Retire in Ecuador

"I am in an area (Valle de los Chillos) outside of Quito and I don't know if there are expat activities because I have integrated so we go to regular activities with the locals. Not everyone is interested in being in a location with lots of expats. "Communities" are like families. You may find people you enjoy but are also likely to find people that you have nothing else in common with or that are irritating to you. Please have a good think about your social likes and dislikes and factor that into your decisions on where to live. Not sure for most people if the social aspect should be the major part of the decision but to each his own. The locals are typically at least curious if not downright welcoming. Please feel free to enter a community that does not have a lot of expat activities if that is your thing. Also there may be people like me there that are ready to be friends without all the scheduling and organizing. If you decide to do that, please rent for an extended period in the area you are considering to be sure you are ok without the support group," explained one retiree living in Ecuador.

"I lived most of my life (almost 50 years) on two small islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland of Canada. and moved here directly without exploring many other options. other than the usual voyages to Europe and Central America. And yes, it has been a major, major change. Adventurous, challenging, and rife with opportunities to stretch. So, what do I think now? Not a love/hate relationship. Too strong. More like/dislike. The basics I do love: The climate in the Andes is really perfect. The ready availability of wonderful produce/fruit/meats at a very low price is a huge plus. 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," said a retiree who moved to Cotacachi, Ecuador.

"No English and lots of illogical bureaucracy. Wish i had a dollar for everytime i heard Lamentablemente in a government office (unfortunately)....Daily life is more like USA in 1950s, small town shopping in small stores but it is more interesting. My latest hunt was for Epsom salts for my bath. Not in pharmacies nor larger stores, maybe could be found in a specialty pharmacy in Quito an hour away. Bathtubs are not common here so bath salts nobody knows. Found it on Mercadolibre which is like Ebay or Craigslist," remarked one retiree in Ecuador.

"Making friends with Ecuadorians and the great choice of year around fresh vegetables and fruits," remarked one retiree in Cuenca.

"Scenery is gorgeous, people are friendly and very patient. The outdoor life is great. We do not have a treadmill, it is too beautiful and too great a climate to walk each day," said a retiree who moved to Ecuador.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Ecuador is its beautiful scenery and unparalleled biodiversity. From the tropical Amazon rainforest to the stunning Andes Mountains, the natural beauty of Ecuador is simply breathtaking. Additionally, the climate is warm but moderate all year round, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities without having to worry about extreme temperatures. Retirees can also take advantage of the cost of living in Ecuador, which is generally much lower than in other countries. Finally, the culture of Ecuador is rich in tradition and is welcoming to newcomers, creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for retirees," said one retiree in Ecuador.

"In Ecuador, healthcare services exist throughout the country, with primary health care clinics, private clinics and hospitals, and public hospitals all providing healthcare to citizens. Access to healthcare is provided on a sliding scale, with fees being assessed based on income. Primary health care clinics emphasize preventive medicine, but also provide diagnosis, treatment, immunizations and referrals to specialists in the public health system. Private clinics and hospitals provide higher quality services, but often at a much higher cost. Public hospitals generally do not provide healthcare services for free, but may offer subsidized services depending on the situation. Access to specialized and hospital-based care is limited, but increasing as Ecuador invests in greater access and quality of care," explained a retiree in Ecuador.

"Your choice of the free hospital or higher cost facilities. Also qualify for the Social Security hospital here 100% coverage for $72 a month," explained one retiree living in Cuenca.

"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," said a person in Guayaquil.

"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 retiree in 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," said a retiree who moved to Vilcabamba, 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 retiree in Cuenca.

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

"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," commented one retiree living in Ecuador.

"This is a tourist town that only has tourists occasionally. Most people do menial jobs," explained one retiree living in Bahia de Caraquez.

"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," said one retiree in living in Ibarra, Ecuador.

"Canoa has a great beach, nice little town, good feel about it. We first made up our mind on Ecuador 10 years ago, it’s taken us 9 years to finally get here, if we have 1 regret we should have done it a few years earlier. We built a nice home, we enjoy a lovely beach view. But it’s not for everyone, it’s not like a western country, so keep that in mind. A much slower pace, some little things appear to bother people. For us we love it. Being here through this tough period of time worldwide, we keep saying what a great move we made," explained a retiree in Canoa.

"The current wisdom is to try any country on for size for a few months and Ecuador is no exception. And happily, the Ecuadorian government makes it reasonably easy to do, for up to six months. When you land and they stamp your passport that gives you a 90-day visa, Basically 3 months. The day after that visa expires you have to present yourself and your passport at an office of "Migración" where they will give you a slip of paper to take to a Banco Pacifico to pay $140 (not positive if that is still the amount but it was a few months ago for my step-son's Mexican fiancé). You take the payment voucher back to Migración and they stamp your passport for another 3 months. Problem solved. Happy exploration. That is the process for both Canadian and US visitors but I don't know the regulations for other countries outside of South America," explained one retiree living in Cotacachi.

"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 member in Ecuador.

"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," remarked one retiree in Bahia de Caracruz.

"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," explained one retiree 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 member 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," explained one retiree 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," explained one member in Catamayo and Loja.