Living in Ecuador

"1. Learn some basic spanish before coming here. 2. Have a source of income to sustain you, don't expect to work to survive. 3. Keep an open mind and expect things to be very different from home. 4. Come for 3 to 4 weeks to see if you will like the country and city before making permanent immigration plans. 5. Have great patience and don't expect the people to act in a manner to which you are accustomed. Things here take time. 6. Remember you are a guest in their country so be respective of their customs, If you don't know what is expected-- ASK. Don't demand anything. They wll be nice if you are. 7. Always check your passport for visas and date stamps. They have been known to make errors on dates--quite often! 8. Be flexible, things are not under your control. Have Fun," remarked one expat who made the move to Bahia de Caracruz.

"Canoa has a great beach, nice little town, good feel about it. We first made up our mind on Ecuador 10 years ago, it’s taken us 9 years to finally get here, if we have 1 regret we should have done it a few years earlier. We built a nice home, we enjoy a lovely beach view. But it’s not for everyone, it’s not like a western country, so keep that in mind. A much slower pace, some little things appear to bother people. For us we love it. Being here through this tough period of time worldwide, we keep saying what a great move we made," explained one expat living in Canoa, Ecuador.

"Here you meet others through shopping for food, necessities for the home, and dining out. There is a Rotary International group here but they only speak spanish. If you have a talent, such as painting, you can set up in one of the parks and meet people. There are a dozen expats here that speak english and most are very helpful for newcomers. Also there are about 30 to 80 boats from all over the world at the marina, depending on the month, and most "boaties" speak English and are helpul. The marina owner, an American, also runs a restaurant there and he and his Columbian wife speak english," wrote one member in Bahia de Caracruz.

"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.

"Salinas is a really nice place. Is like being in Guayaquil, but with a beach nearby, You will find supermarkets, banks, schools, hospitals and many more things than other ecuadorian beach. And a big plus is that is near Guayaquil (the biggest city in Ecuador and main commercial city of the country)," wrote a member in Salinas.

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

"¡Cuidado! That's the watchword. For many expats, unfamiliar with the language and customs of a foreign country, the experience of living in a "foreign" city or town can be disquieting and possibly downright scary. Learning the language, getting to know the people and customs ( and not locking oneself away in an English-speaking compound ), and practicing common sense regarding personal security can go a long way in ensuring a peaceful and pleasant life in that country. Yes, Ecuador has changed in the past few years, due to the major influx of Venezuelan refugees, a stagnant economy, and the proliferation of Mexican and Colombian drug mafias. There are areas in my city where I no longer feel comfortable walking at night. I find myself much more cautious than when I first began to live here full-time ... but of course, I'm 11 years older now, and aware of my physical limitations. Still, I wouldn't trade my life or lifestyle for all the money in the world or all the tea in China. For those of you living here, planning to move here, or just wanting to visit our beautiful and diverse country ... Come enjoy the life and lifestyle. Have fun! Love and laugh! But ... take the rose-colored glasses off and ... ¡CUIDADO," wrote one member in Machala.

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Bahia de Caracruz.

"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," remarked one expat living in Ecuador.

"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.

"Highly recommend this wonderful school. They tailor their program to meet the needs of the individual child," explained one expat living in Cumbaya, Ecuador.

"You must come to the campus to see. It is a nice little campus in the upscale community of Cumbaya. Tuition runs about $6,000 per semester and $1500 for the summer semester. They do offer financing through the University as well as scholarships to top performing students. Class sizes are small and there are a wide variety of programs of study available. It is a nice option to the expensive US colleges," said one parent with children at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Cumbaya.

"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," remarked one expat living 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," wrote one member in Manglaralto.

"A couple can live here on $1200-$1300 a month which includes for example 3 bedroom 2 bath modern apartment. A single person can live under $1000 a month," mentioned one expat inVilcabamba.

"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.

"Prices have risen some in the past 10 years but still, the cost of living is way better than in the States. My wife and I live very comfortably on little under $1,000 per month and that includes helping out other members of our family and traveling the country ( before the Covid-19 curtailed that! ). We do own our houses - a small 3-story in the city and a casa de campo out of town - but one of my stepsons and his family rent their semi-furnished, three-bedroom, 1 bath, home for about $300 per month. Utilities are very inexpensive. My monthly electric bill, inclusive of service charges for garbage and fire protection runs about $35 monthly. Water is $10.99 monthly, Gas for cooking is $3,00 a canister, and drinking water is $1.60 for a 22-liter container. Our conventional telephone is $8 and cable tv package & high-speed internet runs $85 per month. We pay $90 per month for IESS ( they just went up $5 ) for both of us - My wife is Ecuadoran and I am on her policy, so obviously my rate would be lower than yours might be, but you get a general idea. city-run Busses are 15 cents for Seniors and 35 cents for others. Taxis $1,50 - $2.50 depending on where you're going. My grocery bill at the supermarket for our family averages just under $300 per month and fresh foods, meats, fish, poultry, fruits & veggies, etc., and occasional restaurant take-out is never more than an additional $200 a month. Some imported food items are a bit more expensive than the States but usually not appreciatively. Fresh fish, meat, poultry, pork, etc., and fresh fruits and veggies are plentiful, inexpensive, and a larger variety than you'd find where you are," remarked one expat living in Machala.

