Living in Ecuador

"We live in Valle de los Chillos just outside of Quito and did not have any security problems during the nearly 3 week paro (strike) like there were in Quito. Food was in shorter supply and a bit more expensive but available. Propane tanks for cooking and heating water also a bit more expensive but available. Gas stations had gasoline. Pretty quiet. Since Quito is capitol, any demonstrations will likely be there along with the associated disruptions. Outside in the valleys, peace and tranquility," said one expat in Ecuador.

"I just spent 5 weeks just a couple kilometers north of Crucita. Beaches and climate were some of the best I have experienced. Crucita is more crowded but if you get north of the new marina (under construction) its almost deserted as far as you can see. I jogged north about a mile and was the same as far as I went. Some condos on the beach in that area but they are mostly empty and even on weekends not a lot of activity. I liked it so much I am going back the end of the year," said one expat who made the move to Crucita.

"1. Learn some basic spanish before coming here. 2. Have a source of income to sustain you, don't expect to work to survive. 3. Keep an open mind and expect things to be very different from home. 4. Come for 3 to 4 weeks to see if you will like the country and city before making permanent immigration plans. 5. Have great patience and don't expect the people to act in a manner to which you are accustomed. Things here take time. 6. Remember you are a guest in their country so be respective of their customs, If you don't know what is expected-- ASK. Don't demand anything. They wll be nice if you are. 7. Always check your passport for visas and date stamps. They have been known to make errors on dates--quite often! 8. Be flexible, things are not under your control. Have Fun," explained one expat living in Bahia de Caracruz, Ecuador.

"I started in Vilcabamba yet very quickly moved over the hill to a beautiful little town called Malacatos. It's much cheaper, safer and very peaceful and tranquil here. I drive 35 minutes twice a month to Loja for a big shop and if I need anything specifically Americanized then I can drive 17 minutes to Vilcabamba. I've never loved the cities and really enjoy mountain living so am very grateful that I chose to move here. I spent the past few years struggling to survive in the US in an expensive, tiny apartment and here in Malacatos I live in a big, beautiful home with land. I feel like a millionaire here," mentioned one in Malacatos.

"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," explained one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"Look up KIM Klocek in Facebook. She arranges monthly Gringo meett-ups at a local bistro, and is just a wonderful resource for Gringos with questions. Also is a tour Guide with long experience in GYE and Ecuador," commented one expat who made the move to Guayaquil.

"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," remarked one expat living in Cuenca, 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.

"Try to be in town for a Sunday morning. The market is active and lots of folks who keep to the countryside week days come to town to visit and buy produce that day. Lots of spots around the square for coffee and meals and meeting people who'll be able to share their experience. Who did I hang out with this past Sunday? They were Dutch, Russian, Swedish, Canadian. And we sat in front of a real French Bakery. So it's not just gringos (I restrict that term to citizens of the USA) its not a derogatory term. "America" is a hemisphere, not a country. But the Vilca scene isn't for everyone," explained one expat living in Vilcabamba, Ecuador.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Ibarra.

"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," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Salinas is a really nice place. Is like being in Guayaquil, but with a beach nearby, You will find supermarkets, banks, schools, hospitals and many more things than other ecuadorian beach. And a big plus is that is near Guayaquil (the biggest city in Ecuador and main commercial city of the country)," said one expat in Salinas.

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

"Living in Ecuador as an expat or digital nomad can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, it's no wonder that more and more expats are choosing to make Ecuador their home. Many expats and digital nomads choose to settle in the larger cities such as Guayaquil, Quito, and Cuenca which offer all the amenities of a larger city with a more relaxed atmosphere. Ecuador's cost of living, coupled with its relaxed visa requirements make it an ideal choice for those who want to live abroad. Furthermore, the country is remarkably diverse with its own unique cultures, landscapes, and people, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore and experience something different. With its temperate climate, stunning nature, and friendly people, Ecuador is a great choice for expats and digital nomads looking to live and work abroad," explained one expat living 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," wrote one member in Ecuador.

"Come on over to Malacatos and stay! I have had ZERO crime issues in my neighborhood as we all take good care of each other and watch out for one another! I feel completely safe and live in a beautiful home up on the mountain with wonderful neighbors," remarked one expat who made the move to Malacatos.

