South America or Ecuador, alone, let me know how it was for you

Hi Michael,

Welcome on board 

A new thread has been created from your on the Ecuador forum so that you may get some feedbacks.

All the very best,
Bhavna

Dear Michael,

Congratulations on considering a HUGE life change! It's very exciting to think about a new life in a new place. There are many things to consider, when thinking about moving abroad. Of course, safety is one of those things. Generally speaking Ecuador has a better crime rate that the US (at least comparing the major cities), that doesn't mean that it's perfectly safe, but I have been here, in Cuenca, for two years and haven't felt threatened or unsafe yet. That being said I'm city smart. As a woman I don't walk around after dark by myself, at least not great distances, I don't wear a lot of flashy clothes or jewelry and I generally walk with purpose, if walking alone. The most dangerous city in Ecuador, in my opinion, is Guayquil. It is the business heart of the country and doesn't have the same feeling as some of the other cities. It isn't as pretty and most of the middle class live in gated communities that surround el Centro and go into the suburbs. I spent a week there, and while I didn't feel threatened it was a lesson in vigilance: not going into bad areas, making sure we were back in our hotel as night came, etc. It wasn't the way I like living.

But as I said, there are many other considerations. If you haven't spent time outside of the US, you might not be prepared for the difference, and I mean almost everything is different. The sidewalks, the food, the people, the customs, the language, the processes, the services, the clothes, the drivers...seriously...everything.

I have spent a lot of my time traveling around parts of the world and I still wasn't prepared for how strange things were. (Heck, I moved across my own country from the West to the East coast and found things monumentally different.) I personally think it's worth it - all those strange to me things - as it teaches me tolerance, patience and appreciation for what I have as much as letting go of what I don't have. I've learned that I need much less than I ever thought I did.

Other things to consider for choosing a location is access to medical care, some of the coastal towns are safe and small, but a good distance from hospitals etc. What do you consider warm? Everett has a fairly mild (relatively speaking) climate...the coast might be too hot for you, but you might find it too cool in the Andes.

I'm so glad to hear that you're coming to visit and check it out. Some people make rash decisions and move themselves and their belongings without first doing an exploratory trip. There are companies here that specialize in showing you areas of Ecuador that might be enjoyable for you. It's also a good way to meet other people considering moving here.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your first trip outside the US. Be brave, be prepared for new experiences and have a wonderful time.

Best of luck Michael with your move to ecuador.
I live in Australia and want to move there sometime next year.
I hear that speaking spanish helps to fit in with the locals.
I went to Thailand last year and visited an expat friend who has retired there.
He mainly socialises with other Australian expats. Although the Thai people in general were friendly, I did notice that they were not too keen on having foreigners retire there because things were cheaper.
I'm hoping that this is not the case in Ecuador as I would be keen to make friends with local people.
Cheers,
HJG

HJG wrote:

I hear that speaking spanish helps to fit in with the locals.
I went to Thailand last year and visited an expat friend who has retired there.
He mainly socialises with other Australian expats. Although the Thai people in general were friendly, I did notice that they were not too keen on having foreigners retire there because things were cheaper.
I'm hoping that this is not the case in Ecuador as I would be keen to make friends with local people.

Welcome to the Ecuador forum, HJG.

You didn't say where in Thailand you formed this opinion.  In many trips to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand's two largest cities, I never encountered such sentiment.

In fact, the concept "they were not too keen on having foreigners retire there because things were cheaper" doesn't even make logical sense to me.

Here in Quito, Ecuador, I also have not encountered such sentiment.  I believe that if an Expat makes an effort to learn and use Spanish, locals here are typically welcoming.

In most of Ecuador -- Vilcabamba could be an exception -- the percentage of Gringos in town is so low that we do not pose any kind of threat to the economic status quo .. and thus we are not normally perceived as a potentially negative influence.

cccmedia in Quito

My earlier post notwithstanding, there are official (not saying personal) differences between Thailand and Ecuador that favor La República for potential retirees.

Thailand has more restrictions on real estate ownership and stricter residency rules.

Thailand is also problematic for Expat retirees for reasons of hot weather, a language which does not share roots with English, and time-zone relocation.

