Pros and Cons of Living in Ecuador
Last updated on Jan 07, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in Ecuador include its diverse landscape, with a variety of climates and terrains, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes Mountains. The country also has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of traditional foods, music, and festivals. Additionally, the cost of living in Ecuador is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for expats. The cons of living in Ecuador include the fact that the country has a high crime rate, with a high rate of violent crime in some areas. Additionally, the infrastructure in Ecuador is not as developed as in other countries, and the healthcare system is not as advanced. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for expats, as Spanish is the official language.
What are the pros and cons of living in Ecuador?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Ecuador responded:
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the affordability of living in Ecuador. The cost of living is much lower than in many other countries, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. Additionally, the country is known for its diverse landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains, making it a great place to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Expats and digital nomads also enjoy the friendly and welcoming culture of Ecuador, which makes it easy to settle in and make friends. On the downside, the infrastructure in Ecuador can be lacking in some areas, making it difficult to access certain services. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Spanish," explained one expat living in Ecuador.
"I've been here five years and for a while, I had a PO box in Otavalo but only ever received one letter, I had a package sent (a GPS Unit) from Western Canada that was sent via Canada Post to what is basically General Delivery, Cotatachi. It did arrive, by a miracle, six months to the day after it was sent. I only found out about it because I went to the post office to ask another question and they said there was a package. During the pandemic, both the Cotacachi and Otavalo post offices closed their doors. The one in Cotacachi is now a very nice coffee shop. In Otavalo I think it's just locked up. I had some documents that needed to be sent, signed and sent back north and did it all via DHL.! $125 CAD to send the envelope here and $65US to send it on. But it works. Other than municipalities there are no house or street addresses. Where we live it is virtually impossible to describe our location for deliveries, so I tell whatever entity is sending to send it to their local office and I go to pick it up. That works great. Be sure to include your local (cell) number as part of the address so they can phone you to let you know that it has arrived. We're currently waiting for my Ecuadorian wife's passport to be returned from the US Embassy with her US visitor's visa installed and I assume they will send it to the DHL office in Otavalo where we will pick it up. It's not an efficient work-around but it is better than the pony express, marginally," said one expat in living in Cotacachi, Ecuador.
"We love the climate in Valle de los Chillos. Lots of walking and ecotourism opportunities for us. We enjoy the view of snow capped Cotopaxi over coffee on our flower laden terrace in the mornings. Trips to local thermal baths (think swimming pool but nice and warm) are also favorites. We do not live close to expat haunts but have integrated rapidly into our community because of that," wrote one expat in Valle de Los Chillos.
"it is a nice walking city because there are NO hills and lots to see. Ocean and beaches near by, weather is very consistent, very few insects and the people are great. There is no airport nearby, closest is in Guayaquill, therefore i met very few expats in my daily life. The city, pop of 250k+-, is very clean," explained one expat living in Machala.
"Yes, it rains a bit, but if you have ever traveled to San Francisco, Amsterdam, London, Vancouver, you just keeping walking through it. The sun will dry you 10 minutes later. It definitely rains more today than 11 years ago. The only concession to Climate Change that Cuenca has made. But, there is greener grass and more flowers too. This new weather all started about 8 years ago. I find the weather wonderful! We have had enough beach living to make us tired and bored of it. ," said one in Cuenca.

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What do expats in Ecuador appreciate most about the local culture?
"Still working on that one as I do not care for this town I am living in and is much more primitive than cities," said one person in Bahia de Caraquez.
"More relaxed generally, people are very friendly and helpful. More tranquil way of life. Fresher food," remarked one expat in Salinas.
"Lots of wonderful historical stuff, tons of holidays here, religious and historical, all celebrated to the max in different ways. Indigenous activities and celebrations. We have not even started on expat stuff because my hubby is Ecuadorian and has youngish cousins here in 30s. They always have plans to go and do things," explained one expat living in Ecuador.
"Ecuador is a better place to learn Spanish. In Spain they want to practice their English. In Ecuador they mostly don't speak English. Read up on the Inca empire and its encounter with the Spanish in the 16th century. Some of the roads you'll travel in Ecuador were Inca trails 700 years ago," said one expat in Vilcabamba.
"On the whole I have experienced the Ecuadorians to be honest. As a people they are culturally extremely polite. In my estimation they rivel the French with their protocols of politeness. "Buenos días, "Buenas tardes," "buenas noches, " "Saludos." If you don't greet someone, they feel slighted. And they address you by title, "don Ernesto". "doña Maria". o "mi señora linda". which is something we would never dare say in the north "my pretty lady."," said a person living in Cotacachi.

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With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
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What do expats find most challenging?
"Expatriates in Ecuador often find the local customs, habits, and language to be difficult to adjust to. For many, the unfamiliarity of the country can be an intimidating factor and the cultural norms can be confusing. Additionally, communicating with locals in Spanish can be difficult for expats who have limited Spanish language proficiency. Moreover, the formality and emphasis on religion found throughout Ecuadorian culture can be a source of culture shock for expats accustomed to cultures that emphasize individual autonomy and secular values," said a person living in Ecuador.
"Not knowing the language and the fact that especially in this part of Ecuador, they talk extremely FAST!," explained one expat living in Bahia de Caraquez.
"Although scrupulously polite, I have not found the Ecuadorian people to be particularly friendly or outgoing. And they are extremely protective of their privacy. Which is why they often live behind eight-foot-high walls with wire or broken bottles on top. Whether the fear is justified or not I can't say, but it seems to infect most everyone. It is very unusual to invite someone into your home, or to be invited. Mostly, in my experience (only one opinion mind you) socializing is done within the family, not by getting together with friends to tell stories and share meals. That is one difference I find really hard to take. And they love noise. They honk, they put a big speaker outside each store and blast music assuming that everyone wants to hear. To me it is a form of polution, pure and simple. Give me quiet any day," said one in Cotacachi.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Ecuador?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Ecuador?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Ecuador?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Ecuador accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Ecuador like?
- Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ecuador?
- What are healthcare services like in Ecuador?
- Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Ecuador?
- What is the weather like in Ecuador?
- Are there good restaurants in Ecuador?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Ecuador?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Ecuador?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ecuador?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Ecuador?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Ecuador?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?