Living in Ecuador

"We lucked out when we chose stay in Crucita on the beach for 10 days our first visit, 8 days on our second visit, and 8 days on our third visit. We had visited other areas and found in the three times being there, it was the place for us. Crucita has such a laid back vibe, people there are so helpful, and went out of their way to help us with the process of purchasing our condo and furnishing it. We have made many friends just from our three visits in Crucita from Montana. And yes, we will NOT miss all the cold, snow and wind from Montana. I will be 60 this year and my husband 62. We both are absolutely looking forward to a warm, sunny, and laid back retirement. Also, having fishermen pull their catch straight out of the water right on the beach right in front of our condo complex, and having fresh fish (3-4 fish for $5 to $6) right out of the net is a definate plus," wrote a member in Crucita.

"Try to be in town for a Sunday morning. The market is active and lots of folks who keep to the countryside week days come to town to visit and buy produce that day. Lots of spots around the square for coffee and meals and meeting people who'll be able to share their experience. Who did I hang out with this past Sunday? They were Dutch, Russian, Swedish, Canadian. And we sat in front of a real French Bakery. So it's not just gringos (I restrict that term to citizens of the USA) its not a derogatory term. "America" is a hemisphere, not a country. But the Vilca scene isn't for everyone," remarked one expat living in Vilcabamba, Ecuador.

"Get on online forum and arrange to meet one of the local expats. Ask them about local group and activities. Go online and Google groups for your interests and Ecuador, example pesca deportiva grupos Ecuador (fishing group Ecuador)," wrote one member in Ecuador.

"You'll meet a lot of fellow expats at the favorite restaurants in Olon around dinner... Try Roadhouse, Spondylus, Rasimar, Il Pirata, and MoMos. On Saturday afternoons a group meets at Jerry's Cabana on the beach. The pensianado/retirement expats in the area are an eclectic group and you'll find them enjoying the beach, volunteer opportunities in the community, as mentioned dining out, participating in and watching sports, games (poker is big), and generally enjoying life and their community," remarked one expat who made the move to Olon.

"Expats living in Ecuador often join local clubs, attend cultural events, and join social media networks centered around activities they love. Expatriates may also join online communities specific to the country where they live, such as Ecuador Expats Online, which is a popular forum. Furthermore, connecting with other local English-speaking expats through local churches, booksellers, and language classrooms can provide an excellent way to meet people from all over the world. Finally, expats may join outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and mountaineering, which not only provide an opportunity meet each other, but also Experience the beauty of Ecuador," explained one expat living in Ecuador.

"There are now two expat groups which meet in Cuenca each Friday night at 5 p.m. One is at Zoes and the other at the Ecualyptus. From here you can meet and greet other expats and then extend you network," said one expat in Cuenca.

"People here have one main priority- putting food on the table and caring for their family. They work 7 days a week when they have work. They sell items on the street, bake bread and torts for sale, clean, do general labor or what they can to exist. They are mostly industrious, though there are those few who will loaf, steal, and rob to stay alive. Those with solid jobs then concentrate on their children and homes. The wealthy associate with others like themselves. Most are middle class here- which would be considered dirt poor in the US. I have not met a single discourteous or unkind person toward foreigners. Everyone says Good morning or afternoon as you meet. They are respectful of older persons and help those whom are infirm and need assistence. In many ways it is like the US was back in the 1950's when life was slower, easier going and people had respect for each other," explained one expat living in Bahia de Caracruz, Ecuador.

"Cuenca has a lot going for it as far as the arts. There are always free concerts that you can attend in the city. Art festivals, Choirs, Orchestras you name it. This is a very family oriented society and life revolves around the family. My local business colleagues are always spending time with their families on the weekends and we should learn from them. They have a wonderful network of family around them. Religious events are a time for parades, church and other activities," said one expat in Cuenca.

"Yes, there is some crime in Ecuador. Though it is not as prevalent as in some other Latin American countries, crime does occur, including theft, pickpocketing, assault and mugging. Additionally, there is organized crime related to international drug trafficking. Violent crime tends to be concentrated in some of the larger cities and tourists should exercise caution when travelling in certain areas," said one expat in Ecuador.

