Moving to Ecuador

"Be open minded, flexible and leave over exaggerated expectations in your mother country. You are moving into a foreign country for a reason - don't bring your bad with you," remarked one expat in Puerto Cayo, Ecuador.

"Come visit first, stay in a travelers hostel if you want to meet people, doesn't matter your age...see where you want to live, then check the local paper to find rental listings..," said one expat in Quito.

"Come and visit for preliminary look, choose several locations for example beach, mountains and jungle. Try to visit a city and small town in each area, think also of some tourist attractions to get a flavor of the country. Return for another more focused visit to the vibe (example beach) that catches your interest....second visit, focus on areas large and small from your research that sound interesting. If you find a location that you like, plan to come for extended stay and RENT there. Do not look to purchase until you have lived here awhile, LIVED not visited. It is very different to live here rather than visit. Note as far as purchasing property: it is not like the USA, no realtor website with most of the properties in the area featured so can be tedious looking. No licensed inspectors so you are on your own to determine potential problems. Many if not most built "informally" i.e. not to codes. Also, if you make a mistake and decide to go back, properties here do not sell fast, you could be invested for years waiting for a buyer. Financing is difficult to obtain, mortgage interest rates are high (can be 10+%) and large down payments required for Ecuadorian buyers," remarked one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"Get a realtor. Look around a lot. Start and finish with Sanborondon if your budget allows. Venture out to Los Ceibos and Via la Costa if the distance from the "fun areas" of Guayaquil isn't an issue. Talk to other expats (if you can find them)," explained one expat living in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

"It is important for expats to understand that Ecuador is a Spanish-speaking country and should become familiar with some of the language before their move. Researching the customs and cultural norms of Ecuador is also helpful for expats as an understanding of the local culture will help them to settle into their new home. In Ecuador, it is also necessary to obtain a residency visa in order to be able to stay for an extended period of time. As such, an understanding of the visa process and documentation requirements is necessary for any expats wishing to move to Ecuador. Additionally, expats should understand that the cost of living in Ecuador is lower than in many countries, and that it is a popular destination for both retirees and adventure seekers," said one expat in Ecuador.

"Rentals in Salinas: You might also consider Porto Lucia if you are interested in Salinas. Much more tranquil than malecon de Salinas yet still in Salinas. If you prefer ocean front living at a budget price there are a few condo options available most are rented fully furnished. Walk to largest shopping center & next .to yacht club & marina. Look on Google maps for location. Hope this helps as an option, most expats do not know about this location when viewing Salinas," said one expat in Salinas.

"Not easy... I was offered a teaching job at PUCE , then denied it when my papers came through very late but I knew the barrio where I wanted to live -- however, it has gone up in price and there were few options available. I walked around in the neighborhood I wanted to finally settle in and found what I need. This is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED way to discover a good apt in Quito," remarked one expat who made the move to Quito.

"We made an exploratory trip months before we decided to come and live in Cuenca, Ecuador. We did not really choose the neighborhood we just found the apartment absolutely fell in love with it and the price was just right and the view and everything. It seemed like a good neighborhood as well and we bought it within two weeks of being in this country. To date 18 months later we are still very very happy with our purchase. We have since found it is a great neighborhood close to all amenities but far enough from the centre of the city," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Fortunately, my company hired a relocation firm. Sanborondon is the upper class, safe, and happening nearby suburb of Guayaquil. It was almost a given that I would live there as an expat with Company-provided housing. The Company also hired a realtor for us who helped with our search options (furnished, gated community, 3 bdrms, spacious, pool). Newspaper ads weren't very helpful at all. Word of mouth or realtors are the way to go," said one expat in Guayaquil.

"We are in Puerto Cayo. It is small and I mean small. There are no shopping for groceries or luxury items. It is quiet and on any given day, I am the only person on miles and miles of beach," said one expat who made the move to Puerto Cayo.

"I live in an apartment within an 8 unit building (tower) within a gated community of about 20 towers. Ideal mix of privacy and neighborly acquaintances. I don't know what the house/apt mix is, but I would imagine expat families with kids go for houses (in Sanborondon, Los Ceibos, or Via la Costa) and expat singles and couples go for apts. The houses in Sanborondon are usually huge, expensive, and not many to rent," said one expat in Guayaquil.