Thailand's tastier food and its safety factor in most places favor the Kingdom.

cccmedia in Quito

Hi cccmedia
I'm pleased to hear that a foreigner would be accepted if they made the effort.
My thoughts on Thailanders possibly not liking that foreigners living there comes from a local in Chang Mai who suggested that foreigners only bring money into the country. Hope that makes sense.
I was actually born in Europe and migrated to Australia when I was a teen. This has possibly influenced wanting to be part of a country and it's people.
HJG

HJG wrote:

My thoughts on Thailanders possibly not liking that foreigners living there comes from a local in Chang Mai who suggested that foreigners only bring money into the country. Hope that makes sense.

I've spent enough time in Chiang Mai to know there are some folks with offbeat opinions there.

Since most Expats migrating to Thailand or Ecuador are not purposely doing so to take money out of either country, it's not usually an issue.

Neither country currently has casinos, Ecuador having closed and banned them in 2011-12.

Wiring money out of Ecuador is subject to a five percent tax.

cccmedia in Quito

Michael,

As you are new to the site, I can assume you have not yet had time to explore the vast information contained. You will find that this site offers a great deal of information and perspective from members who have came here and made a successful transition.

The #1 best piece of advice you will find is not to pull the trigger too quickly. Your best bet is to come down for a visit, spending at least two weeks if possible or longer. Ecuador offers several living options, from beach, mountain all the way to jungle areas. The only way for you to find "Your" best place is to be there and see it for yourself. Your idea of paradise and comfort can be 180 deg from anothers. 

Take what the travel sites tell you with a grain of salt, can you live here and elsewhere cheaper? Sure, that depends on your life style. I have seen very few who can live comfortably on $500.00 a month. There are many things that people take for granted in the U.S. Even little things like small food items may not be available, or the fact that you may need to buy gas for hot water etc.

Spanish is a must, I don't care what anyone else says about it, if you intend to "Assimilate" into your new community
you must speak Spanish. Do you need to be an expert? No, but having a good foundation and basic skills will go a long way. The people will be more accepting, and happily assist you.

A move outside the U.S. is no small undertaking, there is much to think about and prepare for. Yet another reason to visit first. Even a move across your home city can yield changes, so another country is significant. Thailand was on my top 3 list as well, I opted for Ecuador for several reasons, even though I had traveled to various parts of Thailand numerous times throughout the years.

Having not traveled out of the U.S. you will need to come to grips with the fact that no other country is like home. As an example, The government of Ecuador is nothing like that of the U.S. and there are limited ties to the U.S. as a result. What I am getting at is, that you can't be lulled by the warm beach without taking in the "Big Picture". That means; laws, customs, political situation, health care, services etc.

There are a number of people who live on the coast, as well as jungle and rural areas. Just like in the U.S. rural means less services, or less consistent services and more travel to get things you may require. Cccmedia regularly advises potential Expats to live in an area for at least 1 year before buying anything...

Every month there are Expats who leave Ecuador, and for various reasons. The most common reason however are that things were not as the people had expected them to be. This could be from poor due diligence, or even from not having the persistence to stick it out. Having unrealistic expectations will get you into hot water every time.

Take your time, visit, explore, gather as much information as you can take. Then sit down and be honest with yourself about what you need, and what you want. If you have questions or concerns, you will find the members here will assist you. If you decide to take the plunge, you won't be alone.

Good luck

One last thought for the consumption of all, is that I spent most of my adult life on active duty in the U.S. Military. From 18 to 40 I visited over 80 countries.

I saw things and visited places that even a travel agent dreams of. I also saw things and visited places that in hind sight I wish I never knew existed. The few cities where I actually felt I was in danger and presented a threat, were all located in the U.S.

I learned that any perceived paradise can turn into a nightmare under the right conditions. The key is to always have your wits about you and look before you leap. You can't, and should not live your life on "High" alert, but you can stay in tune with your surroundings and limit your exposure to dangerous situations. Whether it be civil unrest or natural disaster knowing what is going on around you, allows you to make good decisions and allows you to tale appropriate action.

