may turn on you. The name of the game is $$$ and if you are not on a budget, then nothing really matters and you can pay double or more than a local would... This later remark is noteworthy... paying more contributes to the economy, but also creates understandable resentment among locals."
One expat who has lived in Bahia and San Vicente said his costs were "much lower. We paid cash for our land and to build our house. Electric is about 100 per month. We get 2 trucks of water a month roughly and it equates to about $50/month in water. There are no other bills."
Another expat in Puerto Cayo wrote, "Depending on the quality and area we find costs to be lower to about the same for housing cost to purchase...however the cost of real estate taxes, and maintenance is much lower here."
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Many expats choose to pay for voluntary membership in the Ecuadorian national health care system. The IESS or Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social.
There seems to be a bit of debate about the cost of healthcare through the IESS. One expat said, "It's free if you pay your 'contribution' to the social security system here as an IESS Voluntary Member (Afiliacion voluntaria) or if you are employed, where your employer would pay. The cost is 17.60% of the current basic salary ($366/mo) or $64.41. You spouse would be an additional 3.41% or $12.48." Others expats living in Ecuador debated that the cost would be higher, because an expat must have a higher salary to stay in Ecuador.
"Keep in mind that if you're paying out of pocket a catastrophic illness will still probably bankrupt you. If [you're] waiting for government treatment for cancer or something similar, there is a good chance you'll die waiting," asserted one expat.
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Read more tips about healthcare in Ecuador.
Here are some thoughts on this aspect of expat life in Ecuador:
Bureaucracy in Ecuador "often gets bogged down, especially during this election times and the economy in recession, and new Directors of Immigration get changed around out like underwear, so getting authorized signatures often takes a long time. Any processing times they tell you, you must multiply by at least 2, preferably 3 times."
The people here are great. After five years I have no complaint. The culture and governmental bureaucracy are things these people put up just as we expats do. They didn't invent it, it is the result of history.
On a philosophical note, I would argue for transferring the visa as soon as possible after getting your new passport. Some people may have had happy experiences using two passports, but you're really rolling the dice when it comes to dealing with the Ecuadorian Bureaucracy, so play it safe and transfer the visa...
I would STRONGLY advise you to use an Ecuadorian shipping agent, since all the complications will always be in the Ecuadorian side upon arrival of the container. If you use a foreign shipping agent, after your container gets to Ecuador - and if any problems occur (and they WILL occur!) - the foreign shipping agent will often simply wash his hands of the entire problem, since he already has your money and will leave you to deal on your own with the Ecuadorians.
However, by using an Ecuadorian shipping agent from the start you'll have that shipping agent right there holding your hand through the entire nightmare Bureaucracy of getting your container out of EC Customs and the port.
An expat living in Salinas wrote: "I was not prepared for the culture shock of the absence of sewer systems and the resulting smells you encounter in the towns and neighborhoods. The overall lack of respect for the environment means you see garbage just thrown or dumped along the roads, in empty lots, on the beaches. Very sad."
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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Ecuador Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Ecuador on our Ecuador forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Ecuador Index
An index of all of our site's Ecuador information.
Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.
Expats in Ecuador offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Ecuador.
Expats in Ecuador offer advice about healthcare in Ecuador.
Expats share some of their favorite places to live in Ecuador from beautiful colonial cities to affordable beach towns.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what digital nomads & expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ecuador.
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.
Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.
Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
GET A QUOTE
Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
GET A QUOTE
Ecuador Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Ecuador on our Ecuador forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Ecuador Index
An index of all of our site's Ecuador information.
Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.
Expats in Ecuador offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Ecuador.
Expats in Ecuador offer advice about healthcare in Ecuador.
Expats share some of their favorite places to live in Ecuador from beautiful colonial cities to affordable beach towns.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what digital nomads & expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ecuador.
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.
Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.
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