"You don't need a car in Cuenca because there is a tram, buses, and taxis that are very inexpensive, especially for seniors. That is a big savings just for gas, insurance and maintenance. In Cuenca, you do not need AC or heat. A little portable heater at breakfast will suffice. The water is very cheap, $8-$10/mo. Some may try to give you tourist prices on rent or buying. Shop around.. There are some very reasonable prices. Plus, the interest rates for 1 year cd's so much better than US! Enjoy," remarked one expat in Ecuador.

"I am originally from New york City. NYC is expensive but you get little space. Economically, would say the same, but I have much more space both in and outside of the apt. The company pays $2200 monthly plus about $75 in utilities for a 3 bdroom (plus housekeepers room), 5 bath furnished apt. The community has ample green areas, soccer field, tennis court, several bbq grills and villas, basketball court, an adult and kiddie pool, and a ballroom for gatherings. The only thing missing is a gym. Average for Sanborongon is about $1300/month. Urdessa, Ceibos go for about $900, but not as nice," said one expat in Guayaquil.

"The cost of housing in Ecuador varies depending on the location and size of housing. Generally, housing in larger cities like Quito and Guayaquil tends to be more expensive, while housing in smaller towns and villages is often more affordable. The average cost of housing in Ecuador across all types of locations is typically moderate," remarked one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"You can buy a beautiful 2 brm 2.5 bathroom apartment from about $78,000 upwards. If you are looking for a home with a bit of land around you can go about 15 mins from Cuenca and find the most beautiful homes for $150,000 - $300,000 and of course then you have the ones that are even higher. Depending on what you are looking for. There are beautiful pre-construction apartments selling from $60,000 to a large penthouse which has the most spectacular views for under $200,000. I went and paid our phone and electric bill the other day and for the two of us it was $30 for the month. Our apartment taxes are around $30 per year. Our security apartment and gas fees per month are $63.00," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Much lower. We paid cash for our land and to build our house. Electric is about 100 per month. We get 2 trucks of water a month roughly and it equates to about $50/month in water. There are no other bills," said one expat in Puerto Cayo.

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Ecuador, it's important to consider factors such as your budget, length of stay and living style. If you plan on being in Ecuador for an extended period of time, buying a home may be a more cost-effective option in the long run. On the other hand, if you're looking for more flexibility, you may want to consider renting instead. Additionally, understanding local laws and the differences between buying and renting can be helpful in making an informed decision," replied a member in Ecuador.

"I rent a two bedroom, two bathroom condo on the 11th floor on the Rio Tomebamba. 24-hour security guards, underground parking I pay $300 a month for rent, gas $8, water $10, cable $52, internet $34 and security is $50," commented one expat who made the move to Cuenca.

"Do not buy anything until you've lived in this country for at least 6 months! And preferably for over 1 year. Rent a house, an apartment, a condo first! Get to know the ENTIRE country. Travel, learn the language, get acclimatized, absorb the culture, and make friends ( both gringos and Ecuadorians ) ... then decide what place really fits you best and where you want to make your home. By then you'll have built up contacts, and learned the real prices ( not the tourist/gringo ones ), Then, and only then, should you consider buying. Once the rose-colored glasses have come off, you can make a sensible and informed decision about purchasing and possible investment. Don't buy a pig in a polk, as they say. Take your time. You'll be glad you did. ¡Bienvenida y buena suerte," remarked one expat in Ecuador.

"Being from Australia probably more vegemite. My moisturiser that I used for hundreds of years........but now I have found another here that is just as good. My grown kids :)," remarked one expat in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"I discovered the word "embarazado" does not translate to "embarrassed." Go ahead, look it up -- and save yourself," explained one expat living in Anconcito, Ecuador.

"It is important to respect Ecuadorian customs when visiting the country. Trying to save face is valued highly, so it is best to remain calm and avoid any confrontational behavior. In conversations it is important to be aware of the local language and customs, being sure to avoid making jokes or being overly familiar. Ecuador is a conservative country, so it is best to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Greeting people with a kiss on the cheek is popular and should be done according to the country's gender-based norms. Food is important to Ecuadorian culture, so it is polite to finish what is on your plate and wait for the host to indicate dessert, rather than helping yourself," said one expat in Ecuador.

