Ecuador Forum

JanMyers
Joined 2012
Posts: 82

11 years ago

Lessons Learned in Preparing Docs for Visas

11 years ago

Well, this is embarrassing to admit, but if it will help someone in the future, I'm going to post it.

Monday we drove to Austin (from Dallas) to get our docs apostilled.

Lesson #1: Check with your notary before having docs notarized. Be sure they sign their name the same as their stamp. Also ask, "Is this the EXACT name on your notary application?"

We didn't do that and 2 of our docs were turned down because the notary spelled out her middle name - Elizabeth - on her notary application but signed with only her middle initial - E. Even her stamp had just the "E".

Luckily there was another notary just two blocks away so we walked there and a nice young man deleted the old notary signature/stamp and notarized the docs for us. This time I asked the above question. And, yes, his was correct.

Back to the Secy of State's office to wait in line again. Surprise! No line this time! Got the docs apostilled and we were done.

We drove from Austin to Houston that afternoon, stayed in a hotel as it was too late to go to the Consulate. Got up the next morning and went to the Consulate. About an hour later we were finished and headed out for the 4-hour drive back to Dallas, thinking we'd rush to get everything in a DHL package and get it all on its way to our attorney in Otavalo.

While checking to be sure we had all the docs, apostilles, etc. my husband asked if I had checked our letter from the Consulate for errors.

Lesson #2: Check everything before you leave each office. They do make mistakes.

And what did we find is wrong? The passport numbers on our letters from the Consulate (certifying our retirement funds) have a typo!

Emailed the attorney. He emailed right back. Please have it corrected. Ugh!!

So, all because we didn't check to see if there were any typos on the docs, we now have the pleasure of getting up at 6 a.m. tomorrow and driving four more hours back to Houston to get the Consulate to redo our SS letters. Then drive four more hours back home.

One of our daughter's favorite sayings is: "Trust, but brand your cattle." We usually say, "Trust, but verify." So we'd suggest you proofread everything if you want to lessen the hassles.

Good luck! We're convinced living in Ecuador will be worth all this aggravation and more!!

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Ecuador Guide

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.

Ecuador Forum
Join our Ecuador forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ecuador.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Best Places to Live in Ecuador

If you're dreaming about living in Ecuador, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ecuador in 2023.

Healthcare in Ecuador

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

Cost of Living in Ecuador

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ecuador.

Moving to Ecuador Guide

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.

Real Estate in Ecuador

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Ecuador.

Pros & Cons of Living in Ecuador

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ecuador.

Retiring in Ecuador

Advice for people retiring in Ecuador.

10 Tips for Living in Ecuador

If you've recently arrived in Ecuador, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Ecuador.

Additional Information:

Visit our Ecuador Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.