"Vilcambamba is a small village, now overrun with Americans, a ghetto that is a mugging and break-in mecca. It seems only yesterday that Vilcabamba was a somnolent little town with great weather..not worth more than a drive-through just before Xmas when the trees turn golden, with local nutty stories the locals used to tell wildly gullible tourists. Now known as such as an expat enclave it has attracted sorts like bees to honey. But expats bring their culture and guns with them and now it is a focus of much crime. It is no longer "Ecuadorian", per se. It is a colony. Lots of break-ins and muggings are the current reports. These events soon become armed on both sides," explained one expat living in Vilcabamba, 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," wrote one member in Cuenca.

"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.

"The majority of people here are Catholic. There are a large number of Evangelical Prostestant Churches. Also many Mormons are here helping the poor. They are very tolerant of all religious followers here, as long as you don't tell them their religion is wrong," explained one expat living in Bahia de Caracruz, Ecuador.

"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," said one expat in Ibarra.

"Yes, there is a lot of diversity in Ecuador. Ethnic groups, languages, backgrounds, and cultures all exist in the country in a variety of forms. Ecuador is home to people of African and Indigenous descent, as well as those of European and Middle Eastern descent. Additionally, a wide range of religious beliefs and practices can be found in the country. Generally, Ecuadorians are very accepting of diversity and are known to embrace it as part of the national culture," said one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"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," wrote an expat with kids at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Cumbaya.

"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," wrote a member in 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," commented one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"The cost of living in San Clemente is very affordable. If you eat at local type restaurants, a typical lunch will set you back at $2.50-$3.00. Even at the more foreign type restaurants, it is still cheap to eat. Rent can range from $250 a month for a typical Ecuadorian house to upwards of $1,000 a month for a condo in a small complex. All in all, the cost of living is very affordable," wrote one expat living in San Clemente.

"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 who moved to Cotacachi.

"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.

"The availability of fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits delivered to your door or purchased at the market are very reasonable, a household of two adults averages $200 per month for groceries. Rental properties range from $450 up based on location and size. You can purchase a beachfront home for under $200K. or off the beach from $50K. and up. Restaurants offer daily "almuerzo" specials for $3, dinner starts at $4 and up. Utilities are inexpensive, propane gas $1.75 refill, water for the cisterna $15, large jugs of bottled water $1.50, Wifi basic plan $25, electricity varies based on use of AC during the hot season (January - April), no AC. $45 - with AC, $100 and up. Transportation via bus starts at .50 cents and goes up based on destination. Taxi varies based on destination, fare starts at $2," commented one expat living in San Jacinto, Ecuador.

"Prices have risen some in the past 10 years but still, the cost of living is way better than in the States. My wife and I live very comfortably on little under $1,000 per month and that includes helping out other members of our family and traveling the country ( before the Covid-19 curtailed that! ). We do own our houses - a small 3-story in the city and a casa de campo out of town - but one of my stepsons and his family rent their semi-furnished, three-bedroom, 1 bath, home for about $300 per month. Utilities are very inexpensive. My monthly electric bill, inclusive of service charges for garbage and fire protection runs about $35 monthly. Water is $10.99 monthly, Gas for cooking is $3,00 a canister, and drinking water is $1.60 for a 22-liter container. Our conventional telephone is $8 and cable tv package & high-speed internet runs $85 per month. We pay $90 per month for IESS ( they just went up $5 ) for both of us - My wife is Ecuadoran and I am on her policy, so obviously my rate would be lower than yours might be, but you get a general idea. city-run Busses are 15 cents for Seniors and 35 cents for others. Taxis $1,50 - $2.50 depending on where you're going. My grocery bill at the supermarket for our family averages just under $300 per month and fresh foods, meats, fish, poultry, fruits & veggies, etc., and occasional restaurant take-out is never more than an additional $200 a month. Some imported food items are a bit more expensive than the States but usually not appreciatively. Fresh fish, meat, poultry, pork, etc., and fresh fruits and veggies are plentiful, inexpensive, and a larger variety than you'd find where you are," remarked one expat living in Machala.

"In Ecuador, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. The country's long coastline provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other water sports. There are also many national parks and reserves, offering hiking, camping, and bird watching. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and theaters. Shopping malls, movie theaters, and bowling alleys are also popular recreational spots," remarked one expat living in Ecuador.