"Prices are and product availability and servicing is changing rapidly. Though many things have always been cheaper (food and lodging) technological products were very dear 10+ years ago, they are not now. I bought a new computer yesterday and the price (with a bit of shopping) was 5% more expensive for the same thing on Amazon.com. us. I double-checked, all specifications. That being said, if you are looking for a city and country cheaper than Cuenca, there are plenty. They simply will be far less fun," commented one expat.

"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 living in Catamayo and Loja.

"The beaches are the main attraction in this area. You can participate in a friendly game of soccer, beach comb for shells, go fishing, paragliding or relax in a hammock on the beach," wrote one expat living in San Jacinto.

"Machala is the furthest south of the larger cities is cooler since it gets the Pacific sea breezes and the cooling winds from the nearby mountains, but remains a bit more partially overcast during the day compared to cities further north," remarked one expat living in Machala.

"Weather: This is a question with lots of wildly different answers! For example, on the flip side, we adore not needing weather aids, like air conditioning or heating almost all year round. We needed both in Canada. We had a Caribbean villa for 11 years and it could get too hot during many months with the Leeward breeze was absent...just before the hurricane season. (ugh). In Cuenca, we sleep in our birthday suits (BLUSH!) with a snuggly Duvet and mostly wear short sleeve t-shirts during the day..all year long in Cuenca. A sweater, a shawl or a light leather jacket when dining out at night. However, the locals will wear ski-jackets during the day at 70F! I guess it depends on where you grew up," said one expat living in Cuenca.

"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," mentioned one expat inCrucita.

"Rather warm, sometimes hot, but we have enjoyed warm after so many decades of cold in Minnesota. The rainy season has seemed long a few of the nine years we have been here, and it lasts nearly six months, (Nov. to April)," commented one expat who moved to Catamayo and Loja, Ecuador.

"With several years experience of living in Cuenca I have told folks in the states that its climate is spring like, year round. On hearing this they mentally edit to "nice and warm"....no, Spring here in New England has days of cold drizzle and rain sometimes as bad as late winter. Compared to mid-coast Maine in April and May, Cuenca's weather is mild. People have to stop imagining sweltering jungle just because Ecuador is on the equator. Cuenca is a half a mile higher than Denver ! The air is much thinner. Also, nobody in North America lives with so much solar input while being at 8500 feet. In each of the four seasons the sun is overhead in Cuenca. The combination is unique. The reduced mass of the air means much less storage of heat. When clouds block the sun the temp drops instantly. ," remarked one expat living in Cuenca.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Ecuador is La Choza de Laurel, located in Quito. This restaurant is known for its traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, such as ceviche, empanadas, and llapingachos. The restaurant also offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as a selection of international dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Ecuador is El Pobre Diablo, located in Cuenca. This restaurant is known for its traditional Ecuadorian dishes, such as ceviche, tamales, and seco de chivo. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Finally, La Casa de la Abuela is a popular restaurant in Quito. This restaurant is known for its traditional Ecuadorian dishes, such as ceviche, tamales, and seco de chivo. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive," commented one expat who moved to 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," said one expat living in San Clemente.

"Local Tiendas sell almost everything that you need for your pantry. Additionally, there are markets and vegetable/fruit trucks soliciting door to door. The local fishermen sell their fresh catch daily and deliver upon request. There is a large market on Sunday in Charapoto, 10 minutes away via bus or taxi," mentioned one expat inSan Jacinto.

"It appears that most of the people like to shop on the special marketing days where people come from miles around to show their wares. As I mentioned, Tia has some good buys (specials) and SuperMaxi is great up in Loja," commented one expat who moved to Catamayo and Loja, Ecuador.

"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," remarked one expat living in Vilcabamba.

"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," commented one expat.

"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," mentioned an expat living in Rio Chico.

"You can stay for 90 days with a valid passport (minimum 6 month validity from the expiration date). I refer everyone to attorney Floridalva Zambrano, Portoviejo office, for Visa/Residency information and assistance. The immigration laws change frequently," said an expat in San Jacinto.

"Also, they may tell you to submit documents electronically but you WILL need them in paper versions. Visas are now electronic but Immigration requested a paper copy of my visa (and their ministry issued it!) which was NOT listed as one of the documents needed. You actually rarely use your visa once you obtain a cedula (ID card) based on the visa, not even for reentry to Ecuador once you have a resident visa. USA passport and cedula are all needed, except for at times, covid vaccine card. I took a photo of my cedula side by side with covid vaccine card and use the photo when needed. Bring extra original documents like birth certificates and marriage licenses and background checks, at least 3 originals of each and apostilled. Your background checks will be good until you return to USA, obviously you are not committing crimes there while you are living here. Expensive and difficult to get more documents while you are here sent from USA," remarked one expat in Ecuador.

"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.

"I would pay out of pocket if it were still available, because doctors are cheap. With my cheap insurance, I will still have to pay out of pocket and maybe get reimbursement if I'm lucky. Insurance here is a government sponsored racket, as whenever government requires something the drops and prices go up, that's why governments do it. If it were a service people actually wanted it wouldn't be required," commented one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.