What should I pack when moving to Ecuador?
We asked people living in Ecuador to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded...
"Wish I would have brought: Gallons of Patina for our stained glass hobby; Desk Chair because I work from home; more towels and dishrags Things I could have left: all things leather (we live on the beach and everything molds); metal lamps (rusted); outdated computer (should have bought a new one before shipping down here)," said a member in Puerto Cayo, Ecuador.
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With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
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With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"Vitamins, big bottle from Sams or Costco. Vitamins are real expensive here. Generic Allegra if you use Allegra, brand name only here $1+ per pill. If you use an expensive electric toothbrush, pack replacement heads, having a hard time finding here. Disposable razors mega pack. 3 razors for $5 here. Hosiery for women for special occasions, not much selection, colors or sizes here. Aftershave and colognes, limited selection of cheap brands here. Try Fragrance.net in USA for discount prices. Imodium, not available here. Most generic non anxiety non depression drugs readily available here without rx. No narcotics available at all as far as i know and likely no arthritis iv drugs either as those are very expensive. Think 3rd world cheap, if not used here hard if not impossible. Advil liquid gels very expensive and not readily available. My generic thyroid meds are $3 per month and available without rx. Electronics are not cheap but also brand names are really expensive. Recommend updating cell phone prior to coming and getting cheap cell to carry around here due to theft issues. Bring computer and tablet, we bought cheap hp deskjet for $60 or so here so bring a printer is not necessary. You can get copies and scans very cheap here also. Spring fall clothing to be layered unless going to coast. Typical mountain Temps are 40-55F at night, 55-75 F during day. I layer shirts with warmup jackets and hoodies during day and wear mid level jacket at night. If you think you may stay, bring all apostilled documents with you. No mail service here, DHL or FEDEX are your options at $100+ to get it here and not necessarily delivered. MOST OF ALL BRING RESPECT, WILLINGNESS TO LEARN AND ADAPT AND LOTS OF PATIENCE!!! EXTRA CREDIT FOR BASIC SPANISH SKILLS, LITTLE ENGLISH IS SPOKEN," remarked another expat who made the move to Ecuador.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Ecuador?
- How do I find a place to live in Ecuador?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Ecuador?
- What is the average cost of housing in Ecuador?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Ecuador?
- What should I pack when moving to Ecuador?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Ecuador?
- Why do people move to Ecuador?
- What are healthcare services like in Ecuador?
- What are medical services in Ecuador like?
- What are typical rents in Ecuador?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What should I pack when moving to Ecuador?
If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
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.