Moving to Guayaquil, Ecuador

"1. Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city, located in the coastal region of the country. The climate is tropical, hot and humid. 2. The official language is Spanish, so it is useful to have some basic Spanish language skills before moving to Guayaquil. 3. French, English, and German are also spoken in some sectors. 4. Companies often require official documents such as birth certificates, passports, driver’s license and other relevant paperwork for immigration procedures. 5. Depending on the expat’s immigration status, some customs and immigration procedures may apply. 6. To gain full access to the benefits of the city and country, it is recommended that expats become familiar with the Ecuadorian laws and regulations. 7. Despite its size, Guayaquil offers stunning scenery, interesting cultural experiences, and an exciting nightlife. 8. Guayaquil has modern infrastructure, providing medical services, public transportation, fitness centers, and shopping malls. 9. Expats should be prepared to give homage to the city's rich history when exploring the many attractions. 10. It is important to always remain aware of your surroundings, as crime rates can be high in certain areas," commented one expat who made the move to Guayaquil, Ecuador.

"Get a realtor. Look around a lot. Start and finish with Sanborondon if your budget allows. Venture out to Los Ceibos and Via la Costa if the distance from the "fun areas" of Guayaquil isn't an issue. Talk to other expats (if you can find them)," remarked one expat in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

"Fortunately, my company hired a relocation firm. Sanborondon is the upper class, safe, and happening nearby suburb of Guayaquil. It was almost a given that I would live there as an expat with Company-provided housing. The Company also hired a realtor for us who helped with our search options (furnished, gated community, 3 bdrms, spacious, pool). Newspaper ads weren't very helpful at all. Word of mouth or realtors are the way to go," remarked one expat who made the move to Guayaquil.

"Researching and finding a place to live in Guayaquil is a challenging but possible task. There are a number of options available, including short and long term rentals, as well as purchasing property. You can search online for places to rent or buy, or you could find real estate agents that can help you explore options in the city. Additionally, there are many neighborhoods and areas in Guayaquil you can research to understand their unique amenities and offerings. It is recommended that you visit a few of these areas and get to know the city before making a decision. Additionally, asking around online or in person can be a great way to gather local knowledge that may help you make an informed decision on where to live," explained one expat living in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"I live in an apartment within an 8 unit building (tower) within a gated community of about 20 towers. Ideal mix of privacy and neighborly acquaintances. I don't know what the house/apt mix is, but I would imagine expat families with kids go for houses (in Sanborondon, Los Ceibos, or Via la Costa) and expat singles and couples go for apts. The houses in Sanborondon are usually huge, expensive, and not many to rent," remarked one expat who made the move to Guayaquil.

"Expat homes and apartments in Guayaquil tend to have modern amenities and decor, which can include air conditioning, spacious bedrooms, and full kitchens. They are often located in newer developments and are well kept. Public transportation links are often close by, making the area convenient for commuters. Expats can choose from a variety of housing options, from renting an apartment in a gated community to buying a single-family home in a suburban neighbourhood. Many expat apartments come with access to community amenities such as a pool, sports court or even a gym," explained one expat living in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"I am originally from New york City. NYC is expensive but you get little space. Economically, would say the same, but I have much more space both in and outside of the apt. The company pays $2200 monthly plus about $75 in utilities for a 3 bdroom (plus housekeepers room), 5 bath furnished apt. The community has ample green areas, soccer field, tennis court, several bbq grills and villas, basketball court, an adult and kiddie pool, and a ballroom for gatherings. The only thing missing is a gym. Average for Sanborongon is about $1300/month. Urdessa, Ceibos go for about $900, but not as nice," said one expat who made the move to Guayaquil.

"The average cost of housing in Guayaquil is dependent on the type and quality of housing, but in general, prices range from moderately affordable to high-end. Rentals vary greatly, with smaller spaces and apartments in the more affordable range while larger houses with luxury amenities may cost significantly more. Overall, housing costs in Guayaquil have been generally stable, although there are occasional fluctuations in market value," explained one expat living in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"Buying a home in Guayaquil can be a good option if you plan on staying in the city for a long period of time. With historically low interest rates, the cost of financing a home can be quite affordable. If you are new to the area and still unsure of where you want to settle down, renting a home can be a more attractive option. Renting also requires fewer upfront costs and more flexibility as you get to know the city. Ultimately, it depends on your individual situation and your goals for the future," replied a member in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

"Wish I'd Brought My furniture - harder than expected to find a furnished apartment Personal care products - expensive here Everyone's phone number and email address - tough to make friends here as the "upper class" society is pretty closed Wish I'd left home: Warm clothes - 90-95 on cool days here, although the sweaters come in handy when I go to Quito DVD's - pirated movies are big business here," said one expat in Guayaquil.

"When moving to Guayaquil, it is important to remember to pack versatile clothing that can be layered depending on the weather. Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect from the strong equatorial sun. Thanks to its location on the coast, umbrella, raincoat and sandals should also be included in the packing list. Consider packing a medical kit with basic medicines and insect repellent in case of minor medical emergencies. Additionally, make sure to bring along any important documents such as passport and other identification that may be needed," remarked one expat who made the move to Guayaquil, Ecuador.

"It is important to be respectful of local customs when visiting Guayaquil. When visiting religious sites, it is important to adhere to the expectations of modesty and to dress appropriately. Additionally, it is important to show respect to the local population and to avoid any negative remarks about the country, its history, its culture or its people. Moreover, it is important to remember to ask for permission before taking photos of people or of national monuments and to be mindful of any disputes related to the nation's complex political and social history," remarked one expat in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"I used to translate "you know what I mean" to "si me entiendes" and people would just nod politely but give me a weird look... later I was informed that "si me entiendes" sounds condescending to the other person in Spanish because the context of the sentence implies they are not bright enough to follow my chain of thought-- I was told to use "si me explico?" which translates to "am I explaining myself? " which puts the responsibility of any misunderstanding on my shoulders," said one expat in Guayaquil.

"Temperate climate?? Low crime rate?? Get real. Guayaquil is a big, noisy, dirty, industrial, crime--ridden city with daily temperatures in the mid-to-high 90s, and humidity off the charts. Oh, and don't forget the mosquitos," commented one expat who moved to Guayaquil.

"Guayaquil is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and affordable cost of living. The city is known for its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and exciting nightlife. Additionally, the city offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from exploring the historic downtown area to visiting the nearby beaches. With its temperate climate and low crime rate, Guayaquil is an ideal place for expats to settle down and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle," said one expat.

"Guayaquil offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is run by the Ministry of Public Health and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare facilities offer more specialized services and are often more expensive. In addition, there are a number of specialized clinics and centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and mental health. Guayaquil also has a number of pharmacies and health stores that provide over-the-counter medications and other health-related products," said one expat.

"Guayaquil offers a wide range of medical services. The city has a number of hospitals and clinics that provide quality care for both locals and visitors. Many of the hospitals are equipped with modern medical technology and offer a variety of services, including general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and emergency care. Additionally, there are a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care in areas such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. The city also has a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores that provide access to medications and medical supplies," wrote one expat living in Guayaquil.