"I can't recall that I did although my Ecuadorean friends may tell tales. I have a few friends who made the embarazado and embarasoso mistake as well as trucha vs chucha," said one expat who made the move to Ambato.

"The tranquil and economical lifestyle on the beach in San Jacinto, small fishing village community and easy access (45 minute drive South) to Manta airport," offered one expat living in San Jacinto.

"People move here for a more laid back lifestyle. The price of rentals and property is still fairly cheap so that attracts foreigners," wrote one expat living in San Clemente.

"I lived in Vilcabamba for two months and very quickly moved over the hill to Malacatos. The energy here is much different than Vilca and it's much quieter, safer, much cheaper and I love sitting by the river watching the bamboo grow! LOL! If I need a dose of excitement or something Americanized Vilcabamba is only 20 minutes away. I absolutely LOVE it here and am so grateful that I made the choice to leave the US. I went from constantly struggling to survive to living like a millionaire here in Malacatos. It's close enough to Vilca, yet far enough to be away to have peace and tranquility! ," commented one expat living in Malacatos.

"This has come up before. In the main, only one expat demographic, American, looks to Ecuador (or most other havens) as a cheaper place to live with dignity. I am not saying that lower cost is not a pleasant element for everyone, but it is not the primary reason for moving here for others. The largest "immigrant" group, by far, is returning Ecuadorians. They look for a better life than they have found elsewhere, often in retirement after 40 years in the US or Spain. Others, an ever growing group, are European young families looking for a better setting to raise their youngsters. There are also well-off oldsters, who like the weather, the town, the cultural scene and the beauty. My 70 year old wife likes that she has a choice of horses to ride in the mountains every day year round and I like the trout fishing, 365/year. Money reasons alone are not a good reason to choose anywhere. They may be important, but you need more to be happy," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Ecuador's diverse natural beauty, welcoming culture, and relatively low cost of living are all attractive factors for expats looking to move to the country. Thanks to its stable government, strong foreign investment, and positive economic outlook, expats can be confident in making a move to Ecuador. Furthermore, Ecuador's location in the South American continent means that expats can take advantage of easy travel around the region as well as access to a variety of other South American countries. All in all, Ecuador is a great option for expats looking for a diverse culture, a relatively low cost of living, and an affordable and accessible place to explore South America," remarked one expat living in Ecuador.

"In the cities, the medical services are the best we have seen in our travels outside of France, (the best in the world). From a home and the decision to see someone, to seeing a specialist can take as little as 20 minutes at a cost of $40. Tests and operations can be set for the same day. We grew up with national medical care and were advised on arrival, by those who have that background, to get insurance. We did so for three years but dropped it in angry disgust. It is demeaning being privately health-insured if you are not used to it. We self-insure and cover the expat requirement (when there is one from time to time) with IESS (never used)," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca.

"This is the best medical care in terms of caring for you and really identifying the best way to correct the medical issues of people. Doctors really care for their patients, and spend time talking and testing for the real problem and thus coming up with a real solution to your specific issue. And all done at a bargain price," said one expat.

"I let them know about public and private insurance options. This with chronic conditions should enroll in Ecuadorian IESS public system. But even without insurance the medical care in Ecuador is much more affordable than in the US," said one expat living in Loja, Ecuador.

"If you need medical care and have good knowledge of Spanish, the state system IESS may be your choice, however if you are retired they raised the rates to about 17.5% of retirement income. I have cheap (low quality) insurance which reportedly doesn't pay, which is fine for me because I would rather pay 45 per month for insurance that I can't use than 75/mo for insurance I won't use," offered one expat living in Cuenca.

"Go to the best hospital instead of the government hospital. Use the private clinics for basic healthcare and pay out of pocket," wrote one expat living in Quito.

"Medical services in Ecuador are generally of a good standard, with a wide range of public and private hospitals and clinics available. The public health system is free for Ecuadorian citizens, and there are also a number of private health insurance plans available. The country has a number of highly trained doctors and specialists, and the quality of care is generally good. Ecuador also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, and a number of medical research centers," commented one expat living in Ecuador.