"There are miles of gorgeous beaches, what more can anyone want? Surfing is possible year round here as is scuba and snorkeling. Golf is a couple of hours north outside Manta," said one expat living in Rio Chico.

"The beaches are the main attraction in this area. You can participate in a friendly game of soccer, beach comb for shells, go fishing, paragliding or relax in a hammock on the beach," mentioned one expat inSan Jacinto.

"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," mentioned one expat inCuenca.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Crucita, Ecuador.

"On the equator, we get sunrise at 6:30am and sunset at 6:30pm all year long. We are semi arid with cloudy days and some rain from May to December. Our warmest and sunniest days are Christmas to Easter. I use the AC in bedrooms during those months, but the ocean breeze is sufficient for the rest of the year," remarked one expat living in Rio Chico.

"The climate is hot and dry. It is the rainy season right now so it rains off and on every day," commented one expat.

"The weather in Ecuador is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The coastal regions tend to be more humid and tropical, while the highlands are cooler and drier. The rainy season typically runs from December to May, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in March and April," said one expat living in Ecuador.

"Seafood is the main course here on the coast of Manabi, there are other restaurants serving grilled pork, chicken, steak with sides of rice, salad and plantains. Chinese cuisine is available as well. There is one pub located in San Jacinto and three in the next village located ten minutes away via bus/taxi or a 25 minute walk on the beach," mentioned an expat living in San Jacinto.

"People living in Ecuador typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and department stores. Many people also shop at small, family-owned stores and street vendors. Additionally, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Ecuador," said one expat living in Ecuador.

"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," mentioned one expat inSan Clemente.

"We have organic market on Saturday and general market on Sunday. You can get fresh produce, meat and dairy. During the week many local shops offer fresh fruit, veggies, meat and other products, very plentiful. In Loja there is a supermarket called Supermaxi for more commercial and international products," commented one expat who moved to Vilcabamba, Ecuador.

"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," remarked one expat living in San Jacinto.

"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," commented one expat.

"As can be expected, this is a whole new experience in itself. My wife is Ecuadorian so the process should have been easy. It was not. I visited numerous offices in several cities and finally got my visa after four months. All I can say is bring your patience and be prepared to deal with zero logic," remarked one expat living in San Clemente.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Ecuador can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is available at a lower cost than private healthcare, but the quality of care may not be as high. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide access to higher quality care and more specialized services. Additionally, many employers offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," mentioned an expat living in Ecuador.

"Do get IESS insurance. It will cover your coasts in the event of an accident or illness. As of July 2017, IESS will require payment on verified income, closing a loophole that allowed payment on claimed income. The obligated amount is 17.6% of the monthly verified income and 2.4% for each additional dependent. As an example, an expat on a limited pension of $800 a month would pay $140.80 A retired married couple living on their $1200 a month pay. $240. ," said an expat in Montanita.

"I relocated to Ecuador April 2022. On May 2nd 2022 I woke up with slight left hand arm pain. As the day progresses I became nauseated and dizzy. On the 3rd of May I had a buddy take me to a local clinic. They were impressive and within an hour diagnosed me with onset of heart issue and suggested I see cardiologist. Being as I was here only 3 weeks in Ecuador I personally decided to return to Houston Texas immediately and flew back. On the 4th of May I was admitted to Memorial Herman Hospital Woodlands Texas. I received a Quintuple Bypass (CABG) Graft the following day. I recuperated 7 weeks and returned to Ecuador. I fly back to Houston every 6 months and see my Cardiologist for exams and stress test. I've talked to expats who've had good results from Cardiologist in Ecuador and one even had a double bypass surgery in private hospital and is quite happy. I personally carry no private insurance. I'm okay with their health personal they diagnosed my health issues very impressively. Would I go through major health surgery in Ecuador. No. Not unless it was life threatening. But that's just me. ," remarked one expat in Ecuador.

" We got private insurance during pandemic because the hospitals were full and one family member (Ecuadorian citizen) had to go to the hospital but there was no room. Ended up in a private clinic for 10 days at $1000 per day. You need to assess your risks. We got $30k private insurance each for $100 per month. Family member was young and healthy 30s but imagine if he had to be there for a month. Normal hospital bills are not bad, but with covid. I think the private clinics can charge what they want. Your visa requires medical insurance," wrote one expat living in Ecuador.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca.