Digital Nomad Life in Quito, Ecuador

"Expats living in Quito have the opportunity to join many different clubs and activities, such as book clubs, hiking groups, language lessons and art classes. Additionally, there are many meetup groups and expat activities that are organized on a regular basis. For those that are interested in joining a church, there is also a range of religious and spiritual organizations that offer a great way to meet new people and make connections. Additionally, expats can attend local sporting and cultural events or go to pubs and restaurants. Meeting people from other cultures or backgrounds can also be achieved by participating in volunteering activities or joining a gym, yoga studio or martial arts class," explained one person living in Quito, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"DAMAS - Damas Norteamericanas y Britanicas - meets once a month and does service projects for the community, we have an English book library and a play group for moms with young kids. English Fellowship Church - all English speaking Advent St. Nicholas Church - 3 services in English, Spanish, and German," said one expat in Quito.

"The Latino life focuses on family and friends. The Expat community focuses on service projects, mountain sports activities, and traveling around the country," explained one person living in Quito, Ecuador.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Quito is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and stunning natural beauty. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide variety of activities to enjoy, from exploring the city's colonial architecture to hiking in the nearby mountains. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city also offers a variety of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants, making it easy to stay connected and productive. Overall, Quito is an excellent destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and affordable place to live," said one expat in Quito.

"One way to find a place to live in Quito is to use online resources such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and websites like olx.com. Additionally, you can consider contacting local real estate agents if you would like assistance in your search. Looking at local newspapers and digital listings can also be a great way to find an apartment in Quito. Finally, if you’re looking for an affordable option, you may find luck in negotiating with local landlords directly," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Quito, Ecuador.

"Not easy... I was offered a teaching job at PUCE , then denied it when my papers came through very late but I knew the barrio where I wanted to live -- however, it has gone up in price and there were few options available. I walked around in the neighborhood I wanted to finally settle in and found what I need. This is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED way to discover a good apt in Quito," explained one person living in Quito, Ecuador.

"Be prepared for pollution and robbery problems. Quito also has a large traffic issue and makes it hard to get around at busy hours of the day. The altitude is sometimes hard for people with asthma or the elderly. In general, it's still a small city and has a friendly welcoming attitude. It's easy to get away on weekends and go to the mountains for fresh air. The night life is fun and exciting in the mariscal area. I would research the city really well before renting or buying. Find the safer neighborhoods like Quito, Tenis or Gonzalez Suarez where there are many other expats," remarked one member in Quito.

"Before retiring in Quito, expats should become familiar with the different neighborhoods, research the cost of living, check visa and residency requirements, find out what healthcare providers and services are available, and get a good understanding of local language, customs, and culture. It is also important to know the basics of Ecuadorian law, taxes and banking regulations. Additionally, expats should look into any social and security programs offered by the government and make sure they are aware of any restrictions on retirees," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"Expats in Quito appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals that create a welcoming environment. Additionally, many expats appreciate the art, music and cuisine of Ecuador, with a variety of culturally traditional dishes, vibrant fashion trends, and arts and crafts. The picturesque views, wildlife and natural beauty in Ecuador are also popular amongst expats, with many choosing to explore national parks and volcanoes to experience the country's stunning landscapes. Additionally, Ecuador has a wide variety of cultural and historical sites to explore, making it a great places for expats to explore and learn about the culture," said one person in Quito, Ecuador.

"Expats in Quito find it challenging to become accustomed to the local culture as the language of instruction and communication is predominantly Spanish. Many expats also experience a learning curve when it comes to understanding local customs, as Ecuador has its own unique regional customs and traditions. Additionally, expats find it difficult to navigate Ecuador's stricter gender roles, which are more rigidly defined than they may be accustomed to in other countries. Finally, Quito's high altitude can take some getting used to for expats since it is located in the Andes Mountains," said one person in Quito, Ecuador.

"If you are planning to stay in Quito for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a resident visa. To apply for a resident visa, you will need to provide a valid passport, evidence of sufficient means of subsistence, police clearance from the country of origin and recent medical certificate. The length of the visa will depend on the length of stay requested. Once you arrive in Ecuador, you will also need to apply for a cédula de identidad personal (similar to a social security card) and register with the local police office," explained one person living in Quito, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"It is important to be mindful of local customs and traditions when visiting Quito. Show respect by dressing modestly, avoiding public displays of affection, and being mindful of conversational topics such as religion or politics. As in many countries, it is considered rude to discuss someone's income or to discuss negative aspects of Ecuadorian culture. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of the country's laws, including those regarding drug and alcohol use. Finally, it is important to ask before taking photographs of people or places that are considered sacred in Quito, Ecuador," remarked one member in Quito, Ecuador.

"Go to the best hospital instead of the government hospital. Use the private clinics for basic healthcare and pay out of pocket," remarked one member in Quito.

"Quito offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare facilities offer more specialized services and are often more expensive. Both public and private facilities offer general medical care, emergency services, and specialized care such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and cardiology. Additionally, there are a number of pharmacies in Quito that provide over-the-counter medications and other health-related products," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador.

"My wife and I live in north Quito, near the old airport. We really like this area because we are a short drive to downtown, close to a few malls, within walking distance to a great supermarket and a public park and many nice restaurants. We both love the old historic part of the city and we're only a 15 minute drive away. We go regularly and check-in to a hotel and spend the weekend there. It's like a little mini-vacation for us," said a member in Quito.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Quito often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. They also enjoy the city's stunning mountain views, colonial architecture, and easy access to outdoor activities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's traffic and air pollution to be a downside. Additionally, the city's high altitude can be difficult to adjust to for some," explained one person living in Quito, Ecuador.