Moving to Quito, Ecuador

"Come visit first, stay in a travelers hostel if you want to meet people, doesn't matter your age...see where you want to live, then check the local paper to find rental listings..," said one expat in Quito.

"THis process esp with minimal Spanish is NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART, trust me. I have struggled at times and have lived before out of the United States in South America. Visit, do your homework, trust that you will be taken advantage of (as I have several times with trusted Ecuadorians) and you REALLY have to WANT TO MOVE HERE sometimes to simply stay here. I am overall happy with my move/immigration to Ecuador but it is tough and challenging esp as a soltera at times, very tough," remarked one expat who made the move to Quito.

"Rent, learn, then leave. Keep in mind I have no business interest here so I am just being honest. You can deposit money into your bank acct & if want to know your balance after your deposit they charge you a fee, service in Ecuador is terrible. Ask for a roll of quarters, & be refused! No reason, just be told no," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador.

"Before moving to Quito, expats should be aware of the city's high elevation – reaching up to 2850 meters (9352 feet) above sea level – which may cause certain medical complications. They should also research the cost of living in Quito, as prices may differ from those of their home country significantly. Expats should furthermore familiarize themselves with the local language and culture, as English is not widely spoken in the city and Ecuadorian culture is distinct from other Latin American countries. Additionally, expats should make sure to have the most up-to-date vaccinations and get acquainted with the city's public transportation system. Finally, expats are highly recommended to get travel and health insurance before settling in Quito," said one expat in Quito, Ecuador.

"One way to find a place to live in Quito is to use online resources such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and websites like olx.com. Additionally, you can consider contacting local real estate agents if you would like assistance in your search. Looking at local newspapers and digital listings can also be a great way to find an apartment in Quito. Finally, if you’re looking for an affordable option, you may find luck in negotiating with local landlords directly," remarked one expat who made the move to Quito, Ecuador.

"Not easy... I was offered a teaching job at PUCE , then denied it when my papers came through very late but I knew the barrio where I wanted to live -- however, it has gone up in price and there were few options available. I walked around in the neighborhood I wanted to finally settle in and found what I need. This is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED way to discover a good apt in Quito," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Quito is usually modern and spacious, with large windows offering beautiful natural light and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Many apartments come with contemporary, open plan designs and full kitchen amenities, whereas others feature colonial-style buildings and high-ceilinged apartments with Spanish-tiled courtyards. In addition, most expat homes and apartments offer high-end security systems and off-street parking, making them very safe and secure," remarked one expat in Quito, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"A "suite" or two rooms and bath, lovely little place, good dueno and furnished nicely with condominio fee monthly it's $460. in the swanky neightborhood of Gonzalez Suarez. Noise here is bad," said one expat in Quito.

"Much lower. I bought an apartment for under $30k and I have rented another for just $150 a month," remarked one expat in Quito, Ecuador.

"The cost of housing in Quito varies greatly depending on size and location. However, both short-term and long-term rentals tend to be on the lower end of the international market, and for those who are looking for a more permanent living situation, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $200 to $500 per month. Longterm rental costs for a two-bedroom apartment range from $500 to $1,000 per month," said one expat in Quito, Ecuador.

"Buying a home in Quito could potentially be a great investment, as the city is known for its strong real-estate market and growing economy. Purchasing a home in Quito can also be a good option if you plan to stay and live in the city long-term. Renting a home in Quito can be a great option for those who need a bit more flexibility or are only intending to stay in the city for a relatively short amount of time. Ultimately, whether you decide to buy or rent a home in Quito comes down to your personal preference and situation," said one expat in Quito, Ecuador.

"I wish I had brought digital camera, laptop and more books...I wish I had left home medicines (widely available and cheaper in Ecuador), basics like towel, socks, etc (also easily available), furniture (very beautiful pieces avialable locally)," commented one expat who made the move to Quito.

"When moving to Quito it is important to bring warm clothes such as sweaters, scarfs, and hats, as Quito has a cooler climate year-round. You may also want to pack rain gear as Quito has a distinct wet and dry season throughout the year. Sturdy and comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended due to the many outdoor activities the city has to offer. You may also want to bring over-the-counter medications, as some medications can be difficult to find in Ecuador. Lastly, it is important to bring any documents you will need to live and work in the country, such as your passport, visas, and work permits," remarked one expat in Quito, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"It is important to be mindful of local customs and traditions when visiting Quito. Show respect by dressing modestly, avoiding public displays of affection, and being mindful of conversational topics such as religion or politics. As in many countries, it is considered rude to discuss someone's income or to discuss negative aspects of Ecuadorian culture. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of the country's laws, including those regarding drug and alcohol use. Finally, it is important to ask before taking photographs of people or places that are considered sacred in Quito, Ecuador," said one expat in Quito, Ecuador.

"Quito is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and affordable cost of living. The city is home to a diverse population, with a mix of modern and traditional influences, making it a great place to experience a unique culture. The city is also surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Additionally, the cost of living in Quito is much lower than in many other cities, making it an attractive option for expats looking to stretch their budget," offered one expat living in Quito.

"Quito offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare facilities offer more specialized services and are often more expensive. Both public and private facilities offer general medical care, emergency services, and specialized care such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and cardiology. Additionally, there are a number of pharmacies in Quito that provide over-the-counter medications and other health-related products," remarked one expat in Quito.

"Go to the best hospital instead of the government hospital. Use the private clinics for basic healthcare and pay out of pocket," wrote one expat living in Quito.

"Quito offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public hospitals are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, while the private hospitals offer more specialized services and often have shorter wait times. In addition, there are a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores throughout the city, providing access to a variety of medications and medical supplies. Quito also has a number of medical tourism companies that offer services such as cosmetic surgery, dental care, and fertility treatments," commented one expat who moved to Quito.

"My health insurance is with IESS and I've been completely satisfied with the care I've received. I have high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease. When the doctors at the IESS hospital learned this they ordered a complete lipid profile, an EKG, treadmill stress test and echocardiogram and placed me on a statin drug for my cholesterol and a drug for high blood pressure," said one expat.