What do I need to know before moving to Ecuador?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Ecuador, they said...
"Come and visit for preliminary look, choose several locations for example beach, mountains and jungle. Try to visit a city and small town in each area, think also of some tourist attractions to get a flavor of the country. Return for another more focused visit to the vibe (example beach) that catches your interest....second visit, focus on areas large and small from your research that sound interesting. If you find a location that you like, plan to come for extended stay and RENT there. Do not look to purchase until you have lived here awhile, LIVED not visited. It is very different to live here rather than visit. Note as far as purchasing property: it is not like the USA, no realtor website with most of the properties in the area featured so can be tedious looking. No licensed inspectors so you are on your own to determine potential problems. Many if not most built "informally" i.e. not to codes. Also, if you make a mistake and decide to go back, properties here do not sell fast, you could be invested for years waiting for a buyer. Financing is difficult to obtain, mortgage interest rates are high (can be 10+%) and large down payments required for Ecuadorian buyers," explained one expat living in Ecuador.
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaConnect
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!
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaWith 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!
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"That people here in Ecuador DON'T speak English is a great advantage. In Madrid you'll have what I call the "lucha de lengua". A battle over who's language to use. Exercise and practice is key. Listen, mimic, study. Never give up. One word a day and in a couple of years, a thousand word vocab. Use the right verb and you're on your way," said another expat in Ecuador.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Ecuador?
- How do I meet people in Ecuador?
- What is life like in Ecuador?
- Is there a lot of crime in Ecuador?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Ecuador accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Ecuador like?
- Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ecuador?
- What are healthcare services like in Ecuador?
- Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Ecuador?
- What is the weather like in Ecuador?
- Are there good restaurants in Ecuador?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Ecuador?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Ecuador?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ecuador?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Ecuador?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Ecuador?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before 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.