Thank you for your insightful and warm post.  I will also be moving to Ecuador in 2 yrs.  I am right now in Ecuador spending one month +.  I will take your advise and welcome. So far I have encountered nothing but welcoming people.  I do speak Spanish and know it really helps.  No place is perfect but so far its fantastic!.  Chao Martha

Hi Michael
I live in Portland OR and like you I am seriously looking at Ecuador mainly Cuenca but I also loved Quito, a bit to big but beautiful & very welcoming.  As a new person to blogs and Ecuador I can tell you that I am extremely grateful for the information and advise I have gotten in this blog.  It made this, my first trip to Ecuador so much easier! From what to expect, What to bring , what to do all of it is here.  As you read the blogs you will find people with much  knowledge.  You will wish you could meet.  Most people here are friendly and really want to help.   So my advice to both of us is to stay tuned.  You will soon know really good advise.  Also if you have ? that you prefer privet you can pick who you would like to ask the ? to by private message.  As you read the blogs you will find the people you  like to ask ? of.  Good luck in your journey.  It is a great place so far for me

Michael,

I bought a condo and I live on the beach in Atacames, Ecuador. Ecuador is a great place to consider, especially for the climate: as it is on the equator you choose where you want to live based on the weather you like. The weather is based on elevation: I live on the beach in the northern part of Ecuador because it is warm and tropical all year. Cuenca is away from the coast and has higher elevation, so cooler and drier.

I have had no problem at all being alone in Atacames. The people are very friendly and it took no time at all to make friends. Where I live, the ability to speak Spanish is necessary as there are not very many who speak English.

In Quito I have found that most of places where I go there are people who speak English so it's not a problem for someone who doesn't know Spanish. Cuenca is known to have a large expat community, so again English is likely to be spoken in many places.

I will agree to a certain extent,

In the upscale hotels, restaurants etc, Yes, you can find "A" person who may speak some English. The other 98% of places are not as likely. Gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores and the myriad of other places a resident will eventually need, do not.

The farther you travel from the center of the city, you are less likely to find an English speaker. A person would be remiss, to not have a basic level of Spanish as a minimum.

Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Speaking and understanding Spanish are key to a persons assimilation into their new surroundings. Can you squeak buy with out it, maybe, but it will be frustrating for you and the person you are trying to communicate with. This will add anxiety to an already anxious situation for a new Expat.

A person can pick up basics from many sources, even here on this site there is a thread for Spanish. Once in the community you will pick up things faster than you might think.

I have been in Ecuador for 2 years now. My Spanish is still not that great, but I can go shopping by myself, to the hair-dresser, restaurant, and I have no problems. The first year. I lived outside of Guayaquil on the Via Samborondon, near LaJoya. It was Not the right place for me, although the apartment was great and there were two swimming-pools. I must admit, I was tad too old to come here alone, but then, I have lived in four other countries and always adjusted well.  I speak 3 languages and started teaching English part-time. I am Not a beach person, but I love the mountains. 3 months ago, I decided to move to Ambato. So far, one of the nicest places in Ecuador. Great Spring-time climate year round, the days are warm and sunny for the most part, the mornings, evenings and nights can get rather cool, but no snow. Yeah!!. Of course, nothing is ever perfect, regardless where you live. LOL  We are surrounded by two volcanoes, and both have been erupting lately. So far, however, Ambato has not been covered with volcanic ashes. I am teaching again part-time, this time German and I love it here. I met a wonderful companion in Guayaquil, who came here with me and is helping me out a lot. He found a nice job here, too. We are renting a little retirement home for $150 a mo. Gas and electric bill comes to $25 a month, IESS government health insurance $72 and cable TV with a few English channels $40 a mo. The food is delicious, and I am learning to cook some of the local soups from scratch. We live a little outside of town, up on a plateau overlooking the city, with its beautiful parks. Banos is close,  with the gorgeous waterfalls.  I had to get used to the elevation here [8,000 ft.], and in the beginning, I got dizzy a few times, but I seem to be doing alright now, at the age of 70. Healthy living helps.  I am happy here, but I miss my Internations Meetings, which are in Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil. Regrettably, none here in Ambato. I would love to meet Europeans [I am German/Canadian], Canadians, Australians, South Africans or Americans. Quito is only an hour and a half away and is at an elevation of 9,000 ft.  I love the scenery in the mountains, blue sky and green fields. Some mountain peaks have snow and ice on them, and I was able to watch a herd of Llamas running across the street. Ambato has approx. 350,000 inhabitants incl. the surrounding suburbs. I have no problem with anybody here, especially at the school, everybody is really nice. There are several big open market places with reasonably priced fruits, vegetables, meats and fish.  Taxis are affordable, buses very cheap. I feel safe here, living among Ecuadorians and even though, I am very white, and have white-blond hair and green eyes, I only get the odd stare and I am used to it. A smile always helps.  I am here on a Retirement Visa and Ambato is my choice, perfect for me.

