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Ecuador | What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad? | Expat Exchange
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Vilcabamba, Ecuador

What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?

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When we asked what advice they have for others considering retiring abroad, they advised...

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

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"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," remarked another expat in Cotacachi, Ecuador.

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Other Questions:

What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?

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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.

Vilcabamba, Ecuador

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