Retire in Ecuador

"We live close to Cotacachi, which does have an ex-pat population but is also the most charming and prettiest of Ecuadorian cities I have seen, which is most of them. We live a few klicks outside of Cotacachi, in farm country. We have horses below, cows and corn above; and all around quiet, peace and friendly neighbors. What's not to like?," said one retiree in Cotacachi.

"It is not for everyone, if you have not traveled outside your country you should check it out before moving. Many expats move here and after 6 months to a year many go back to the US! Many might miss family or just can't adjust to a non- English speaking country. My blog offers a good idea of live here: google: AAA Living in Cuenca or my book Why Ecuador for me is available on kindle through amazon.com," commented one retiree living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"I lived most of my life (almost 50 years) on two small islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland of Canada. and moved here directly without exploring many other options. other than the usual voyages to Europe and Central America. And yes, it has been a major, major change. Adventurous, challenging, and rife with opportunities to stretch. So, what do I think now? Not a love/hate relationship. Too strong. More like/dislike. The basics I do love: The climate in the Andes is really perfect. The ready availability of wonderful produce/fruit/meats at a very low price is a huge plus. The cost of living, which I estimate at about 10 – 15% of costs in Canada makes it possible for us to live well on my meager pension and maintain my investment portfolio for travel and splurges," explained one retiree living in Cotacachi.

"I agree, you cannot live like this is the USA, you will drive yourself crazy. It is like having children, one is often very different than another. Ecuador is different from the USA, some things are better and some are a lot more challenging. All in all, after 3 years here, I am glad I am here and enjoying my life. But I highly recommend that you have an extended visit before packing up and buying a property. You should rent and live here at least 3 months, a year would be better. You may decide the challenging parts are not your thing or you may decide that location and/or climate is not your thing. We were planning to live at the beach but found the vibe to be too crazy in tourist season or holidays and too boring the rest of the time. We also did not like the heat. We are now living in the mountains and love the year round spring weather and visit the beach when we feel like it," said one retiree in living in Ecuador.

"No English and lots of illogical bureaucracy. Wish i had a dollar for everytime i heard Lamentablemente in a government office (unfortunately)....Daily life is more like USA in 1950s, small town shopping in small stores but it is more interesting. My latest hunt was for Epsom salts for my bath. Not in pharmacies nor larger stores, maybe could be found in a specialty pharmacy in Quito an hour away. Bathtubs are not common here so bath salts nobody knows. Found it on Mercadolibre which is like Ebay or Craigslist," commented one retiree living in Ecuador.

"One challenge of retiring in Ecuador is that the cost of living is significantly lower there than in other countries, which can be difficult for people used to a higher standard of living. Additionally, the language barrier can be difficult for many retirees since Spanish is the primary language in Ecuador. Retirees may also find that many public services and amenities are not as developed in Ecuador as in other countries. Lastly, the lack of access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services can be a challenge for many retirees, given their needs for specialized care," explained one retiree living in Ecuador.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Ecuador is its beautiful scenery and unparalleled biodiversity. From the tropical Amazon rainforest to the stunning Andes Mountains, the natural beauty of Ecuador is simply breathtaking. Additionally, the climate is warm but moderate all year round, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities without having to worry about extreme temperatures. Retirees can also take advantage of the cost of living in Ecuador, which is generally much lower than in other countries. Finally, the culture of Ecuador is rich in tradition and is welcoming to newcomers, creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for retirees," explained one retiree living in Ecuador.

"Your choice of the free hospital or higher cost facilities. Also qualify for the Social Security hospital here 100% coverage for $72 a month," explained a retiree in Cuenca.

"In Ecuador, healthcare services exist throughout the country, with primary health care clinics, private clinics and hospitals, and public hospitals all providing healthcare to citizens. Access to healthcare is provided on a sliding scale, with fees being assessed based on income. Primary health care clinics emphasize preventive medicine, but also provide diagnosis, treatment, immunizations and referrals to specialists in the public health system. Private clinics and hospitals provide higher quality services, but often at a much higher cost. Public hospitals generally do not provide healthcare services for free, but may offer subsidized services depending on the situation. Access to specialized and hospital-based care is limited, but increasing as Ecuador invests in greater access and quality of care," explained one retiree living in Ecuador.