Hi Michael,

As a Canadian citizen who has been living in Brazil for 14 years now, I would just like to agree strongly with overwhelming consensus that you shouldn't jump right into something so serious as a permanent move (anywhere) if you've never lived outside the great Pacific Northwest. The culture shock that comes with moving to any developing nation may be more than you can handle.

There are so very many aspects to consider when moving to a developing nation that you really have to do your homework before making any permanent decisions. I'd strongly recommend that you visit Ecuador for as long as you possibly can to get a good feel for the country, see if it's a good fit for you and you're a good fit for it. Nothing is going to be the same as you're used to. Some of the differences you'll be able to accept and adapt to, perhaps others you won't.

Also as a US citizen there are tax implications that you're going to need to consider as well. I don't know if the USA has a bilateral tax treaty with EC (others here on the forum will be able to tell you that), but that will be something you need to research and familiarize yourself with.

You will have the benefit of a lower cost of living in a country that also uses the US greenback as their national currency, so that's not going to be a great shock to your system.

Certainly EC is going to be a much safer country in which to live than many other South American nations, still you'll need to consider your own personal security and take all the safety precautions that one would use when they travel to any country.

The members of the Ecuador Forum are an exceptional source of information and advice, do take the time to read as many of the topics that may be of interest to you. Use the "Search the Ecuador Forum" search box to assist you in this. Just type in a keyword or short descriptive phrase and hit the magnifying glass search button. That will return a list of related topics.

Search topics related to healthcare, Social Security, leisure activities, local public transportation, and anything else that is of importance to us retirees.

If possible commit to moving for a one year trial period, renting a furnished apartment and leaving all of your household items in storage or with someone you can trust. Once you're certain that things are going to all work out as planned then you can arrange to have what you want shipped. It is far too costly to do that if you're not absolutely certain, and if you were to end up returing home if you were not satisfied with the move then you'd be looking at a significant financial loss in shipping your things to EC and then right back to the USA.

Good luck with your plans for the future, you'll find lots of new friends here on the forum who will be very supportive.

Cheers,
James
Expat-blog Experts Team

AmberFenton wrote:

We are surrounded by two volcanoes, and both have been erupting lately. So far, however, Ambato has not been covered with volcanic ashes. I am teaching again part-time.... We live a little outside of town, up on a plateau overlooking the city, with its beautiful parks.... Ambato is my choice, perfect for me.

It seems you're fortunate to be outside of Ambato, for a couple of reasons, Amber.

One is that you've reduced your exposure to bus fumes, which I recall you saying were a nuisance or worse when you first moved to Ambato this year.

The other is that the city of Ambato proper did get significant ashfall only one day ago, according to reports in El Comercio and at volcanodiscovery.com ... See the latest report(s) at this forum's Tungurahua volcano thread, at:
    https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 19#2999458

Congratulations on making things work out for you and your companion in Ambato.

cccmedia in Quito

About James's advice to OP Michael about visiting Ecuador for one year...

Visa rules being what they are, the best ways to get a year here are probably:

1.  Get with a non-profit organization in Ecuador that can get you a 12-month non-immigrant stay for volunteer work.  You could start by contacting saexplorers.org ...

