Best place to live in Ecuador...

CJD wrote:

This site (Expat.com) has a lot of great info... CJD

In our PM exchange, I learned that CJD loves to cook.  She had a couple of questions about electricity in Ecuador and did not object to me responding on the wider forum.

Q: How do the appliances I use here in the U.S. like my Vita-Mix operate on a different voltage in Ecuador?  Crock pots, electric knife sharpener, George Foreman grill, etc.?

Actually, 21st century Ecuador uses the same 110-120 plugs and outlets that are standard in the U.S.

If the equipment you mentioned above works in the U.S., you should not have a problem using such 'small' appliances in any Ecuadorian city.

I occasionally rented in Quito on my visits here before moving to my condo apartment two years ago, and have never encountered any need for adapters or transformers at any location here. 

If you purchase any major appliances in Ecuador, check your electrical outlets beforehand and talk with your landlord or 'super' (and the store if necessary) about them, before the purchase. 

For the more advanced topics of grounding and polarization, some readers may wish to visit www.adaptelec.com ...

To access directly Adaptelec's detailed page on Ecuador electricity, google:
    adaptelec electrical plug/outlet and voltage information ecuador

cccmedia in Quito

GentIsle wrote:

Cuenca is a nice place that we like to visit every few months, but would not live there as it rains too often. It has also been overrun by American and expat real estate "professionals" (tongue in cheek on that one, which has made prices go up substantially in the last few years,...Gentisle

At best the foreign population of Cuenca 1.6%of the total population.  Ex-pats tend to congregate in the Historic Center so it may seem that there are a lot more than there really are.  Prices have rise in the city of Cuenca, but to lay it all at the feet of greedy expat real estate agents and gullible expats is a bit of a stretch.  A great many  ex-pats that I know are on a very limited budget and unable to afford high rents and have any quality of life.  The root causes are a lot more complicated, including returning Ecuadorians who are used to prices in Italy, Spain and the US and recent import restrictions...

As to the best city in Ecuador...the one that you are the happiest in.  For me it happens to be Cuenca.  For others, not somuch.

klfx wrote:

Glad I found this site!...Is there a guide for expats?

Welcome to Expat.com's Ecuador Forum, KLFX*....

Yes, there's a guide, and it's shockingly easy to find.

Just type the words new Ecuador Expat guide into the Search Expat.com box at the top of this page, and then click on the search icon to the right of the box.

Then scroll down about 1/4 of the page to the link for the Expat guide.

cccmedia in Quito


*Some of our Texas members may be aware that KLFX, aka "The Fox Rocks 107.3 FM," plays music for the folks in the Killeen, TX, area.

klfx wrote:

Requirements:
mild climate - not too hot or rainy
cheap prices -
good infrastructure
fresh air

To start, we'll eliminate the largest cities, as they don't have the best air, and everything at around sea level because it's typically warm to hot at that low altitude near the Equator.

Check out these highlands places online and come back with any questions....

Cotacachi, Vilcabamba, Quito suburbs (including Tumbaco and Cumbayá).

The largest cities have the best infrastructure including healthcare, but not the lowest prices.  Overall, Ecuador offers high value for the dollar  for food and services except for imported items, electronics and major appliances.

cccmedia in Quito

Kwillia01 wrote:

I'm seeking advise on the following: 1. best place to live with cafes culture and activities that's relatively safe 2. A place to learn Spanish and my Spanish is very beginner level. 3. Affordable and comfortable living not to exceed 2000 per month.4. I would like to volunteer and serve while living in the country.

Congratulations, Kwillia of Washington, D.C., you're on your way to Cuenca, Ecuador.

It fits your criteria #1-3.  It's not the cheapest place in La República, but your budget will work out fine.

For volunteer opportunities in Cuenca, visit:

www.gringopost.comwww.cuencahighlife.comwww.tribelr.com (formerly the Gringo Tree website)

For more posts about Cuenca, type the words cuenca expat into the Search Expat.com box atop this page, and then click on the search icon to the right of said box.

cccmedia in Quito

OrganicMom wrote:

Where is the best place for a single mother with 8 yo son?  I'd like to be safe, have several schools to choose from (including. International options), activities for kids (sports?), and access to non-GMO, organics meats, dairy, and produce.

IMO:  Cuenca and vicinity.  Or the Quito suburbs if you like it a little warmer.

cccmedia in Quito

seastar46 wrote:

Do you have a good hospital close to you in Cumbaya?
Are the roads bad?
Do houses and apartments have yards to plant veggies?

Yes.  No.  Yes.

The hospital is Hospital de los Valles.

cccmedia in Quito

OrganicMom wrote:

I was leaning toward Cuenca, or the outskirts, but an expat who's lived there for many years just told me that while you used to be able to live there comfortably for $800 per month, now it's more like $1200 per month.  That's a little too close for comfort as far as my budget goes.  So, I'm re-evaluating.

That Expat is probably 'right on the money' so to speak.  Cuenca rents have gone way up, according to anecdotal reports, probably because Cuenca has become one of the hottest Expat retirement locations in the world.  It's relatively safe and is lower in altitude than Quito proper.

For recent pricing there and other EC locations, visit www.numbeo.com

cccmedia in Quito

seastar46 wrote:

Do you think I could work as private Spanish interpreter for English Language speakers like in hospitals or so?

Depends on your knowledge of Spanish medical terminology, your ability to sell your skills, visa technicalities, hospital rules and possibly other factors.

Speaking in general, not about hospitals, bi-lingual skills will probably be more and more important in the job market here as new waves of Baby Boomers invade La República.

cccmedia in Quito

seastar46 wrote:

I worked as an ESL teacher here in USA for about 10 years. I just applied at the Department of Education, brought my resumé and my collage degree and I was hired. Can I do that in Cuenca or
any other place in Ecuador if I move there for good?

Cuenca is a possible choice for this, although there are a lot of Gringos there and some might be trying the same thing.

Meaning competition.

Quito has a smaller percentage of Gringos, is the national capital, is a business center, has many language schools and has seven times the population of Cuenca, so the opportunities here are greater.  And that population statistic doesn't even take into account the populations of Tumbaco, Cumbayá and the other increasingly-popular suburbs of the capital.

cccmedia in Quito

tajaimassey wrote:

Thank you! Any thoughts on crucita?

FWIW:
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3710381http://www.ecuador.com/blog/adventure-i … of-crucita

Searches on the 'net for Crucita, Ecuador turn up a number of hits.

cccmedia wrote:

Canoa ...

Visually attractive ... ocean proximity.

Limited infrastructure ... limited healthcare.

Avoid during the upcoming peak of El Niño season.

cccmedia in Quito

Your pretty quick to steer people away from Canoa, Did you not think to mention Canoa is located 15 minutes north of one of the most modern towns on the Coast Bahia de Caraquez. or one hour from the fastest growing city in Ecuador, Manta.

Moving to Canoa or Crucita is fine, there are plenty of expats already enjoying the good life minutes away from first class infrastructure and Healthcare