What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Ecuador?
We asked retirees what they find the most challenging about retiring in Ecuador. They wrote...
"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," said another expat in Ecuador.
"One challenge of retiring in Ecuador is that the cost of living is significantly lower there than in other countries, which can be difficult for people used to a higher standard of living. Additionally, the language barrier can be difficult for many retirees since Spanish is the primary language in Ecuador. Retirees may also find that many public services and amenities are not as developed in Ecuador as in other countries. Lastly, the lack of access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services can be a challenge for many retirees, given their needs for specialized care," wrote a member who made the move to Ecuador.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Ecuador?
- How do I meet people in Ecuador?
- What is life like in Ecuador?
- Is there a lot of crime in Ecuador?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Ecuador accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Ecuador like?
- Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ecuador?
- What are healthcare services like in Ecuador?
- Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Ecuador?
- What is the weather like in Ecuador?
- Are there good restaurants in Ecuador?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Ecuador?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Ecuador?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ecuador?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Ecuador?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Ecuador?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Ecuador?
If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

