Living in Ecuador

"This city has a little of everything. The old and the new blend very well indeed. Lots of great restaurants, lots of music the weather is the best, the mountains are breathtaking, the prices for me are just right. I really have everything here I could ever wish for," wrote one member in Cuenca.

"I have a close friend who is going to move here. He loved his visit here a couple of months ago. I told him that the culture is very different form the US but that is true anywhere in the world. The only way to learn is through immersion into the life here. I took a job consulting for the municipio, another side task of teaching the local kids in our barrio English and I applied to teach at the local University. The more active I am, the faster I get what is going on here. Ibarra is no Quito; it is like most other towns in Ecuador, just a little larger at 150,000 people. My Spanish is constantly improving. Our farm is becoming more productive, our list of freinds is growing. But it all takes lots of time and personal investment of yourself," remarked one expat who made the move to Ibarra.

"There is an expat community in Vilcabamba. Its membership varies in variety and number. People arrive people depart. Some are in the town, visible every day, some come in only on market Sunday, some might go months without setting foot in the town. Come for a visit. Stay more than a couple of days to get the feel of the town. Have a taxi give you the tour. You'll have a better idea of the place and options for living there. Look at San Pedro and Malacatos as well, two towns near Vilcabamba. These are worthwhile places to look at," explained one expat living in Vilcabamba, Ecuador.

"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. It's easy to get away on weekends and go to the mountains for fresh air. The night life is fun and exciting in the mariscal area. I would research the city really well before renting or buying. Find the safer neighborhoods like Quito, Tenis or Gonzalez Suarez where there are many other expats," said one expat in Quito.

"Retiring in Ecuador can be an attractive option for expats as the cost of living is low and the natural beauty of the country is unparalleled. However, before making a decision to retire in Ecuador it is important to be mindful of a few things. Expats should research the local culture and customs to ensure they adjust to their new home in the best way possible. It is also important to research taxation, the pension system, and health care in the country to determine if their retirement plan is feasible. Additionally, it is beneficial to learn some basic Spanish as many people in Ecuador only speak the language. Ultimately, expats should consider how comfortable they will be in a new environment, and whether Ecuador is the right fit for them," said one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"Use your skills to get some form of employment. Consult, teach, help with a multitude of civic type organizations. Immerse yourself into the life," remarked one expat living in Ibarra, Ecuador.

"Get on online forum and arrange to meet one of the local expats. Ask them about local group and activities. Go online and Google groups for your interests and Ecuador, example pesca deportiva grupos Ecuador (fishing group Ecuador)," wrote one member in Ecuador.

"Here you meet others through shopping for food, necessities for the home, and dining out. There is a Rotary International group here but they only speak spanish. If you have a talent, such as painting, you can set up in one of the parks and meet people. There are a dozen expats here that speak english and most are very helpful for newcomers. Also there are about 30 to 80 boats from all over the world at the marina, depending on the month, and most "boaties" speak English and are helpul. The marina owner, an American, also runs a restaurant there and he and his Columbian wife speak english," remarked one expat who made the move to Bahia de Caracruz.

"Expats living in Ecuador often join local clubs, attend cultural events, and join social media networks centered around activities they love. Expatriates may also join online communities specific to the country where they live, such as Ecuador Expats Online, which is a popular forum. Furthermore, connecting with other local English-speaking expats through local churches, booksellers, and language classrooms can provide an excellent way to meet people from all over the world. Finally, expats may join outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and mountaineering, which not only provide an opportunity meet each other, but also Experience the beauty of Ecuador," explained one expat living in Ecuador.

"There are now two expat groups which meet in Cuenca each Friday night at 5 p.m. One is at Zoes and the other at the Ecualyptus. From here you can meet and greet other expats and then extend you network," said one expat in Cuenca.

"Ibarra is the capitol of Imbabura and as such has many lawyers in the area but it is primarily agricultural with a lot of commerce going on. It is the largest of the cities in this province and offers a lot of night life, greater restaurant selection and a pretty progressive city leadership," wrote a member in Ibarra.

"This is a tourist town that only has tourists occasionally. Most people do menial jobs," commented one expat who made the move to Bahia de Caraquez.

