Moving to Ecuador

"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," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador.

"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 one expat in Ecuador.

"Your comfortability level with the language will also be a determinative factor. Most locals DO NOT speak English - especially, in those wonderful areas off the tourist track that don't particularly cater to expatriates. I've lived in such an area - Machala - on the far southern coast for the past 1o years. It was my choice to live apart from the expat communities in other parts of the country BUT, I had been to Ecuador several times before moving here and knew what I wanted, if not exactly where, and was proficient enough in Spanish to get along without any major problems. The pros of living in a non-tourist/expat locale are that the cost of living is much cheaper, you will have greater independence, and the process of assimilation is much faster. The cons are that you might not have all the big city diversions and amenities, and people are a bit shy and slower to accept you but once they do, you'll have life-long friends. Come visit, travel, and decide ... then if it's right, by all means, relocate," said one expat who made the move to Machala.

"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.

"It is important for expats to understand that Ecuador is a Spanish-speaking country and should become familiar with some of the language before their move. Researching the customs and cultural norms of Ecuador is also helpful for expats as an understanding of the local culture will help them to settle into their new home. In Ecuador, it is also necessary to obtain a residency visa in order to be able to stay for an extended period of time. As such, an understanding of the visa process and documentation requirements is necessary for any expats wishing to move to Ecuador. Additionally, expats should understand that the cost of living in Ecuador is lower than in many countries, and that it is a popular destination for both retirees and adventure seekers," said one in Ecuador.

"Rentals in Salinas: You might also consider Porto Lucia if you are interested in Salinas. Much more tranquil than malecon de Salinas yet still in Salinas. If you prefer ocean front living at a budget price there are a few condo options available most are rented fully furnished. Walk to largest shopping center & next .to yacht club & marina. Look on Google maps for location. Hope this helps as an option, most expats do not know about this location when viewing Salinas," remarked one expat in Salinas, Ecuador.

"We made an exploratory trip months before we decided to come and live in Cuenca, Ecuador. We did not really choose the neighborhood we just found the apartment absolutely fell in love with it and the price was just right and the view and everything. It seemed like a good neighborhood as well and we bought it within two weeks of being in this country. To date 18 months later we are still very very happy with our purchase. We have since found it is a great neighborhood close to all amenities but far enough from the centre of the city," said one expat in Cuenca.

"My wife and I came to Ecuador this summer, we live in a 2 bedroom apartment in Loja, Ecuador. Our building has 4 units of which 3 are occupied. We have many of the comforts of a first world country except a dishwasher, oven, elevator. We don't need or have a/c. We are 10 to 15 minutes walk to downtown and have stores, bakeries and a great market in easy walking distance. And saving the best for last we have an exquisite view of mountains all around us and great, responsive, caring landlord's. Who could ask for more?," remarked one expat who made the move to 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.

"You don't need a car in Cuenca because there is a tram, buses, and taxis that are very inexpensive, especially for seniors. That is a big savings just for gas, insurance and maintenance. In Cuenca, you do not need AC or heat. A little portable heater at breakfast will suffice. The water is very cheap, $8-$10/mo. Some may try to give you tourist prices on rent or buying. Shop around.. There are some very reasonable prices. Plus, the interest rates for 1 year cd's so much better than US! Enjoy," explained one expat living in Ecuador.

"You can buy a beautiful 2 brm 2.5 bathroom apartment from about $78,000 upwards. If you are looking for a home with a bit of land around you can go about 15 mins from Cuenca and find the most beautiful homes for $150,000 - $300,000 and of course then you have the ones that are even higher. Depending on what you are looking for. There are beautiful pre-construction apartments selling from $60,000 to a large penthouse which has the most spectacular views for under $200,000. I went and paid our phone and electric bill the other day and for the two of us it was $30 for the month. Our apartment taxes are around $30 per year. Our security apartment and gas fees per month are $63.00," said one in Cuenca.

"Much lower. I bought an apartment for under $30k and I have rented another for just $150 a month," explained one expat who made the move to Quito.

