What should I pack when moving to Cuenca?
We asked people living in Cuenca to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded...
"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," said another expat in Cuenca, Ecuador.
"Being from Australia probably more vegemite. My moisturiser that I used for hundreds of years........but now I have found another here that is just as good. My grown kids :)," wrote a member who made the move to Cuenca, 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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Other Questions:
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- What do I need to know before moving to Cuenca?
- How do I find a place to live in Cuenca?
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- What should I pack when moving to Cuenca?
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- What advice to expats in Cuenca have about housing?
- What are medical services in Cuenca like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Cuenca?
- Is the cost of living in Cuenca high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Cuenca?
- Why do people move to Cuenca?
What should I pack when moving to Cuenca?
If you live in Cuenca, newcomers to Cuenca would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.