"Cuenca has a lot going for it as far as the arts. There are always free concerts that you can attend in the city. Art festivals, Choirs, Orchestras you name it. This is a very family oriented society and life revolves around the family. My local business colleagues are always spending time with their families on the weekends and we should learn from them. They have a wonderful network of family around them. Religious events are a time for parades, church and other activities," remarked one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Not a lot of crime in Cuenca but people need to us common since living here as they would in any city," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Yes, there is some crime in Ecuador. Though it is not as prevalent as in some other Latin American countries, crime does occur, including theft, pickpocketing, assault and mugging. Additionally, there is organized crime related to international drug trafficking. Violent crime tends to be concentrated in some of the larger cities and tourists should exercise caution when travelling in certain areas," said one expat in Ecuador.

"You make yourself a victim if 1. You come here wearing expensive clothes and jewelry and waving the latest iPhone. 2. You buy a fancy house and show it off. 3. You refuse to integrate into the community, respectfully. You want to be one of us not one of them. 4. You don't learn Spanish. Automatically you are a gringo. 5. We bought clothing and phones, cheap, hear and so dress like the locals. 6. We buy carefully, not flashing big bills and try to spread our purchases around some to patronize many of the locals, not just one or two. But not big purchases.... 7. I don't carry a purse on the street, I put bills in my pocket, separated so I can just pull out one fiver instead of a wad. I leave my fancy cell phone at home. You need to use some sense. Try not to act like a rich space alien landing in their town and wandering around in a spacesuit," said one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"¡Cuidado! That's the watchword. For many expats, unfamiliar with the language and customs of a foreign country, the experience of living in a "foreign" city or town can be disquieting and possibly downright scary. Learning the language, getting to know the people and customs ( and not locking oneself away in an English-speaking compound ), and practicing common sense regarding personal security can go a long way in ensuring a peaceful and pleasant life in that country. Yes, Ecuador has changed in the past few years, due to the major influx of Venezuelan refugees, a stagnant economy, and the proliferation of Mexican and Colombian drug mafias. There are areas in my city where I no longer feel comfortable walking at night. I find myself much more cautious than when I first began to live here full-time ... but of course, I'm 11 years older now, and aware of my physical limitations. Still, I wouldn't trade my life or lifestyle for all the money in the world or all the tea in China. For those of you living here, planning to move here, or just wanting to visit our beautiful and diverse country ... Come enjoy the life and lifestyle. Have fun! Love and laugh! But ... take the rose-colored glasses off and ... ¡CUIDADO," explained one expat living in Machala, Ecuador.

"Most people here are mestizo. They are very accepting of any race but do not inter-marry with blacks," remarked one expat who made the move to Bahia de Caraquez.

"Ibarra is considered pretty diverse as far as Ecuador is concerned. The largest group is Mestiza at 75% with an equal amount of Afro, Indegena and Blanca...all at about 8%. There is lots of commerce here and it is surprising to me how quickly people here adapt to the internet and other technologies so readily. I forget that the US was once technology illterate," explained one expat living in Ibarra, Ecuador.

"I believe that the people here are warm and accepting. I certainly have not come across any hostilities to expats. They are very eager to be of helping nature," said one expat in Cuenca.

"Highly recommend this wonderful school. They tailor their program to meet the needs of the individual child," remarked one expat living in Cumbaya with children attending Colegio Menor San Francisco de Quito (CMSFQ).

"You must come to the campus to see. It is a nice little campus in the upscale community of Cumbaya. Tuition runs about $6,000 per semester and $1500 for the summer semester. They do offer financing through the University as well as scholarships to top performing students. Class sizes are small and there are a wide variety of programs of study available. It is a nice option to the expensive US colleges," said one expat in Cumbaya with children at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ).

"I have meet folks who live on $1200/mo including rent. Our lifestyle is more like $1200-1500 and we own our place. That includes eating out, 2 grocery runs/month, beer deliveries and biweekly massages for two," remarked one expat who made the move to Manglaralto.

"The cost of living in Ecuador varies and depends on what city or region you are located in. Generally speaking, daily expenses can be kept low if you are living outside of the major cities. Groceries, transportation, and rent are generally much cheaper than in other countries. However, prices for imported goods, luxury items, and eating out in restaurants can be more expensive," explained one expat living in Ecuador.

"A couple can live here on $1200-$1300 a month which includes for example 3 bedroom 2 bath modern apartment. A single person can live under $1000 a month," said one expat.