"Weekly expat Fridays at 5, currently held at Sakura Restaurant on 3 de Noviembre in front of the Tomebamba River at the bottom of the Escalinata," said a person in Cuenca.

"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," remarked one retiree in Ecuador.

"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," said a retiree who moved to Vilcabamba, 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," said one retiree in Bahia de Caracruz.

"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," commented one retiree living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"This is a tourist town that only has tourists occasionally. Most people do menial jobs," commented one retiree living in Bahia de Caraquez, 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," explained one retiree living in Cuenca.

"Ibarra is the capitol of Imbabura and as such has many lawyers in the area but it is primarily agricultural with a lot of commerce going on. It is the largest of the cities in this province and offers a lot of night life, greater restaurant selection and a pretty progressive city leadership," said one retiree in living in Ibarra, Ecuador.

"Living in Ecuador as an expat or digital nomad can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, it's no wonder that more and more expats are choosing to make Ecuador their home. Many expats and digital nomads choose to settle in the larger cities such as Guayaquil, Quito, and Cuenca which offer all the amenities of a larger city with a more relaxed atmosphere. Ecuador's cost of living, coupled with its relaxed visa requirements make it an ideal choice for those who want to live abroad. Furthermore, the country is remarkably diverse with its own unique cultures, landscapes, and people, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore and experience something different. With its temperate climate, stunning nature, and friendly people, Ecuador is a great choice for expats and digital nomads looking to live and work abroad," explained a retiree in Ecuador.

"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 retiree living in Bahia de Caracruz.

"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," said one retiree in Bahia de Caracruz.

"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," commented one retiree living in Crucita, Ecuador.

"People here are friendly and very helpful. You can get fresh fruit and veggies everywhere. You can get fresh seafood right from the fisherman in the mornings, as the come back in from a nights fishing," explained one retiree living in Crucita.

"The current wisdom is to try any country on for size for a few months and Ecuador is no exception. And happily, the Ecuadorian government makes it reasonably easy to do, for up to six months. When you land and they stamp your passport that gives you a 90-day visa, Basically 3 months. The day after that visa expires you have to present yourself and your passport at an office of "Migración" where they will give you a slip of paper to take to a Banco Pacifico to pay $140 (not positive if that is still the amount but it was a few months ago for my step-son's Mexican fiancé). You take the payment voucher back to Migración and they stamp your passport for another 3 months. Problem solved. Happy exploration. That is the process for both Canadian and US visitors but I don't know the regulations for other countries outside of South America," said one retiree in living in Cotacachi, Ecuador.

"Be prepared for pollution and robbery problems. Quito also has a large traffic issue and makes it hard to get around at busy hours of the day. The altitude is sometimes hard for people with asthma or the elderly. In general, it's still a small city and has a friendly welcoming attitude. It's easy to get away on weekends and go to the mountains for fresh air. The night life is fun and exciting in the mariscal area. I would research the city really well before renting or buying. Find the safer neighborhoods like Quito, Tenis or Gonzalez Suarez where there are many other expats," explained a retiree in Quito.

"In Ecuador, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. The country's long coastline provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other water sports. There are also many national parks and reserves, offering hiking, camping, and bird watching. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and theaters. Shopping malls, movie theaters, and bowling alleys are also popular recreational spots," remarked one retiree in Ecuador.

"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," explained one member in San Jacinto.

"Of course, there is soccer! But I'm finding out from the youth that they are playing basketball and enjoy that very much also, as well as volleyball. They have a Water Slide and Fun place for the young people to go a few miles outside of Catamayo, and there are neighborhood volleyball matches for many ages, bingo, outdoor music concerts in the parks, and artists show their paintings occasionally. No golf clubs, that we know around here, sorry... But I am sure there would be in Cuenca and Quito," said one retiree in Catamayo and Loja.

"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," said one person who retired in Machala.