"Come on over to Malacatos and stay! I have had ZERO crime issues in my neighborhood as we all take good care of each other and watch out for one another! I feel completely safe and live in a beautiful home up on the mountain with wonderful neighbors," said one expat who made the move to Malacatos.

"Not a lot of crime in Cuenca but people need to us common since living here as they would in any city," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Vilcambamba is a small village, now overrun with Americans, a ghetto that is a mugging and break-in mecca. It seems only yesterday that Vilcabamba was a somnolent little town with great weather..not worth more than a drive-through just before Xmas when the trees turn golden, with local nutty stories the locals used to tell wildly gullible tourists. Now known as such as an expat enclave it has attracted sorts like bees to honey. But expats bring their culture and guns with them and now it is a focus of much crime. It is no longer "Ecuadorian", per se. It is a colony. Lots of break-ins and muggings are the current reports. These events soon become armed on both sides," mentioned one in Vilcabamba.

"Most people here are mestizo. They are very accepting of any race but do not inter-marry with blacks," wrote one member in Bahia de Caraquez.

"Ibarra is considered pretty diverse as far as Ecuador is concerned. The largest group is Mestiza at 75% with an equal amount of Afro, Indegena and Blanca...all at about 8%. There is lots of commerce here and it is surprising to me how quickly people here adapt to the internet and other technologies so readily. I forget that the US was once technology illterate," remarked one expat who made the move to Ibarra.

"I believe that the people here are warm and accepting. I certainly have not come across any hostilities to expats. They are very eager to be of helping nature," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Yes, there is a lot of diversity in Ecuador. Ethnic groups, languages, backgrounds, and cultures all exist in the country in a variety of forms. Ecuador is home to people of African and Indigenous descent, as well as those of European and Middle Eastern descent. Additionally, a wide range of religious beliefs and practices can be found in the country. Generally, Ecuadorians are very accepting of diversity and are known to embrace it as part of the national culture," said one expat in Ecuador.

"The majority of people here are Catholic. There are a large number of Evangelical Prostestant Churches. Also many Mormons are here helping the poor. They are very tolerant of all religious followers here, as long as you don't tell them their religion is wrong," said one expat who made the move to Bahia de Caracruz.

"The Graded American School in Ecuador (GASE) is an excellent bilingual international school located in Quito. It offers a quality, comprehensive American-style education to international students of all ages, from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers rigorous academic programs and diverse extracurricular activities to make learning fun and engaging. GASE is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States and by the National Ministry of Education in Ecuador. The Canadian Academy in Quito is another popular option for international education in Ecuador. It is an internationally accredited bilingual school with a stringent academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity and 21st-century learning. CISCO certified courses in computer engineering and digital media are among some of the unique features of this school. The Academy also offers an array of extracurricular activities that emphasize teamwork and community participation. The Anglo-American School of Quito offers an international curriculum that offers a unique blend of Ecuadorian and British educational styles. It is accredited by the National Council for the Evaluation of Educational Quality in Ecuador, making it the first international school in the country to receive this prestigious accreditation. The school has programs ranging from Pre-K through 12th grade, with a curriculum that incorporates innovative technology such as robotics, coding, and 3D printing. Finally, The Paradise Private School in Guayaquil offers a bilingual, transnational and multicultural education. It is an IB World School, meaning it offers a holistic certification in its schooling system, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-changing global environment. Additionally, Paradise Private School has a strong focus on student leadership development and provides a range of extracurricular activities," wrote an expat with kids at in .

"The cost of living in Ecuador varies and depends on what city or region you are located in. Generally speaking, daily expenses can be kept low if you are living outside of the major cities. Groceries, transportation, and rent are generally much cheaper than in other countries. However, prices for imported goods, luxury items, and eating out in restaurants can be more expensive," wrote a member in Ecuador.

"I have meet folks who live on $1200/mo including rent. Our lifestyle is more like $1200-1500 and we own our place. That includes eating out, 2 grocery runs/month, beer deliveries and biweekly massages for two," commented one expat who made the move to Manglaralto.

"There is a wide variety of housing available on the Coast. In my little stretch of beach, expats can purchase a home in a gated community starting at just $125K and going up to $285K for an amazing 3 bedroom home with a pool. Rentals are anywhere from $600 and up depending upon amenities. Taxis and food are inexpensive and good," wrote one expat living in Rio Chico.

