What should I pack when moving to Ecuador?

"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," remarked another expat in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"I brought almost nothing and certainly nothing extra. Two checked bags and a carry-on. And in that luggage was a plunge-router for my Father-in-law, two espresso machines (I wish I'd brought gaskets) a waffle iron, and lots of favorite kitchen things. Spare parts of anything where sourcing is an issue. I wish I'd brought a couple of second-hand iPhones. I brought one but lost it to a pickpocket on the trolley in Quito. Electronics are a must if you use them. Spares are worth it as replacing them is neither cheap nor easy. There are lots of culinary ingredients that aren't readily available but I'm gradually finding them or learning how to make them. Things like hoisin sauce and horseradish and black bean sauce and curry paste. The availability of wonderful locally grown produce (both fruit and veggies) is one of the richnesses of Ecuador, but for whatever inexplicable reason the local cuisine is very bland and though reasonably healthy (though on the greasy side), lacks any pizzazz, or even much interest. I've always cooked because I love food, but now it is for survival and to keep my tastebuds from atrophying," said a member in Cotacachi, Ecuador.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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