How Ecuadorians view expats

Molari wrote:

Wife and I intend to visit and maybe invest in a business in Quito.

I have read a couple places outside this site that "some" Ecuadorians in Cuenca think that Expats come to Cuenca to retire and (bluntly) die there.

My question, is this a general feeling there, and 2, how do Ecuadorians in Quito and other cities there view expats? Do they generally feel we are a nuisance or do they welcome expats to their country?

Many expats show up to retire, and if they are pleased with Ecuador or more specifically Cuenca do plan to die there, as most people retiring usually pick a place to live before they die.  What kind of business you intend to start in Ecuador will make a big difference in your ability to support a family.  If you intend to compete openly with other Ecuadorians your chances of success are minimal..  Did you intend to be a professional?  Did you intend to start an internet business?  Like many places, if you are kind, sincere and honest with them and try to learn the language while being friendly, then most people will give you a chance.  From what I have read the locals are most upset with Gringos who try to create a cheap little USA all the while causing some price increases and not really trying to become part of Ecuador.  It sounds like you have a good attitude to give yourself a chance in this adventure.  Good Luck!!

Molari wrote:

"some" Ecuadorians in Cuenca think that Expats come to Cuenca to retire and (bluntly) die there.

Expats come to Cuenca and other places in Ecuador to retire, and many expect to live out their lives there.

gardener1 wrote:

That's how I learned to love vodka.

Top Cat,

If you wore a dishdasha to a Kuwaiti wedding, do you think you could blend in...

cccmedia wrote:

gardener1 wrote:

That's how I learned to love vodka.

Top Cat,

If you wore a dishdasha to a Kuwaiti wedding, do you think you could blend in...

I know nothing of dishdasha. But I can tell a quality dublanka.

Neither of which is appropriate in Ecuador. And their vodka prices are damned expensive. So I acclimated myself very quickly and went with the rum. Is that considered 'good ambassadorship'?

suefrankdahl wrote:

Thanks for posting the link MByerly. I've just sent them a note. And many thanks Molari for your post. How wonderful to hear from like-minded North Americans. It is like a breath of fresh air on the Ecuador Forum

Thank you suerfrankdahl. The expat community, no matter what town they live in, have a great opportunity to be part of projects to help people, if they can. I will take my opportunity when I move there to join orgs there to help and give back to Ecuador in return to show my appreciation for their kindness of accepting us in their beautiful country. I hope you have a great week.

mugtechIf wrote:

you intend to compete openly with other Ecuadorians your chances of success are minimal..  Did you intend to be a professional?  Did you intend to start an internet business?

Without being specific, it will be a business catering 80% majorly to Expats and and to Ecuadorians.
Thanks for the replies. looking forward to more.

Specifically, has anyone heard or had experiences with criticism from Ecuadorian towards expats?

Again, thank you everyone. Everyone has been awesome and for sharing their thoughts.

Molari wrote:

has anyone heard or had experiences with criticism from Ecuadorian towards expats?

Looking back at thousands of interactions and conversations with Ecuadorians as a visitor (six visits, 2001-2010) and as a resident of Quito (since June 2013), I cannot recall a single time when anyone uttered any criticism of Expats, or for that matter, any foreign government.

There have been many, many times when they showed interest or went out of their way to be helpful.

cccmedia, Quito

Molari wrote:

Specifically, has anyone heard or had experiences with criticism from Ecuadorian towards expats?

Again, thank you everyone. Everyone has been awesome and for sharing their thoughts.

In 2013 I read stories about how some gringos upset the locals by paying too much for their maid service.  After paying them $15 for a $10 job, the maids then expected the locals to pay the same, and the 50% increase had the locals furious.  I have not heard of any problems for expats who actually try to be part of the community, rather it is those who try to create a little USA that do not understand or please the locals.  One hears of paying gringo prices, which outrages some expats, but others have told me that once they have assimilated the price differences decrease or go away completely once you establish yourself with certain merchants.  The Philippines is the same way, when my wife goes shopping I stay hidden to avoid paying the Americano surcharge unless we are dealing with vendors that know us.  They still, with a big smile, refer to my wife as Mrs White.

gardener1 wrote:

I know nothing of dishdasha. But I can tell a quality dublanka.

Neither of which is appropriate in Ecuador. And their vodka prices are damned expensive. So I acclimated myself very quickly and went with the rum.

Top Cat,

After several days of scouring the Internet, the Expat Reality-Check Team has been unable to confirm the existence of any beverage or product known as "dublanka."

'Fess up, 'Cat, this is a made-up term invented by you while "gargling" aguardiente, the national drink of Colombia....

Molari wrote:

Wife and I intend to visit and maybe invest in a business in Quito.

I have read a couple places outside this site that "some" Ecuadorians in Cuenca think that Expats come to Cuenca to retire and (bluntly) die there.

My question, is this a general feeling there, and 2, how do Ecuadorians in Quito and other cities there view expats? Do they generally feel we are a nuisance or do they welcome expats to their country?

When I get there, will inquire if there is any Ecuadorian organization that gives and helps sick children and poor people there. I think it is a great way to show them how we are honored and privileged to be part of their society and country. Surely a few here do that.

Thanks for the info.

Kind regards

As I wrote on a separate topic today, not that clear cut and simply. For example, a great deal has to do with the attitude of the Expat and how willing they are to integrate into the local culture.  Some issues are impacted by the locale.  Some cities/towns, yes...have better relationships with the local Expats than others.  This becomes a very personal dynamic. For me, no integration issues whatsoever.  Sure...dealt with Gringo pricing efforts, but that is about it. The Ecuadorian people have been very welcoming.