"The cost of living in Ecuador is relatively affordable compared to other countries. This is because the cost of living in Ecuador is significantly lower than that in many developed countries. However, depending on location, the cost of living can vary. Generally, larger cities such as Quito and Guayaquil tend to have higher costs of living than the rest of the country. For a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Ecuador, rental prices range from $450 - $750 per month. The rental price for a nice 2 bedroom apartment typically ranges from $650 to $1000 US Dollars. The cost of a dinner at a moderately priced restaurant would approximately cost around $8 - $15 US Dollars," commented one expat who moved to Ecuador.

"We have found the cost of living to be reasonable, especially foods at the market, on the streetsides. Tia Food stores are a little more. Supermaxi in Loja is a good place to shop occasionally to stock up on basic items and for some variety. Clothing is higher in comparison it seems, but when they have there "holidays" with people filling the streets to market their goods, then is the time to get good deals," said one expat.

"The cost of living in San Clemente is very affordable. If you eat at local type restaurants, a typical lunch will set you back at $2.50-$3.00. Even at the more foreign type restaurants, it is still cheap to eat. Rent can range from $250 a month for a typical Ecuadorian house to upwards of $1,000 a month for a condo in a small complex. All in all, the cost of living is very affordable," commented one expat living in San Clemente, Ecuador.

"If you live like the Ecuadorians live, it is very cheap as the basic salary per month is $425. Costs go up the more you live like an expat and the closer you get to approximating your same lifestyle in the USA or Canada. General rule of thumb is if the locals use it, there will be an inexpensive option. If not, it is expensive. If you can find it, Campbells Chicken soup in red and white label is about $3. Apple pie filling (can of fruit) is $11. Note that basic salary here is $425 per month. Utilities like electric (appox $20-25 per month, water $10 per month, gas is propane tanks, they bring a replacement tank into your house for $3.25 and take away the empty. Cell service about $25, internet about $35-40. Total utilities about $100 per month. Diesel is $1.70 per gallon. Gym memberships are often pricier than US, same with dry cleaning and laundry service," remarked one expat living in Ecuador.

"We have a hiking group on Facebook called Vilca Hikers. Every week we explore a trail in our area and other villages around. People also enjoy horseback riding, bicycle riding, tennis, yoga, games like bridge and Texas 42 and dining outside in local restaurant gardens," remarked one expat living in Vilcabamba.

"I can highly recommend Cabalgatas Canoa. Horseback riding on the beach. The stables are run by Zia Sherrell of the UK who has been here for close to a decade. The horses are very well cared for and she gets top reviews," said one expat living in Canoa.

"The best climate in the world. We have dry and rainy season only. The temperatures are 24-26 C (80s F) during the day and 14-15 C (57-60 F) at night all year round. Not too much humidity because we are in the mountains on 1600m (5250 feet) elevation," remarked one expat living in Vilcabamba.

"I would have to say the best time to be here, for us anyway, would probably be around June. At that time here on the coast, is the beginning of whale watching season. That time of year also is the dry season. If it rains then, it's usually overnight. We are currently in the rainy season, which makes everything green again. There are still alot of clear sunny days now, but when it rains, it rains. There have been times since we have been here, we had 2 inches of rain in 24 hours. But then it dries out pretty fast. Temperatures have been 80-85F for the high to 70-75 for the lows," said one expat living in Crucita.

"On the equator, we get sunrise at 6:30am and sunset at 6:30pm all year long. We are semi arid with cloudy days and some rain from May to December. Our warmest and sunniest days are Christmas to Easter. I use the AC in bedrooms during those months, but the ocean breeze is sufficient for the rest of the year," mentioned one expat inRio Chico.

"The weather in Ecuador is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The coastal regions tend to be more humid and tropical, while the highlands are cooler and drier. The rainy season typically runs from December to May, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in March and April," commented one expat who moved to Ecuador.

"Just about perfect most of the year; May through November the average day time temperature is 78 degrees, low 60s. at night. The Pacific Ocean supplies a delightful breeze on most days and sunshine. January through April, hottest time of the year; temperature can reach upper 80s during the day and low 70s at night, rain normally occurs overnight and occasionally throughout the day," remarked one expat living in San Jacinto.