2.  Study Spanish with an accredited school that can get you 12 months.

3.  Or do a nine-month stay:  90 days from your automatic, no-charge T-3 tourist stamp on arrival .. followed by a low-cost, 180-additional-days extension visa.

cccmedia in Quito

thanks, that was nice.  I always appreciate your informative comments as well. And now, you are only an hour and a half away from where I am. I still have Not met any "white" folks here. My hair is turning white, I am very white-skinned and most likely, I really stand out in a crowd, but I got used to it pretty quick. I miss the international meetings, I was able to attend in Guayaquil.  My Spanish is still Not up to par, LOL. My companion and I speak "Spanglish". Yes, we are fortunate to have found this house for rent, however, it is extremely small. I heard, that the Ambato river tends to sometimes flood its banks and some people, who live too close to the river, had their homes were flooded in the past. I feel extremely safe here, smack in the middle nothing but Ecuadorians. There are 10 dogs surrounding us, barking almost 24/7, but I received some handy ear-plugs from a cousin in Germany, and at least, I get some sleep at night. There seem to be more dogs, than people around here. LOL  Good thing, I have lived in four other countries before this one, and adjusted well to all. My only Real problem is the language, which I did not think would be such a big problem. I speak German, English and enough French to get by, but I learnt English and French in Germany and England at a very young age. Now, in my old age, learning another language properly, seems out of reach for me. Ah, well, as long as I get by, I should be alright. I understand more, than I can say in Spanish, but for now, it has to be good enough. I am busy teaching German. LOL Take care and be well. Kind regards.

AmberFenton wrote:

we are fortunate to have found this house for rent, however, it is extremely small.... I feel extremely safe here, smack in the middle of nothing but Ecuadorians. There are 10 dogs surrounding us, barking almost 24/7, but I received some handy ear-plugs from a cousin in Germany, and at least, I get some sleep at night. There seem to be more dogs, than people around here.

Ambato Amber...

You can get only so much space for $150 a month, even in Ecuador.

If you need to replace those earplugs at some point, I recommend Flents brand Ear Stopples.  I ordered over 100 pair last year from amazon.com .... and have been sleeping great for years using them here.

So, you did not see any signs of volcanic ashfall this week in Ambato?  I realize you are high up and outside the city, but still .. the Volcano Discovery website said accumulations in your city were up to three inches in places.

cccmedia in Quito

So far, so good. We have been very lucky. Hopefully, it stays that way with Tungurahua. The reason, the house seems so small, is only, that I was in a house more than twice the size for $110 a mo. in Chillanes , but we just did not like it there. No work for my companion, and no ATM or large stores for me. I was teaching English as a volunteer twice a week, and I tried to make the best of it, got along great with the town's people, had 3 new lady friends to chat with [one in English], but the weather was not that great, and the house was very cold at night. Heating that "barn" with those high vaulted ceilings and three bedrooms, would have been out of the question, so we bought a small electric heater just for the one bedroom. We stayed for 4 mos. and then he became depressed, for not having a job, so we left and found this place in Ambato.  This little retirement home is actually perfect for us. It has two bedrooms, and the kitchen and LR are separated by a long counter. Everything is ceramic tiles and we have hot water for the shower.  I just had to get used to the much smaller space.  I am, however, rather "adjustable", since I have lived in 5 countries so far. LOL     As for those Earplugs, you mentioned, my cousin in Berlin is sending me a steady supply of OHROPAX, a waxy substance, and I can make two plugs out of one, which last me about a week.  Two little boxes have lasted me a year. She sent them as gifts, and I did not have to pay the $45 custom's duty on them. Some dude even delivered them to my house. Is there any way, that I could find out, if there are other Europeans, Canadians, Americans, Australians or South Africans here in Ambato?  I have not seen more than 2 other "pale-faces" and they were speaking some Eastern-European language. We have been here since June.  The English teacher at my school is Ecuadorian, but has lived in France and the USA. She lives at the opposite side of the city and has her parents living next door, so she is always too busy.  I might be coming to Quito for that Black Friday sale thing.  I need a Microwave really bad, now that both of us are working.  Lemme know, if you'd like to meet [if you are married, come together, if you can.] I also have a really cool lady friend in Quito and maybe we could all meet at the Mall in the North end.  Take care and be well.

I think the whole world should use English as their working/government language.