Pros and Cons of Living in Manta

"The warmth and easy going friendliness of Ecuadorians. Common courtesy and good manners. That youth and age or treated with kindness. Respect for the environment. People are valued at least as much as economic gain. Hard work: people are willing to hustle for income, even if it's on a different time frame than US companies might expect," said one expat in Manta.

"Expats in Manta appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the slower pace of life. They enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city, with its numerous parades and celebrations throughout the year. Expats appreciate the wonderful, friendly locals and their warm hospitality. They also appreciate the variety of delicious, fresh food available in markets, restaurants, and cafes around the city. Additionally, the stunning beauty of the lush rainforest and coastline of Manta is a major draw for expats, who often take advantage of the many outdoor activities available," said a person living in Manta, Ecuador.

"The language. There was a Tsunami alert the second week I was here. I did not have computer access, and air raid sirens were going off. Trucks with loudspeakers were in the streets, with bullhorns making announcements in Spanish, but my skills were not strong enough to make them out. I did not know what was happening and that was scary. That has eased as I"ve made friends and established a safety net," explained one expat.

"One of the most challenging aspects of living in Manta that expats often face is navigating the different norms and customs of the local culture. While the people of Manta are friendly and welcoming to new visitors, they may expect different behaviors than what a person is accustomed to, so an expat often needs to adapt and learn the local customs. Additionally, the language barrier can be difficult to overcome, as Spanish is the official language of Manta; this can complicate interactions with locals and the ability to access certain services. Finally, the local infrastructure and public transportation can seem very different to those used to living in more developed countries, which may require some getting used to in order to get around town and complete daily tasks," said one person in Manta, Ecuador.