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Pros and Cons of Living in Ecuador | Expat Exchange
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Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca

Pros and Cons of Living in Ecuador

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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.

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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.

"My wife loves Catamayo and would move there in a nano-second if we did not have family, property, and obligations here. Catamayo is warmer and dryer than Loja, Vilcabamba, or Malacatos ( although the latter two are a bit sunnier than Loja ) and all of the above are less damp and rainy than Cuenca. Catamayo is only about a 35-minute bus ride into Loja, so you can get your big city amenity fix or simply go shopping - Prices in Loja are much better than in Quito, Cuenca, or Guayaquil ! Also, because there aren't a ton of gringos living in Catamayo - unlike Vilca - the real estate prices are considerably lower. Go and explore for yourself then decide. There are several nice hotels with very reasonable prices that you can stay in and use for a "home base" as you explore the entire Loja area," said one in Catamayo.

"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," explained one expat in Cotacachi.

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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," explained one expat.

"More relaxed generally, people are very friendly and helpful. More tranquil way of life. Fresher food," said one person in Salinas.

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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," remarked one in Ecuador.

"Not knowing the language and the fact that especially in this part of Ecuador, they talk extremely FAST!," explained one expat.

"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 person in Cotacachi.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.

Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

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