"Much lower. We paid cash for our land and to build our house. Electric is about 100 per month. We get 2 trucks of water a month roughly and it equates to about $50/month in water. There are no other bills," explained one expat living in Puerto Cayo, Ecuador.

"I rent a two bedroom, two bathroom condo on the 11th floor on the Rio Tomebamba. 24-hour security guards, underground parking I pay $300 a month for rent, gas $8, water $10, cable $52, internet $34 and security is $50," remarked one expat who made the move to Cuenca.

"Do not buy anything until you've lived in this country for at least 6 months! And preferably for over 1 year. Rent a house, an apartment, a condo first! Get to know the ENTIRE country. Travel, learn the language, get acclimatized, absorb the culture, and make friends ( both gringos and Ecuadorians ) ... then decide what place really fits you best and where you want to make your home. By then you'll have built up contacts, and learned the real prices ( not the tourist/gringo ones ), Then, and only then, should you consider buying. Once the rose-colored glasses have come off, you can make a sensible and informed decision about purchasing and possible investment. Don't buy a pig in a polk, as they say. Take your time. You'll be glad you did. ¡Bienvenida y buena suerte," explained one expat living in Ecuador.

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Ecuador, it's important to consider factors such as your budget, length of stay and living style. If you plan on being in Ecuador for an extended period of time, buying a home may be a more cost-effective option in the long run. On the other hand, if you're looking for more flexibility, you may want to consider renting instead. Additionally, understanding local laws and the differences between buying and renting can be helpful in making an informed decision," said one expat in Ecuador.

"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," said one expat in 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," remarked one expat who made the move to Guayaquil.

"We arrived here over a decade ago. A codicil: We are much traveled and have had homes in many countries over the last 60 years. We have learned not to cling to the stuff we grew familiar with in the last places. That is analogous to gathering barnacles. It is a horrible hassle dragging lifestyle items unfound in your new home with you from someplace else. It is ultimately cheaper to buy locally as 95% of items cost less in Ecuador and come with a usable warranty and local repair know how. I feel bad for people that try to drag everything along with them. When we arrived, then some IT items cost double. But we have learned to keep checking as this world is changing FAST. They have become cheaper every year and now are MAYBE 10% more expensive. Everything else is also, relatively, much cheaper and with the trade agreements with Europe and China there is a greater availability and options in many areas. For example, we chose the styling for our living room set (easy chair, love seat & sofa) and picked the cloth from 100s and had it all made for 1050$ in 10 days. Can that be done in your present home? Appliances are the same - many now being made in Ecuador or South America. (If there is option in this area, buy something with mechanical rather than digital controls). Even if you buy an American brand name, it is likely a bitsa made in from iffy parts outside of the US. You will save a fortune buying non-West products. and have less misery," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Pack light, versatile clothing suitable for the climate. Depending on where you are moving in Ecuador, you may need to bring your own bedding and linens. If you plan to live in a colder climate, you may need to bring warm clothes and blankets. Make sure to include items like insect repellent and sunscreen, as Ecuador is known for its tropical climate. Don't forget to bring any necessary medications and any important documents you may need. It is also important to bring items to make you feel at home, such as photos or small decorations," said one expat in Ecuador.

"1. Flents Ear Stopples. The best product available for when you are in noisy places or desiring to sleep well. 2. For motorists: bring your still-active Drivers License and any required certification from your DL state. This way you can get an Ecuador DL without taking tedious Spanish-language driving classes to 'learn' what you have known for forty years. 3. Some English-language reading material. When your Internet provider cuts off your service temporarily without advising you in advance for reason/s you did not anticipate .. you'll have something to read at night for the several days it takes to get your service back on," said one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"I discovered the word "embarazado" does not translate to "embarrassed." Go ahead, look it up -- and save yourself," said one expat in Anconcito.

"I lived in Vilcabamba for two months and very quickly moved over the hill to Malacatos. The energy here is much different than Vilca and it's much quieter, safer, much cheaper and I love sitting by the river watching the bamboo grow! LOL! If I need a dose of excitement or something Americanized Vilcabamba is only 20 minutes away. I absolutely LOVE it here and am so grateful that I made the choice to leave the US. I went from constantly struggling to survive to living like a millionaire here in Malacatos. It's close enough to Vilca, yet far enough to be away to have peace and tranquility! ," stated one expat who made the move to Malacatos.