"I've lived here for five-plus years now, on the flanks of Volcan in Cotacachi where my Ecuadorian wife and I have built a home on 1000 sq. meters of property. The cost of living, which I estimate at about 10 – 15% of costs in Canada makes it possible for us to live well on my meager pension and maintain my investment portfolio for travel and splurges. I am a numbers guy by nature and keep a running spreadsheet of daily expenses, which since we are not even close to rich is necessary to try to control rampant spending. I'll make a list of the basics (more or less Fixed expenses): Phone: $30 for one unlimited cell phone with data. Internet: $22/month for good service of 30MBS fiberoptic. Electricity: Average of $25/month. Water, good clean potable water: amazing but true, $1 (one dollar/month.) Full medical coverage including most prescription drugs, through IESS, Ecuadorian medicare: $90/month for the two of us. Property tax: For whatever reason it has never exceeded $3/year. When we paid rent, before we built, it was $125/month for a two-bedroom apartment.. Our two-bedroom 2.5 bath home with big patio and carport cost around $35k to build, with me working along a team of five 'albaniles" masons who I paid $100/week for five long days of hard work, no coffee breaks, usually no lunch break as they eat while they worked and worked like demons with no pushing. The work ethic here is astounding. Food is divided into two catagories. Groceries (supermarket and local markets): Around $250/month for what we prepare at home and we eat extremely well. Dining out, a couple of times a week we have a (usually shared) meal out. About $80/month or less. The two of us can almost always eat very well for under $6 for both. No added tax, no tips. What you see on the menu is what you pay. Period. We spend hardly anything on alcohol so that's not relevant since we might have a drink once or twice a month and never out. We have a car, which are extremely expensive to buy but not too bad to maintain. Mechanics are good, lots of competition, and often work for an hour or more for $10. Or they say forget it if the job is easy, or they ask for a couple of bucks (for a cola). Nobody that I know who drives has automobile insurance. Or homeowners insurance for that matter. I've never figured out what the 'bomberos' firemen do all day. Reminds me of the old ads for the Maytag repairmen. Everything is built of concrete, cement blocks or bricks. Tile surfaces and concrete floors and ceilings. Food in the markets, fresh, wonderful fruit and vegetables are 10% to 20% of what they cost in the north, for me British Columbia, Canada. I find myself getting pissy if avocados cost more than 3/$. Mangos 2 or 3/$. Lettuce is $0.50 head, as are broccoli and fresh greenbeans. Vine-ripe tomatoes are usually$0.10/each. bananas $0.02/each, Onions and bell peppers are often 6-10/$. Eggs are high now, at $3.50-$4/for a flat (cubeta) of 30. usually in the fresh produce world prices are given in a how many for a dollar. Fresh meat is sold by the pound. Beef is about $1.50-2.00/lb. Pork is $2-2.50/lb for any cut. whole chicken costs about $1.25/lb, and pieces (legs and thighs, or breasts are around $150/lb. I could go on, but you get the idea. Come find out for yourself," commented one expat living in Cotacachi, Ecuador.

"We have found the cost of living to be reasonable, especially foods at the market, on the streetsides. Tia Food stores are a little more. Supermaxi in Loja is a good place to shop occasionally to stock up on basic items and for some variety. Clothing is higher in comparison it seems, but when they have there "holidays" with people filling the streets to market their goods, then is the time to get good deals," remarked one expat living in Catamayo and Loja.

"There is a wide variety of housing available on the Coast. In my little stretch of beach, expats can purchase a home in a gated community starting at just $125K and going up to $285K for an amazing 3 bedroom home with a pool. Rentals are anywhere from $600 and up depending upon amenities. Taxis and food are inexpensive and good," said one expat living in Rio Chico.

"The cost of living down here is a fifth to a quarter of what it is up north if you are at all frugal. This from twelve years of experience in the south, Cuenca and Vilcabamba. Frugal, doesn't mean not spending money, it means spending it with maximum effect. Finding cheaper ways to accomplish the same end. Nothing wrong with being frugal, or cheap.....unless it causes pain. The current minimum level of income for a retiree here in Ecuador is $1200. It was less but went up. That should be plenty down here. The folks who come down BECAUSE it is cheaper don't last. I don't know that many people do come for the cost of living. The cultural hurdles filter the candidates. More than half leave before five years in spite of the cost of living. For emotional reasons. The only real way to answer this question is for you to come down, for at least the 3 months, more is better, and see. You can sample a hundred expats and come up with an idea. The quality of our lives is emotional, not financial," mentioned one expat inEcuador.

