Expat Community > Ecuador

bentparrot
Joined 2010
Posts: 286

Ecuador Interacts w/the World.

14 years ago

Rather than destroy the rainforest, while the country is waiting for the courts to determine whether the bad guy was Chevron, Petro-Ecuador, or the indigenous native, President Correa simply asked for a payment NOT to drill. Why not! He was educated in the American heartland where we pay corporations billions not to grow certain products. In the meantime he sees to it that Ecuadorians pay only a $1.48 for gas.

The Ecuadorian government knows that, given a free rein, China would cut the prices on their exports to a level no local manufacturer could compete with. Millions would be out of work. So, he hits imports with a big tax. Now, many of us, myself included, feel he should reevaluate that tax and impose it only to protect local and the start-up Ecuadorian industries. Even a car, probably the most costly purchase besides a house, if it costs 40% more than it should, is taking money from other areas of the Ecuadorian economy. Not smart, Mr. President!!

Ecuador is looking long and hard at the punitive visa fees the US is charging, and so far, has not reciprocated. Has anyone asked WHY are we charging Latinos so much to enter our country? An acquaintance in Honduras, a policeman whose sister is married to an American, wanted to visit Houston. He proved to the US Embassy in Tegu that he had $40,000 in savings, a well paying job, by Honduran standards, and was not a visa risk, but his application was denied.Why??? A student pharmacist I met in Argentina, who had studied in South Carolina and spoke perfect English, was in the same boat. Visa denied! And, one of your fellow Cuencanos, a DOCTOR applying for his residency with all the qualifications any American institution would seek, tried to get into John's Hopkins. He was accepted, but he needed to put up $250,000 to be admitted. Unable, he resigned himself to advanced studies in Mexico or Argentina.

We may be unaware, but we are tolerating this disparity. The next time an Ecuadorian strikes up a conversation and marvels at your ability to travel the world, hear him out. He too may want your freedom, but it is being denied by the USA Canada, and the European Union.

Do you support these inequities Madame Secretary Clinton?

Ray

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador share some of the pros and cons of living in Ecuador. Topics covered include where to live, the bureaucracy, the people and more.

Ecuador Forum
Join our Ecuador forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ecuador.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Best Places to Live in Ecuador

If you're dreaming about living in Ecuador, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ecuador in 2023.

Healthcare in Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.

Cost of Living in Ecuador

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ecuador.

Moving to Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.

Real Estate in Ecuador

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Ecuador.

Pros & Cons of Living in Ecuador

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ecuador.

Retiring in Ecuador

Advice for people retiring in Ecuador.

10 Tips for Living in Ecuador

If you've recently arrived in Ecuador, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Ecuador.

Additional Information:

Visit our Ecuador Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Ecuador

Ecuador Interacts w/the World.

Login