"At the risk of offending someone, I am not in Cuenca because of the cost of living. That is a bonus of course, but not key for us. We did a lot of searching of the globe (40+ years) to find a place that had the elements we needed to be happy at this stage of life.. We have had second homes in many places. After all, one gives up the proximity of family and old friends when one expats. There has to be some potent compensation! Cuenca requires the least compromises. Gobs of culture from free opera to free rock concerts. Two stadiums. UNENDING boutique shopping. A quickly recovering restaurant and club scene. 4 rivers running through it. Inca ruins. 16 century architecture! Cobble stone streets. A modern side. Views everywhere. 4 universities, colleges, music conservatoires, great inexpensive health care on anything within 10 minutes 24/7. A college town fill of beautiful young people. Many international fairs. Incredible fruits and seafood. (Everything costs a dollar..the only thing that varies is how much you get for it! :D) Today it is 6 mangoes for a buck unless you want to pick them for yourself. The best of all is the airport. It is too small for most international flights and that keeps expats and tourists away. Merely 15,000 (about 45% American and the rest from everywhere) in a greater area containing 700,000+ souls. If one yearns for beach, it is 3 hours away and the weather is hot all year long. However, the water is its warmest from December through Mayish (80F) Coldest in August (71F)," remarked one expat in Cuenca.

"Seeing a doctor in Cuenca is an easy matter. No appointment necessary in most cases. Excellent service and good quality for a much lower cost that the U.S," wrote one expat living in Cuenca.

"Healthcare services in Ecuador are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Public Health and is available to all Ecuadorian citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of good quality. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but they must first register with the Ministry of Public Health. Expats in Ecuador typically use the public healthcare system, as it is often more affordable than private healthcare. However, some expats opt to purchase private health insurance to access private healthcare services," commented one expat living in Ecuador.

"IESS (federal system) is cheapest insurance here UNLESS you came on "retirement income" visa, where it can be quite expensive (they they charge 17% of your income for the insurance). Almost all non-opioid prescription meds in the US are available here OTC," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Do sign up for IESS national healthcare. Note that as of July 2017 the rate will be based on Verified Income. The rate will be 17.6% and an additional 2.4% per dependent. An expat on $1200 Social Security with one dependent would therefore pay $240 a month for Health coverage," remarked one expat living in Montanita.

" We have private insurance which costs $100 per month per person with $90 deductible. Our doctor copays are $5 for office visit (general and specialty). My husband had physical therapy for $15 each visit since deductible was not met yet. Normal blood tests are about $50. Colonoscopy $150 with anesthesia. I have gone for lab tests without rx for thyroid and other issues. About $12-20 each cash pay. There are doctors who will make house calls also, probably Spanish speaking. Costs are cheap without using insurance except for discounts. Rarely use it for meds because very little require rx. Just go talk to local friendly pharmacist about your issues and they will recommend a variety of meds and give you the pros and cons of each. They will also advise when you REALLY need to go to doctor. My lab test for infection ($12) gave me a list of meds that could be used to kill that bacteria. Took lab results to pharmacy to discuss which med would be the best for me. The amount of attention that the doctors in USA are able to give has made us fairly educated medical consumers. The system here makes it easy and cheap to get care," commented one expat.

"Surprised by the ease in getting doctor's appointments and the speed at which patients are processed - much less waiting time than in the States. No wasted or unnecessary medications or treatments. Doctors and nurses here are for the patients not for profit," replied one expat when asked about moving to Machala.

"Medical services in Ecuador are generally of a good standard, with a wide range of public and private hospitals and clinics available. The public health system is free for Ecuadorian citizens, and there are also a number of private health insurance plans available. The country has a number of highly trained doctors and specialists, and the quality of care is generally good. Ecuador also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, and a number of medical research centers," stated one expat who made the move to Ecuador.