"I can highly recommend Cabalgatas Canoa. Horseback riding on the beach. The stables are run by Zia Sherrell of the UK who has been here for close to a decade. The horses are very well cared for and she gets top reviews," mentioned an expat living in Canoa.

"Weather: This is a question with lots of wildly different answers! For example, on the flip side, we adore not needing weather aids, like air conditioning or heating almost all year round. We needed both in Canada. We had a Caribbean villa for 11 years and it could get too hot during many months with the Leeward breeze was absent...just before the hurricane season. (ugh). In Cuenca, we sleep in our birthday suits (BLUSH!) with a snuggly Duvet and mostly wear short sleeve t-shirts during the day..all year long in Cuenca. A sweater, a shawl or a light leather jacket when dining out at night. However, the locals will wear ski-jackets during the day at 70F! I guess it depends on where you grew up," commented one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"As I'm sure you already know much of Southern Ecuador experiences a rainy and a dry season. The dry season is approximately June through September, while the rainy season is approximately October through May. I actually check the radar on weather.com and find it to be relatively accurate. Right now we are in the middle of rainy season which mostly means daily showers late in the afternoon," remarked one expat living in Malacatos.

"I would have to say the best time to be here, for us anyway, would probably be around June. At that time here on the coast, is the beginning of whale watching season. That time of year also is the dry season. If it rains then, it's usually overnight. We are currently in the rainy season, which makes everything green again. There are still alot of clear sunny days now, but when it rains, it rains. There have been times since we have been here, we had 2 inches of rain in 24 hours. But then it dries out pretty fast. Temperatures have been 80-85F for the high to 70-75 for the lows," said one expat living in Crucita.

"Machala is the furthest south of the larger cities is cooler since it gets the Pacific sea breezes and the cooling winds from the nearby mountains, but remains a bit more partially overcast during the day compared to cities further north," mentioned one expat inMachala.

"Good prices for eating out! Variety in both Catamayo and Loja. We can eat a very healthy, good meal for $5.00 in Catamayo. We have not participated in nightlife much just to go out to eat at different restaurants where sometimes you might have someone serenade you at your table," said one expat living in Catamayo and Loja.

"There are about 30 restaurant in a town of 5.500 people. Many choices and types of food, from local Ecuadorian to Turkish and American/European foods," mentioned one expat inVilcabamba.

"No nightlife and as I stated previously, anything from local mom and pop restaurants to more foreign type. All very affordable though either way you choose," commented one expat who moved to San Clemente, Ecuador.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Ecuador is La Choza de Laurel, located in Quito. This restaurant is known for its traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, such as ceviche, empanadas, and llapingachos. The restaurant also offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as a selection of international dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Ecuador is El Pobre Diablo, located in Cuenca. This restaurant is known for its traditional Ecuadorian dishes, such as ceviche, tamales, and seco de chivo. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Finally, La Casa de la Abuela is a popular restaurant in Quito. This restaurant is known for its traditional Ecuadorian dishes, such as ceviche, tamales, and seco de chivo. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive," remarked one expat living in Ecuador.

"Montanita is the nightlife spot about 10 minutes from me. Lots of young people use the 2 or 3 dance clubs in town. All along the Coast are great little seafood shacks. Near me are also Thai, Peruvian, Mexican, Italian and American style restaurants," commented one expat.

"It appears that most of the people like to shop on the special marketing days where people come from miles around to show their wares. As I mentioned, Tia has some good buys (specials) and SuperMaxi is great up in Loja," remarked one expat living in Catamayo and Loja.

"Crucita is close enough to Manta or Portoviejo to get the major shopping done. There are small stores here in town and there is a larger grocery store that just opened," said one expat living in Crucita.

"Local Tiendas sell almost everything that you need for your pantry. Additionally, there are markets and vegetable/fruit trucks soliciting door to door. The local fishermen sell their fresh catch daily and deliver upon request. There is a large market on Sunday in Charapoto, 10 minutes away via bus or taxi," mentioned one expat inSan Jacinto.

"Local people shop at the local mom and pop stores. Expats travel to Bahia de Caraquez 45 minutes away or to Portoviejo 45 minutes away. There are big modern grocery stores there that have just about everything one would be used to back home. The prices are not bad either. There is also a large weekly vegetable market in Charapoto 10 minutes away every Sunday. In addition, there are trucks loaded with fruits and veggies that drive around town just about every day," commented one expat who moved to San Clemente, Ecuador.