"Good prices for eating out! Variety in both Catamayo and Loja. We can eat a very healthy, good meal for $5.00 in Catamayo. We have not participated in nightlife much just to go out to eat at different restaurants where sometimes you might have someone serenade you at your table," mentioned one expat inCatamayo and Loja.

"No nightlife and as I stated previously, anything from local mom and pop restaurants to more foreign type. All very affordable though either way you choose," commented one expat who moved to San Clemente, Ecuador.

"There are about 30 restaurant in a town of 5.500 people. Many choices and types of food, from local Ecuadorian to Turkish and American/European foods," remarked one expat living in Vilcabamba.

"Seafood is the main course here on the coast of Manabi, there are other restaurants serving grilled pork, chicken, steak with sides of rice, salad and plantains. Chinese cuisine is available as well. There is one pub located in San Jacinto and three in the next village located ten minutes away via bus/taxi or a 25 minute walk on the beach," commented one expat.

"People living in Ecuador typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and department stores. Many people also shop at small, family-owned stores and street vendors. Additionally, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Ecuador," said one expat living in Ecuador.

"Local people shop at the local mom and pop stores. Expats travel to Bahia de Caraquez 45 minutes away or to Portoviejo 45 minutes away. There are big modern grocery stores there that have just about everything one would be used to back home. The prices are not bad either. There is also a large weekly vegetable market in Charapoto 10 minutes away every Sunday. In addition, there are trucks loaded with fruits and veggies that drive around town just about every day," mentioned one expat inSan Clemente.

"While you will quickly adjust to shopping here, and find the supermercados very similar in layout and product to what you're used to, don't be afraid to go to the central markets to buy your fresh produce, poultry, fish, liver, veggies, etc. and test your haggling skills," commented one expat who moved to Machala, Ecuador.

"Crucita is close enough to Manta or Portoviejo to get the major shopping done. There are small stores here in town and there is a larger grocery store that just opened," remarked one expat living in Crucita.

"We have organic market on Saturday and general market on Sunday. You can get fresh produce, meat and dairy. During the week many local shops offer fresh fruit, veggies, meat and other products, very plentiful. In Loja there is a supermarket called Supermaxi for more commercial and international products," commented one expat.

"There are several types of permanent visa: Pensioner's -based on $900 income for a couple or $800 for a single, Investment - CD in a bank or property for min. $40,000 value, Professional - need a college or university degree. With proper documents the process for residency is not that difficult," said an expat in Vilcabamba.

"As can be expected, this is a whole new experience in itself. My wife is Ecuadorian so the process should have been easy. It was not. I visited numerous offices in several cities and finally got my visa after four months. All I can say is bring your patience and be prepared to deal with zero logic," remarked one expat in San Clemente.

"That is a tough one! We made some mistakes, but the best way if one would choose to live in the area where we are to go to Cuenca. We know an ex-pat that told us after we had some serious problems, that we should have been able to get everything done there instead of traveling to Machala or Quito.," wrote one expat living in Catamayo and Loja.

"The latest residency visas are a two year temporary deal that can then be exchanged for a permanent one. Rules for qualifying stayed the same as when I came 3 years ago, but the temporary visa was a new idea instituted in 2017. The requirements of background checks and proof of ability to support yourself are pretty straightforward. Canadians have had good luck at getting visas before they arrive but most expats I know have used an expediting service or lawyer since the actual rules can change," commented one expat who moved to Rio Chico.

" We got private insurance during pandemic because the hospitals were full and one family member (Ecuadorian citizen) had to go to the hospital but there was no room. Ended up in a private clinic for 10 days at $1000 per day. You need to assess your risks. We got $30k private insurance each for $100 per month. Family member was young and healthy 30s but imagine if he had to be there for a month. Normal hospital bills are not bad, but with covid. I think the private clinics can charge what they want. Your visa requires medical insurance," mentioned an expat living in Ecuador.

"Do get IESS insurance. It will cover your coasts in the event of an accident or illness. As of July 2017, IESS will require payment on verified income, closing a loophole that allowed payment on claimed income. The obligated amount is 17.6% of the monthly verified income and 2.4% for each additional dependent. As an example, an expat on a limited pension of $800 a month would pay $140.80 A retired married couple living on their $1200 a month pay. $240. ," said an expat in Montanita.