Expat Community > Ecuador

OceanHideaway
Joined 2010
Posts: 6876

Things to Know Before You Go...

13 years ago

been awhile since we had one of these lists and thought it was time to put one up so here goes:

1. Yes, we are on the US$ but be sure to bring biills of 20 and smaller, getting 50s and 100s cashed is difficult (not impossible) and bring change for taxis and such.

2. We use the same current as in North America but some places do not have grounded plugs so bring 3 prong to two prong converters.

3. Milk is found in boxes -- on the shelf in the stores -- tastes a little different but not too much so that you can't adapt. Fridge after opening.

4. Eggs are also found on the shelf, not in the dairy case -- fresh and absolutely delisicious -- you will find many stamped with the date on them and mostly are brown eggs.

5. TANG -- is their version of Kool Aid ..it's not just pseudo orange ...they have amazing flavors and makes a great mix with the local rum ...my favorite is guanabana :)

6. Driving: They honk at everything, friends, other cars, when they pass, when they don't pass, when they want to know if you need a ride -- don't take it personally. Also: a road has as many lanes as you can fit cars and (my personal favorite) What side of the road do you drive on? The side with the least potholes, of course!

6. Mud baths are FUN! near Salinas we have banos San Vicente, an ancient mud volcano where mud slinging is an art form $2 to enter. The hot mineral baths are wonderful for aches and pains, the vapor room for everything else, and the $4 1/2 hour massages are awesome! But my favorite part is gathering with all your friends and embracing your inner piglet wallowing in the curative and just fun warm mud! Remember to shower off in the designated mud shower area, not in the massage area. And be sure to rehydrate after -- I like to down the juice from a couple of coconuts cracked open by machete right there -- hits the spot!

So...who's next to contribute?

Susan
TheOceanHideaway.com

William Russell

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Expat Community > Ecuador

Things to Know Before You Go...

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