"While you will quickly adjust to shopping here, and find the supermercados very similar in layout and product to what you're used to, don't be afraid to go to the central markets to buy your fresh produce, poultry, fish, liver, veggies, etc. and test your haggling skills," remarked one expat living in Machala.

"There are several types of permanent visa: Pensioner's -based on $900 income for a couple or $800 for a single, Investment - CD in a bank or property for min. $40,000 value, Professional - need a college or university degree. With proper documents the process for residency is not that difficult," said an expat in Vilcabamba.

"In Ecuador, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to entering the country for any purpose. US citizens are eligible for a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. This visa can be extended at the Migración y Naturalización service office. To obtain a tourist visa, applicants must complete an online form and provide a valid passport, return flight ticket and proof of financial support. Those wishing to obtain residency must first obtain an authorization of residence from the Foreign Ministry. This must be done through an Ecuadorian consulate abroad before entering the country. To request an authorization, applicants need to provide a valid passport and birth certificate as well as documents detailing their purpose in the country and economic resources. After entering Ecuador with the authorization of residence, the applicant must then register with the Migration and Naturalization Service office and present additional required documents. The applicant must also undergo a background check by the authenticity of documents committee and sign declarations of nationality, residence, and other required documents. Once the residency application is approved, a residency card will be issued," remarked one expat in Ecuador.

"The latest residency visas are a two year temporary deal that can then be exchanged for a permanent one. Rules for qualifying stayed the same as when I came 3 years ago, but the temporary visa was a new idea instituted in 2017. The requirements of background checks and proof of ability to support yourself are pretty straightforward. Canadians have had good luck at getting visas before they arrive but most expats I know have used an expediting service or lawyer since the actual rules can change," wrote one expat living in Rio Chico.

"So far we have been paying out of pocket for our medical needs. I just received my Visa last week. We do now have private health insurance for about $100 a month total for both of us. It doesn't really cover much but we were told it was needed in order to get our Cedulas. After we get the Cedulas, we can opt out of the private ins if we want. We are going to keep it and also enroll in the public health insurance for the bigger stuff. I believe it is about $90 a month each. Like I said, now we have been paying out of pocket for medical stuff. You can have a doctor come to your house, yes, a house call, for about $20. Medication is way cheaper here than in the states. No prescriptions are needed for most medications. Some common OTC medications in the States can be hard to find here," remarked one expat living in Crucita.

"The cost of average minor surgery is about $1500-$2000, The office visit range from $25 - $40. I have private insurance that has large network of providers with most private hospitals. Four hospitals are in the network in the city near me. I chose my insurance based on price and positive reviews from people who have used it," said one expat living in Loja.

"I would pay out of pocket if it were still available, because doctors are cheap. With my cheap insurance, I will still have to pay out of pocket and maybe get reimbursement if I'm lucky. Insurance here is a government sponsored racket, as whenever government requires something the drops and prices go up, that's why governments do it. If it were a service people actually wanted it wouldn't be required," mentioned one expat inCuenca.

" I am convinced that health insurance is a scam and that the cost of medical care is a scam in the USA. It has been proven to me by my experiences and the experiences of others in Ecuador and throughout Mexico, Central and South America. The Allopathic medical system has the worst record in losing patients to life threatening diseases, but the best records in trama cases where you have to air lift a patient to a hospital. I will only opt for Natural healing methods, which really work. I have also seen in the rural areas, a free health clinic with Allopathic medical doctors offering 24 hour service 7 days a week, being ignored by the local population, except in trauma cases. These rural folks go to their local healers and pay a very low fee for herbal and other healing preparations. Why? Because their experience is that the herbal preparations work and also have no side effects. They therefore do not opt for health insurance. ," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"I have chosen to keep both my US Medicare supplemental and also IESS public insurance here in Ecuador. As you may know the local healthcare here has been experiencing EXTREME financial difficulties so I haven't been so quick to drop my Medicare in the US. I am three years out of cancer and just don't want to take a chance yet in depending on soley on IESS. I've unfortunately watched it fail horribly for some friends. At least with both, I know that I can always return to the US if I need advanced healthcare. If you do plan on dropping it, it's one of those things that needs to be done from the US so something to keep in mind. For me the price is worth the piece of mind to keep both and it's honestly about the same price of getting private insurance here. I pay $170 supplemental in US and $78 here for IESS. Private insurance because of my pre-exisiting here was quoted at $350. Hope that helps! Just my experience," remarked one expat living in Malacatos.